Hello CIE Community!
This last edition of Knight Notes for 2024 has been difficult to write, the last couple of months have been fraught with so many challenges, changes and uncertainty in the equity space. As an equity leader, Mom, spouse and woman of color I can’t remember a time where I’ve had to reach so deep for resolve, strength and aspiration about the work I was driving and the world I want to occupy and leave behind.
CIE is a purpose driven, powerful and passionate community of leaders, board members and practitioners that practice a belief system of equity, diversity and inclusion in their personal and professional lives. I talk to so many of you who lift me up, encourage me and fortify me in different ways, and for that I am thankful. Now more than ever leaders must lean into their convictions, best practices, partner strategically, and listen to the voices of those we employ, lead and mentor.
CIE is beyond fortunate to have an emerging leader, Savannah Barela, Director of Marketing & Programs, filled with insight, high professional skill, ethics and empathy that are beyond her years. The outcome of our most recent election impacted her very deeply as it did so many from underrepresented communities around this country. She shared with me a heartfelt entry that I planned to feature in this CIE e news entry, that was a bit partisan, based on her own personal feelings and perceptions post-election. I’ve opted not to feature it in CIEs communication as CIE has made a commitment to be nonpartisan and engage and encourage all views from all parties, literally and figuratively. But what I do want to extract from her heartfelt writing is the weight and gravity of what Gen Z and millennials are feeling about their future, economic mobility, health of the planet, and sheer personal safety in this country.
As employers, leaders and mentors, we have a profound opportunity and quite frankly, an obligation to hear the dicey discourse they share and to listen with true empathy and understanding. Their feelings are born out of real wounds, disenfranchisement and places of deep hurt of promises dismissed, that they feel will never be realized.
So, as we close out 2024, I implore everyone in the CIE community to give space to our emerging leaders, mentees and more junior employees. I ask you to actively seek ways to support and reassure them, despite their bold beliefs, and create workspaces that allow them to shine, reach purpose and provide opportunities based on their skills, abilities, grit and professional desires. Never lose sight of the part each of us plays individually and collectively to make other lives better.
Happy Holidays and Cheers to a meaningful 2025!