by Ifeomasinachi Ike (Author)
Learn to implement the intentional practices and make the hard decisions that true equity demands
In The Equity Mindset, celebrated researcher, attorney, and activist Ifeomasinachi Ike delivers a moving and impactful exploration of why equity is so important, the shortcomings of institutional diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives, and how we creatively and boldly design cultures centering the expertise of those who know first-hand how inequity has shaped work culture. The book examines the dynamics of normalized institutional oppression, offers real-world case studies, and provides readers with new practices, key performance indicators (KPIs), and milestones for measuring the success of modern DEI efforts. At its core, The Equity Mindset is about adopting a problem-solving mentality to address social inequities to ensure we all thrive.
This nuanced treatment of principles, practices, and production also includes:
- Practitioner interviews with guidance on how each person, regardless of industry, can advance equity personally and professionally
- Strategies for addressing organizational bias, inequity, and lack of representation
- Tools for leaders and decisionmakers seeking concrete steps to create safer cultures for communities historically marginalized
A can't-miss resource for managers, executives, board members, and other business leaders, The Equity Mindset is for those with and without traditional authority who seek to advance the movement for equitable treatment in every environment.
Front Jacket
While the words, "diversity," "equity," and "inclusion" are on the lips of more people than ever, durable, transformative change in many organizations remains elusive. Inequitable and unjust practices abound and "the old ways of doing things" are showing an unsurprising reluctance to fade into the past.
In The Equity Mindset, renowned researcher, attorney, and activist Ifeoma Ike delivers an impactful and moving discussion of what's working--and what's not working--in institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In the book, you'll explore the dynamics of normalized institutional oppression, case studies of effective equity strategies that center communities historically marginalized, and ways to reexamine what we've been taught about work culture. It will arm you with best practices, powerful techniques, illuminating key performance indicators, and meaningful milestones for ongoing equity, culture and people goals.
An invitation to a nuanced way of looking at organizational culture, the author explains how and why everyone has a stake in making the market, and the world generally, a more equitable place. The Equity Mindset guides the reader through difficult conversations and strategies to address organizational bias, in-equity, and unsafe institutional environments. The Equity Mindset centers the expertise of leaders with intersectional realities, in a world where the perspective of voices of color, disabled persons and queer communities are stifled and undermined. An inspiring and eye-opening resource for managers, executives, board members, and other business leaders, The Equity Mindset will also benefit leaders across all industries and departments, including DEI and human resources professionals and consultants who seek to assist firms in their pursuit of transformative and equitable change.
Back Jacket
Praise for The Equity Mindset
"Injustice doesn't affect some of us; it impacts us all. Ifeoma's The Equity Mindset helps us not forget the pain of our shared history, how it still shows up in our lives today, but also the power of people making real decisions to shape a new reality. To learn from Ifeoma and the many leaders in this book keeps the spirit of our protests alive and real. If we want more just spaces, we need to do things differently--starting with the way we think."
--SYBRINA FULTON, author and mother of Trayvon Martin
"The Equity Mindset is a personal guide and thought partner for human beings. The delivery, the references and even Ifeoma's vulnerable narrative helps the reader know there really are no heroes in this work. Just regular people choosing to invest daily with transformative practices that respond to generational inequality."
--OTIS ROLLEY, President of the Wells Fargo Foundation
"Ifeoma has supported how our team and many leaders across sectors work more equitably and boldly, while also modeling how to do this hard work with care and empathy. The Equity Mindset is a non-traditional masterclass from an expert who demonstrates how data, dialogue and daring to challenge traditional ways of doing things shifts outcomes."
--NOHA M. ABOELATA, MD, Co-Founder and CEO of Roots Community Health Center
"The Equity Mindset is not just a book, it's a practice. Since the height of both the COVID-19 pandemic and global uprisings in response to racial injustice, Ifeoma has been engaging our team on ways to think about the power that individuals have to change organizations and the power that organizations have to change individuals. Our culture has evolved and grown--and we're still a work in progress. The Equity Mindset curriculum Ifeoma has developed has resulted in us being more effective and authentic equity practitioners."
--LORI FRESINA, National VP, Executive Director of Voices for Healthy Kids, American Heart Association
Author Biography
IFEOMA IKE is an award-winning researcher, lawyer, educator, and activist with extensive experience in designing equity-centered impact strategies. She is the Founder and CEO of Pink Cornrows, visionary behind Black Policy Lab and has co-facilitated the creation of national pipe-lines, justice efforts and three congressional caucuses. Her experience includes serving as counsel on Capitol Hill, policy advocate for the Innocence Project, and global human and civil rights advocacy. Her work has been recognized by the American Bar Association, National Bar Association, and NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research.