P2P

32 RAVAN RODDY Ravan Roddy was inspired to join the DEI Committee at ILTA for two main reasons. First, she was pleased that ILTA created a space within the organization to address and call attention to such an important issue. Second, she felt her experiences and intersectionality with DEI could support the committee's objectives by creating programming and dialogue around this issue. As a black woman in corporate America, Ravan's entire career has been a unique and lived experience. Working in law firms for most of her tenure, she has often been the only black person in the department. She has encountered environments where people were visibly surprised to find out she was black and immediately changed their actions towards her, often in a negative and isolating way. Ravan has also worked in environments where colleagues felt comfortable expressing their racism or bias towards black people, with the exception that Ravan was "not like them." Throughout her career, she has had to battle and overcome the ignorance of prejudice and debunk the fallacy that being black in any capacity means subpar. Being a part of the DEI Committee allows her to tackle these destructive beliefs. Ravan's understanding of DEI has evolved. She has realized that DEI is not about giving people opportunities they do not deserve or have not earned; it is about leveling the playing field so everyone can have the same opportunities. Ravan's entire interview process at Zoetis underscored this understanding; she was selected for the role not because she was a black woman, but because she was the most experienced and qualified candidate out of 25. Being a black woman was a bonus, but not the sole reason for her selection. The one message Ravan hopes others take from her DEI story is that no one defines you but you. You are not who people say you are and are not confined to the limitations or biases of other people's thoughts. Be fearless and show up as your authentic self. AMY MONETT Amy Monett's journey to the ILTA DEI Committee began with a search a spot on the DEI committee became available, she knew it was the a young age, Amy struggled to understand why some people were accepted Witnessing inequitable treatment based on skin color, clothing, beliefs, frustration for her. Being part of the DEI Committee means that someone people, a passion for everyday kindness that she hopes everyone can Amy brings a unique perspective to the DEI Committee, shaped by her facing bullying at school. Her parents supported her behavior, and as kindness she wished she had been shown. She hopes her perspective to the committee's work and set a positive example for her children, encounters daily. Her understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion has evolved, influenced on being called "bat person" instead of "bat girl" for her father's softball of words and how they are used towards people. Over time, her understanding the good example set by her parents. Amy's DEI story emphasizes the importance of everyday kindnesses. someone a little kinder to the next person. Her message is clear: everyone with the same care and respect.

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