The Weaponization of DEIB - How DEIB Practitioners Can Create an Inclusive Culture

Official Release Date: May 15, 2024

Now available for pre-order!

Ebooks will also be delivered on May 15th.

About the Book

In this journey of life, where paths are often rugged and the burdens weighty, my heart is heavy yet hopeful. We stand at a crossroads, a pivotal moment in our history that demands our attention, courage, and action. This book is not merely a collection of experiences; it is a battle cry for change, fueled by the deep-seated belief that sharing knowledge can ignite transformation.

This journey began with a single goal: to share the hard-earned lessons from my experiences, to peel back the curtain on a world where Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) has been twisted. In this world, systemic inequities masquerade as progress, and the quest for equality is too often traded for comfort and convenience.

Here, I aim to unmask the harsh realities and acknowledge how, too often, token gestures overshadow genuine action, and the pursuit of equity is abandoned for expediency. This narrative isn't just a recounting of my experiences or achievements; it's about the evolution of a movement, a plea for involvement, and a blueprint for change.

The threads of DEIB are fundamental yet frequently misunderstood in the complex weave of professional life. What began as a beacon of hope for those of us on the margins has, painfully, been morphed into a tool that can entrench disparities under a veil of progress and, at times, is weaponized by those with ill intent. These principles are more than mere concepts; they are lifelines for communities of color and the very soul of our society.

As a Black woman—a mother, a wife, a professional, an entrepreneur, and a tireless advocate for justice—I've spent over two decades traveling the globe, across various sectors, giving me a front-row seat to both the pain and pleasure of uplifting voices, including my own, that are too often silenced. Each step has deepened my understanding of the complexities and challenges we face in the fight for true equality.

Despite the shadows of disappointment, there remains a spark of hope. For every challenge encountered, there are allies and champions ready to support our cause. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the countless individuals who have illuminated my path and uplifted my spirit. Their unwavering support has fed my resolve.

In moments of adversity, I am reminded of a simple yet powerful truth: "The Universe Aligns With A Made-up Mind." With determination and unity, each obstacle we overcome and every barrier we break brings us closer to a world where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are not just buzzwords but valued by all.

As you turn these pages, consider this a summons to join a vital movement. The fight for DEIB isn’t only for those oppressed or who feel the weight of inequality; it's a call to everyone who dreams of a future defined by justice and true equality. I invite you to reflect on these realities and join us in the pursuit of a society where equity is not just an ideal, but a lived experience. Let us join hands and hearts, for in unity, lies our greatest power.

With all my heart and unyielding determination,

Tawana