On July 24th, nINA Collective hosted an inspiring Collaborator Connections conversation, bringing together voices that are shaping the narrative of equity and inclusion within our communities. Hosted by nINA Director ananda mirilli, the conversation featured two exceptional nINA Partners: Fernando Cano Ospina, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director at RISE WI, and Sujhey Beisser, Assistant Vice President, Strategy & Development Officer at Park Bank. This session was a part of nINA’s “Another Way Is Possible” series, which delves into how living our values can serve as a powerful form of resistance. The discussion provided a platform for an insightful dialogue about personal and professional journeys, emphasizing the critical importance of building connections and advocating for social justice, especially in these turbulent times.

Discovering Identity: The Journey Begins

The exploration of identity was a central theme of the discussion, revealing how personal histories and cultural backgrounds shape our perspectives. For ananda, Sujhey, and Fernando, their understanding of their Latinx identity evolved significantly after arriving in the United States. Fernando shared a profound reflection on his ongoing relationship with his identity. “For me, identity is something that I think about every single day,” he said. His journey from Colombia to Costa Rica, and eventually to the U.S., has deepened his awareness of his identity, highlighting the complex layers of being Latino in a new cultural context.

Sujhey echoed Fernando's experience, noting how her sense of identity became more pronounced after moving to the U.S. “When it comes to identity, I never thought of it until getting to America,” she revealed. Her role in discovering the Latinx community in Madison and her involvement in DEI work has been transformative. The conversation underscored how identities are not static but evolve with each new environment and experience, enriching our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Navigating Privilege and Representation in Leadership

As the discussion shifted to their roles within their organizations and the broader community, Fernando and Sujhey explored the nuances of navigating privilege and representation. Fernando, reflecting on his journey, emphasized the importance of recognizing and acknowledging his privileges. “Even though now when you look at me, I have a lot of privilege…I’m a director of an organization, I make okay money, I have a house…I’m bilingual,” Fernando remains deeply aware of the disparities that exist and the responsibility that comes with his role. He stressed the importance of using this privilege to elevate the voices of others and while avoiding tokenism, focusing instead on collaborative efforts that drive meaningful change.

Sujhey also addressed the challenge of representation in leadership. “If I am given the opportunity to have a seat at that table…why would I say no? I need to represent my community,” she explained. Her commitment to representing her community, despite the emotional toll and challenges, underscores the vital role of leaders in advocating for equity and inclusion. She also highlighted the importance of forming strong partnerships, like those with the nINA Collective, to support and advance these efforts.

Co-Creation and the Power of Community

A powerful theme that emerged from the conversation was the necessity of co-creation and collective action in the realm of DEI work. Fernando passionately discussed the importance of a long-term commitment to equity and inclusion. “It is very important to be mindful about how we do this work in a consistent long term way so that we get the support from others,” he said. He emphasized that DEI work is not a fleeting trend but a continuous process requiring dedication and resilience. Reflecting on the historical context, Fernando acknowledged the contributions of those who have paved the way for current and future generations. “I may not see the change that I’m working for now, but it is an important thing to do that work for that change,” he remarked, reminding us of the enduring struggle for justice and the need for ongoing commitment.

ananda echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the idea that the work of equity and inclusion is deeply rooted in a long history of resistance by communities of color. “None of this work is new,” she stated. “It is just packaged in new language.” This perspective highlights the continuity of resistance efforts and the importance of understanding them within a broader historical and cultural context.

Building Spaces of Belonging

The final part of the conversation focused on the significance of creating and nurturing spaces of belonging. ananda emphasized the necessity of affinity spaces where individuals can connect over shared experiences and support each other. “We have to build those spaces because they’re not always there,” she said, highlighting the need for intentionality in creating environments that foster a sense of belonging and community.

Participants in the chat also resonated with this call to action. One noting that, “We have to be intentional in creating opportunities for reset and self-care from what can be traumatic experiences in both spaces.” This insight reinforces the importance of collective care and the need for supportive networks in the ongoing journey toward equity and inclusion.

The Collaborator Connections event was more than a dialogue; it was a powerful reminder of the impact of living our values as a form of resistance. By continuing to build critical connections and create spaces where people feel valued and understood, we can collectively move toward a more equitable and inclusive future.

You can be a part of this and other conversations as a member of our Community of Practice. Learn more here.