We're diving into a topic that's been making waves across all spectrums of society – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or DEI if you're nasty. We're peeling back the layers of this crucial conversation, from what DEI really means to why it's been catching flak from some naysayers. Today's Guest Samantha Fletcher has been an independent school teacher or leader since 2009 and is currently the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at The Siena School, a school for students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. Also currently a Research Associate and Instructional Designer at the Harvard Kennedy School, her work focuses on justice advocacy, policy and ways in which technology can be leveraged as a tool to enhance inclusive, fair practices. Samantha is known for her unique approach, an enigmatic way of getting participants comfortably engaged in seemingly challenging or controversial conversations. A contemporary thinker while also rooted in history, she creatively and cleverly uses subjects like hip hop, current events and lesser considered viewpoints to as a basis for lessons that help shift perspectives. Committed to the intersections of tech/STEM and inclusive representation, she recently earned a master’s in Technology, Innovation and Education and is the founder of TIE DIE, a one-of-a-kind identity-centered, interactive, critical thinking program focused on education, exposure and advocacy that prepares teens to thrive in tech spaces after high school. Samantha is the host and producer of Daily Border Crossings podcast, a show that focuses on “othering“ and daily metaphorical borders, people cross. Daily Border Crossings can be found on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Samantha Fletcher can be reached at www.samanthafletcher.com. Samantha resides in the DC area of the US with her husband and two young sons. Show Notes Samantha's DEI Offerings & DetailsTechnology, Innovation, and Education Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (TIE-DIE)Daily Border Crossings PodcastReferences Utah lawmaker blames DEI for Baltimore bridge collapse despite cargo ship collisionAlleged Insider says Boeing's woes are symptom of 'failure of our elites' and DEI ‘ripping our society apart’No, ‘Wokeness’ Did Not Cause Silicon Valley Bank’s CollapseHouse lawmakers butt heads on role of DEI in antisemitism, how to improve systemTech companies like Google and Meta made cuts to DEI programs in 2023 after big promises in prior yearsWhy has there been a wave of people that are against DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)? What about it do they not like?Credits Music: Sensei by prazkhanal Logo by D.Fu Studios Edited by Channing Sherman bit.ly/m/smartyartbro Instagram | X
