36. Identity and belonging with Annemarie Shrouder

Annemarie Shrouder shares her personal journey with identity and discusses her work building inclusive cultures and communities. She and Melissa explore the difference between learning and BEING something (embodying change), the challenges of mixed race identity, creating safe and/or brave spaces, and the importance of representation, belonging and community support.

Topics Discussed: 

•  Identity and embodying change
•  Inclusion and belonging in organizations
•  Leadership, empathy and localization 
•  Diversity in leadership and overcoming barriers
•  Creating inclusive cultures and speaking up against injustice

Key Insights:

•  Embodying change means living what you learn, not just talking about it
•  Inclusion alone is not enough without addressing oppressive systems 
•  Self-care and vulnerability are acts of resistance for historically disadvantaged  groups
•  Both safe spaces and brave spaces are needed to have meaningful conversations (and this article by Elise Ahenkorah takes it a step further talking about accountable spaces)

Annemarie Shrouder – international best-selling author of Being Brown in a Black and White World: Conversations for Leaders on Race, Racism and Belonging - has spent more than 20 years in the field of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) as a facilitator, consultant, and international speaker. An expert in EDI with a Masters in Bias Awareness, Annemarie assists in the creation of healthy workplace communities through her Signature Methodology and Inclusive Leadership Program. Organizations turn to Annemarie when they are looking to build environments where people can learn and are supported, and where they are acknowledged and valued.  She also delivers presentations and keynotes, and can be booked for speaking engagements that inspire people to notice more, and raise awareness about the importance of inclusion. Annemarie works with diversity broadly and is passionate about healing the racial divide and supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion. 

To learn more, check out:

• Her website: https://annemarieshrouder.com/
• Her community for leaders committed to building belonging: https://ediwithheart.wordpress.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemarieshrouder/
• Her book: