Remake of Stories, Myths, and Sagas: If DEI were at the center of everything, what would you hear? by Vanessa Johnson

Remake of Stories, Myths, and Sagas: If DEI were at the center of everything, what would you hear? by Vanessa Johnson https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i Made with creativity by the TAT DEI Collaborative en-us 2018-11-02 16:40:26 UTC 2019-09-19 12:35:33 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Dartstarget.png Parental Status https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301186239 Everyone on my team has kids, but I don't. They talk about their kids in moderation and try to include me as much as possible in the conversation when they do discuss kids, and ask me about my dogs and my nieces. They don't try to convince me to have children, and respect my life choices by allowing me to open up about the reasons I don't have children, but don't pry or make assumptions.]]> 2018-11-06 19:24:28 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301186239 Physical and Emotional preferences https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301186270 Managers seek to differentiate onboarding experiences based on working style preferences identified by the new staff member (Ex. opportunity to have moments of individual time if a staff member shares they best "re-energize" by moments alone, versus in group settings)]]> 2018-11-06 19:24:32 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301186270 First Language vanessa_johnson2 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301186703 The information about staff and company values
could be translated into multiple languages with the click of a button!]]> 2018-11-06 19:25:16 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301186703 As someone with physical disability, I was given the option to complete my job application using a variety inputs. whitneylhill216 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301186878 2018-11-06 19:25:36 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301186878 Age vanessa_johnson2 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301187453 I never worried that my age was a reason why I didn't get the job.

]]> 2018-11-06 19:26:31 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301187453 Parental Status https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301187626 I was not questioned and/or did not feel judged
about the gap years in my resume, which were because I took a few years off to stay at home with my children. ]]> 2018-11-06 19:26:51 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301187626 Socioeconomic sttaus https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301187783 The hiring team that interviewed me worked to accommodate my busy schedule and life. I was able to conduct my interviews without interfering with or losing time at my other jobs.]]> 2018-11-06 19:27:08 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301187783 Ability vanessa_johnson2 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301187809 At conferences, nobody used language like "blind spots" to suggest something negative or a deficit.]]> 2018-11-06 19:27:11 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301187809 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301187816 I was evaluated objectively based on my professional experience and track record of success. My success in the application process was based on competency-based evaluation rather than subjective measures of "culture fit".

]]> 2018-11-06 19:27:12 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301187816 Parental Status https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301187900 People here are just as understanding of my personal responsibilities outside of work as they are of those people on staff who are parents, even though I’m not. And I so appreciate that!

]]> 2018-11-06 19:27:22 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301187900 Being a parent is a huge part of my social identity. I've always felt comfortable sharing that part of my identity here. https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188052 2018-11-06 19:27:39 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188052 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188135 While working at institute, the Institute Staff and schedule bent over backwards to accomodate my family responsibilities. ]]> 2018-11-06 19:27:47 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188135 Ability vanessa_johnson2 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188190 At conferences, I was never made to feel like the odd one out because I couldn't walk for extended stretches from the hotel to the conference center to dinner.]]> 2018-11-06 19:27:52 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188190 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188512 If leaving TFA voluntarily, I am treated with respect throughout my decision.

]]> 2018-11-06 19:28:25 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188512 Race https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188640 I am leaving staff with a better understanding of what it means to be white and an aspiring ally, and I'm glad to be able to bring that knowledge into my personal life and future workplaces

]]> 2018-11-06 19:28:39 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188640 Religion vanessa_johnson2 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188774 Dates for in-person gatherings never conflicted with the high holidays of my faith.]]> 2018-11-06 19:28:52 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188774 Religion https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188836 As an atheist, I was worried about being on a team with so many religious people. No one has asked me to pray for them when they are handling a tough situation, but instead ask for positive thoughts and other support.]]> 2018-11-06 19:29:00 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188836 Socioeconomic status https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188853 My place of employment (Ex. at a for-profit company) after Teach For America is not held against me, or spoken of negatively (Ex. in an off-hand comment about wanting to make more money) should I opt to reapply to positions on staff. ]]> 2018-11-06 19:29:02 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188853 Mental Health https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188959 It's such a relief to know that our conference planning team asks about and accommodates my room preference needs and doesn't make me feel like a burden because of those. ]]> 2018-11-06 19:29:14 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301188959 Religion vanessa_johnson2 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189007 My dietary needs were respected and there was always food I could eat available.

]]> 2018-11-06 19:29:20 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189007 Gender Identity vanessa_johnson2 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189490 When I met my manager, they asked for (rather than assumed_ by gender pronouns and modeled providing their gender pronouns.]]> 2018-11-06 19:30:18 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189490 Gender expression https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189503 When attending TFA events, I do not feel pressured to dress or act according to my binary gender expectations.]]> 2018-11-06 19:30:20 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189503 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189512 My personal story and motivation and commitment to this work is not called into question due to my being an atheist.

]]> 2018-11-06 19:30:21 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189512 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189555 The application did use hetero-normative langauge.]]> 2018-11-06 19:30:25 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189555 Religion/Worldview https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189673 I'm glad that our alumni events are not tied to certain holidays - like Christmas.

]]> 2018-11-06 19:30:42 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189673 Race https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189836 Even though Teach For America's DEI training has evolved SO MUCH since I was in the corps, there are so many resources, trainings and events that I have been able to attend to better understand my whiteness and power and privilege - I feel so much more connected to the organization and am able to truly grow as a person even well after my time in the classroom. ]]> 2018-11-06 19:30:59 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189836 Marital Status and/or Sexual Orientation vanessa_johnson2 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189996 People never questioned my single status or asked me if I wanted help meeting someone.]]> 2018-11-06 19:31:17 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301189996 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301190312 My manager respects my boundaries and allows me to make decisions for myself (ex: staying in my own hotel room, taking a day off work for a religious holiday) without having to disclose unnecessary details.]]> 2018-11-06 19:31:46 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301190312 Race https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301190617 When I went to the application website, I was glad to see images of people who weren't all white, like I have in so many other companies' websites that I have applied to.

]]> 2018-11-06 19:32:20 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301190617 Age https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301190790 I was worried I would be laid-off during the big restructure because I'm old, and I know ageism can show up when it comes to hiring and termination. I was thankful that they made sure that there was not a disparate impact on older people in the org when deciding who would be laid-off. ]]> 2018-11-06 19:32:40 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301190790 Parental Status vanessa_johnson2 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301191105 We didn't have baby showers on my team without celebrating other personal accomplishments unrelated to parenthood; I was celebrated for hitting athletic performance milestones that were important to me.]]> 2018-11-06 19:33:13 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301191105 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301191268 Even though I have not yet completed my degree program, Teach For America was eager to talk with me, and suggest ways I could become involved with the organization.]]> 2018-11-06 19:33:30 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301191268 G whitneylhill216 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301191368 I can appreciate that all conference spaces have gender inclusive/ neutral bathrooms.

]]> 2018-11-06 19:33:40 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301191368 Ability https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301191688 When I joined the team, my manager asked me about team time conflicts with the existing schedule. I was able to share that I have a standing therapy appointment on Wednesdays at 3:00, that conflicted with the previously standing call, and our team call was moved to accommodate that.

]]> 2018-11-06 19:34:13 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301191688 Socio-Economic Status vanessa_johnson2 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192054 People talk about things other than exotic international travel. I don't feel left out during casual chat.]]> 2018-11-06 19:34:53 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192054 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192112 The interview process included steps that were aligned to the role, and there was flexibility for me to pursue this opportunity while holding another job. ]]> 2018-11-06 19:34:59 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192112 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192262 In leaving staff, my decision was based on what I think was best for me and my career, and not based on me not feeling valued at TFA.]]> 2018-11-06 19:35:18 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192262 Socioeconomic Status https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192630 My manager advocated for me to have an AMEX, despite policy, because I was going to need to make a lot of purchases. I appreciated that this happened before, and didn't have to be put in a position to disclose that it would be hard for me to to do
that.]]> 2018-11-06 19:35:58 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192630 First Language vanessa_johnson2 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192836 Nobody made negative assumptions about me based on the languages I speak.]]> 2018-11-06 19:36:25 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192836 Access https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192902 Processes are established to ensure greater consistency in the weight of a staff alumni's return. Staff members that were more senior in the organization or who have more contacts on current staff are not at an advantage because of who they know. ]]> 2018-11-06 19:36:34 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192902 Gender https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192912 My recruiter included her preferred pronouns in her email signature. I had never seen that included in a work signature before. ]]> 2018-11-06 19:36:35 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192912 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192963 I would like to be a part of TFA, it seems to be an organization that values inclusivity and is racially diverse.]]> 2018-11-06 19:36:40 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301192963 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193102 The benefits and compensation are clearly and transparently stated. While I am motivated by the mission of TFA in wanting to work here, there is the reality that I need to be able to provide for myself. This is not held against me in the evaluation process as a mark of being less committed or something. ]]> 2018-11-06 19:36:57 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193102 Age https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193120 My DTR and HM did not make assumptions or ask questions about my computer and technical abilities based on my age that they wouldn't ask all candidates.]]> 2018-11-06 19:37:00 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193120 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193122 I felt during the application process, my experience as a person growing up in a lower SES was valued.]]> 2018-11-06 19:37:00 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193122 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193212 During my onboarding, my manager made it very clear that we prioritize taking personal time when needed, for whatever reason. This shows me the organization values my physical and mental health.]]> 2018-11-06 19:37:09 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193212 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193455 I appreciate the intentionality behind gender neutral bathrooms at TFA.]]> 2018-11-06 19:37:36 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193455 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193606 The benefits TFA offers to people with small children is a reason I stay.]]> 2018-11-06 19:37:52 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193606 Gender Expression vanessa_johnson2 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193643 I saw gender nonconforming people on their website. As just one example, I saw a man wearing a dress.]]> 2018-11-06 19:37:57 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193643 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193682 My separation from TFA had more to do with my professional trajectory, than me feeling I couldn't be my authentic self at work, specifically, as a Christian. ]]> 2018-11-06 19:38:01 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193682 Age https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193936 I appreciate being a part of such a diverse TFA network, I have the opportunity to learn from so many professionals, specifically those in roles I aspire to be in one day. ]]> 2018-11-06 19:38:29 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193936 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193985 TFA has generous short and long-term medical leave policies. I know I can take extended time off to care for my own health or a family member's without being penalized or falling behind on my work. ]]> 2018-11-06 19:38:34 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301193985 Race https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301194011 I enjoy being a part of the white aspiring allies affinity group. I feel as if I learn a lot in that space about navigating lines of difference, and I like that it provides an opportunity for me to discuss without putting the burden on colleagues of color.

]]> 2018-11-06 19:38:37 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301194011 Ability Status vanessa_johnson2 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301194416 They asked in a very sensitive and respectful manner, with the utmost diligence for confidentiality, if I had accommodation requests, like the need for a screen reader.]]> 2018-11-06 19:39:19 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301194416 Ability Status vanessa_johnson2 https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301195069 I would label their entire process as trauma informed. I'd gladly apply again.]]> 2018-11-06 19:40:15 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301195069 Race https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301195109 I have a more complex, nuanced understanding of race and privilege since working at TFA, and I feel like TFA encourages me to develop my understanding of my own racial identity.]]> 2018-11-06 19:40:19 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301195109 Ethnicity https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301195359 There's more transparency around what aspects of white dominant culture we as an organization ARE going to value or continue to promote. (Whereas presently we say we are trying not to promote aspects of white dominant culture (i.e. communication styles) but still do) I'm able to better navigate these areas and receive support from my manager as a result. ]]> 2018-11-06 19:40:45 UTC https://padlet.com/vanessa_johnson2/7i18goscia7i/wish/301195359