Another new year has come around. Many of us are glad to say goodbye to 2020. COVID-19 changed the lives of everyone and every organization. We mourned the loss of loved ones, worked from home, and lived with a persistent fear of becoming sick. With the availability of a vaccine, hope and help are on the horizon. Like dark clouds scattering at the end of a rainstorm, the sun has begun to shine again with optimism and new possibilities.
A big change has also come about for me. On January 4, I retired from my position of Vice-Chancellor of Diversity and Inclusion. You should know that this was a very difficult decision, because I loved my job and more importantly, the people with whom I had the privilege to work. Yet I had to follow my internal voice, which was telling me it was time to rest after a demanding career, spend precious time with family, and strike a new path.Luckily for me, I will still be helping UMKC on a contractual basis. This arrangement makes saying goodbye less painful.
Nonetheless, I began to think about what words about diversity, equity and inclusion I would leave you with. I hope these words are helpful reminders.
-Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work is never done. Never rest on your laurels and believe that enough has been done.
– DEI includes us all, and it truly is everyone’s job.
-Commit to being a lifelong learner, even when new learning makes you feel uncomfortable.
– Be brave! Venture outside of your comfort zone. Staying safe with the same people, places and things does not allow you to broaden your horizon.
-Always remember that we are preparing our students to be citizens of a global world. This means students must learn the capacity to interact with various languages, cultures, and customs, without negative judgment.
-More and more, the education we provide must be responsive to the ever-changing needs of our diverse student population.
I wish you all the best in your DEI journey!
With that said, I will not say goodbye. I will simply say “See you later” or “Arrivederci” meaning “Until we meet again,” in Italian.