I’ve been an educator for 20 years after previously working in journalism, arts administration, and tech. Serving on a diversity think tank through the National Association of Independent Schools led to co-authoring Diversity Work in Independent Schools: The Practice and The Practitioner. I’m also a founding member of the San Francisco Equity Leaders diversity consulting group. To sum it up, I’ve spent a lifetime noticing people, identity, and experience, what can help build authentic relationships – and what doesn’t.

I grew up in Sherman Oaks when students were being bussed to different schools as an experiment with racial integration. Without context and cultural awareness, students mostly kept to themselves, and few developed lasting relationships. As a multiracial person with Chinese, European, and Jewish heritages, there was little mention of people like me, so I kept my head down and tried to fit in. I left Los Angeles feeling invisible and realized years later that “going along to get along” can help you survive, but rarely prosper.

Feeling unequipped to claim my heritage, I spent a year studying Chinese culture and language at Beijing University during my studies at U.C. Berkeley, and another post-graduation working in TV news in Taipei. Later, I received a master’s in equity and social justice from San Francisco State University and realized I wanted to explore and help people understand how our identities and experience intersect and shape how we move through the world and impact each other.

Milestones:

• Co-Author, Diversity Work in Independent Schools: The Practice and the Practitioner

• Call to Action, diversity think tank, Nat’l Association of Independent Schools

• People of Color Conference — presenter, affinity group facilitator

• Children’s Day School — Director of Inclusion, 2014-2021

• Head Royce School — Mandarin teacher, diversity council co-chair

DEI 101 to 201: Strength Training

Your organization is interested in taking the next step in building a more equitable and inclusive organization. Now what? How can you take the next steps while acknowledging work done? Witte’s End can help establish the foundational structures that promote a holistic environment where people can show up as their whole selves, do their best work, and thrive.

Equity Audit

How well does your organization’s actions align with its values? Are your current efforts well known and supported? Through surveys, interviews, and listening sessions, Witte’s End can assess your organization’s core strengths and growth opportunities, affirm steps taken, and create a concrete action plan to continue moving forward.

Microaggressions and Implicit Bias

Microaggressions are small, daily insults and indignities aimed at members of marginalized groups. People using microaggressions may be aware or unaware of their actions, yet the impact is real, cumulative, harms relationships, and decreases joy and productivity. Witte’s End will provide tools and skills to identify and interrupt microaggressions, repair relationships, and cultivate an environment of healing.

Exploring Identity and Affinity Spaces

Who we are and our lived experiences influence the ways in which we see and move through the world. By reflecting on various parts of our identities and their intersection, we can better understand the impact on others. Through a series of sessions with Witte’s End, we can help your organization construct a foundation for affinity spaces to thrive.

Retention and Hiring Principles and Practices

As science shows, teams comprised of people with diverse experiences and identities produce stronger work. Through the Witte’s End team lens, we can help review and revise your organization’s hiring practices to attract and retain top talent with diverse backgrounds in an environment that makes people want to stay.

Coaching

What makes a good leader in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion? Some people believe only those from certain backgrounds need apply. At Witte’s End, we believe DEI is fundamental to every leadership position and anyone can become a strong ally if they are willing to listen openly, engage in self-reflection, and use their power for the purpose of lifting every voice.