Why Civic Engagement is More Than a Duty—It’s My Story
Civic engagement has been a thread woven through my life since childhood, shaping not just how I see the world but how I show up in it. One of my earliest memories is sitting at the kitchen table with my dad, helping him study for his U.S. citizenship exam. As I learned about the checks and balances of government, I wasn’t just absorbing facts—I was witnessing the significance of civic participation. When my dad was sworn in, it wasn’t just his achievement; it felt like an accomplishment for our entire family. His journey to citizenship was a testament to resilience and determination, and it planted the seeds of my commitment to civic life.
My parents are from Barbados, where they didn’t have running water or electricity in their homes until much later in life. Their sacrifices paved the way for my opportunities, including placing me in schools in better neighborhoods to ensure I had access to a good education. While I understood the privilege of that education, it also came with a sense of isolation. I often felt “othered,” as no one around me looked like me or shared my experiences. I questioned whether they shared my values. At times, I felt ashamed of my kinky hair, dark skin, and budding hips, and that shame silenced my voice. Other times, it made me angry, struggling to navigate the spaces I occupied.
I remember a defining moment in 7th grade when my teacher asked me to stop talking in class. Boldly, I invoked my right to freedom of speech, insisting I would not be silenced. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the deeper implications of my defiance, but that passion to speak out, to make my voice heard, has only intensified over the years. Of course, I eventually learned that passion must be balanced with decorum—there’s a time and place for everything, and speaking effectively requires care and precision. That lesson has been a cornerstone of how I engage civically today.
Accompanying my mom to the voting booth, especially during the historic 2008 election, instilled a sense of pride in the democratic process. Seeing Barack Obama—a Black man—become president gave me a profound sense of belonging. However, my experiences with civic engagement have not all been filled with pride. The 2016 election was a devastating blow. I was hopeful, but the years that followed were marked by deep disappointment, anger, and tears as I watched divisive and hateful rhetoric unravel the fabric of our society. Those experiences cemented my resolve to not just hope for change but actively work for it.
As a Black, first-generation college graduate, my journey with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) has personal and professional roots. My experiences growing up, particularly the challenges I faced related to systemic inequities, have fueled my passion for creating equitable opportunities. These challenges shaped my understanding of the world and deepened my commitment to ensuring that others do not face the same barriers. Today, as HR & Equity Manager at Washington Sea Grant, I am at the forefront of driving DEI initiatives and advancing antiracist principles. I develop policies that promote inclusion, and my work ensures that our practices align with the University of Washington’s DEI Blueprint.
My understanding of DEIB has evolved. Initially, my focus was on advocating for visible representation. But as I delved deeper into the work, I began to understand the systemic nature of inequities. True equity, I’ve learned, requires dismantling the underlying structures of power and privilege. This realization has only strengthened my commitment to antiracism and reinforced the belief that my voice, and the voices of those around me, deserve to be heard and valued.
I approach civic engagement relationally, not transactionally. It’s about building genuine connections and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and empowered. My belief in the “lift as we climb” philosophy means that as I rise, I work to bring others with me. My personal and professional journeys have taught me the power of sharing my story, showing up as my authentic self, and being vulnerable. Through my work and life, I aim to be a force for positive change—not just for myself, but for the communities I serve and the generations that follow.
Civic engagement is personal for me. It’s not just about voting or attending meetings—it’s about actively creating a world where every person has the opportunity to show up, speak out, and be heard. I engage because it’s who I am. I do it because I want to be the best version of myself, not just for me but for the world around me. And I believe that through our collective voices and actions, we can build a future that is truly just and equitable for all.
