March is Women’s History Month, and the theme this year is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.”
To celebrate the women in the learning and development field and multiple education spaces, we reached out to internal and external partners and thought leaders to talk to them about their professional lives and how Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion have impacted their careers.
At ansrsource, we believe in the power of DEIAB … Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging … to educate, elevate, and enrich people’s lives. We are grateful to the women who chose to share their experiences with us.
We hope you enjoy learning about the women we spoke with as much as we loved speaking with them.
Happy Women’s History Month!
Natasha Horn
Instructional Designer, ansrsource
Q. If you consider yourself a DEI advocate or activist, what inspired you to do this work? Can you share a personal story or experience that fueled your passion for this cause? Have you had role models or mentors who have influenced you in this work?
Having lived in various countries and cultures, I’ve had the privilege of forming friendships and professional relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds. These relationships opened my eyes to a multitude of perspectives, especially through conversations about individual experiences with injustices. These discussions have been pivotal in fueling my passion for DEI.
Q. Whether or not you consider yourself an advocate or activist, has your professional life intersected with or been impacted by Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs? If so, how?
In my career in both higher education and corporate training, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of DEI programs. These initiatives are essential in supporting a diverse range of individuals as they seek knowledge and skills to achieve their goals. Observing the outcome of these programs has been a privilege.
Q. Is there a person doing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work currently who inspires you?
A close friend of mine, currently serving as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at a university, inspires me greatly. He’s instrumental in launching programs that support marginalized groups in accessing higher education. His work enhancing inclusivity and breaking down educational barriers is admirable.
Q. If you could recommend one resource to people who want to learn more about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (book, podcast, article, documentary, movie, etc.), what would it be?
I would recommend the documentary “13th” directed by Ava DuVernay. The documentary explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, offering a look at the racial inequalities within the criminal justice system. It delves into the historical, social, and legal aspects of racial inequality in the U.S., providing a critical perspective on the issues of systemic racism.
About Natasha:
Natash Horn has been with ansrsource as an instructional designer for just over a year. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication at Wayne State College and her master’s degree at Illinois State University. Her career has always been in education, first as a professor and now as an instructional designer.
