Let’s dive into the challenges and strategies for self-care as a DEI practitioner with special guest, Michelle Emery, on the next episode of Communicate Like You Give A Damn. Michelle, a seasoned DEI professional with over 30 years of leadership experience, shares with host, Kim Clark, the importance of taking time off, meditating, and being present with family to maintain passion and energy for the work. Not only do they explore her former role at Macy's, but together they highlight how Michelle effectively integrated DEI initiatives across all levels of the organization, ensuring frontline employees were engaged and empowered. They also discuss the state of DEI today, as well as the importance of continued commitment despite backlash, and how to adapt and evolve strategies to meet current and future challenges.

About The Guest:

Michelle is a seasoned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) professional with over 30 years of leadership experience, dedicated to fostering inclusive and equitable work environments to drive business outcomes. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts in consumer behavior and social wellness from the University of North Texas and a Master of Science in Management from the University of Illinois, along with certificates in Diversity & Inclusion, Sociology of Race & Ethnic Minorities, and Sociology of Religion. Michelle's unique educational background, including studies at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, has provided her with a comprehensive perspective on retail strategies. Throughout her career, she has implemented successful DE&I programs, trained leaders on inclusive practices, and advocated for underrepresented groups, all while leading multi-unit store operations and improving sales, merchandise execution, and people development in the retail industry.

Find Michelle Here:

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About Kim:

Kim Clark (she/her) focuses her work on the communicator and content creator's role in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She is the co-author of The Conscious Communicator: The fine art of not saying stupid sh*t, an Amazon #1 bestseller and the leading voice for DEI communications and social justice messaging for brands.

She speaks at conferences, writes custom workshops, writes inclusive communications guides, and consults with companies on all things related to diversity, equity, and inclusion communications. Kim is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a cisgender woman, Native American (Muscogee Nation) and a mom of two kids with disabilities. These marginalized identities and the privileges that come with society seeing her as White motivate her daily for social change.

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