In this conversation, Brittinie Wick interviews Tara Holmes, an expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). They discuss the definition of DEI, the relationship between diversity, equity, and inclusion, the importance of DEI in the workplace and military readiness, challenges in implementing DEI, reasons for resistance to DEI, the role of leadership in fostering DEI, and how service members can contribute to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. This conversation explores the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the digital age and provides insights into addressing unconscious bias. It also highlights DEI resources available in the military and tools for analyzing demographic data. The conversation emphasizes the need for open dialogue, self-reflection, and humility in fostering a DEI culture.
Tara Holmes is a B-52 EWO gone instructor for life! She's dedicated 13 active duty years to women’s mentorship and DEI, having launched multiple DEI-related programs. She has taught at the CSO schoolhouse in Pensacola and at SOS. She is also a long-time WIT member, and is working on 3 LOEs.
Tara is in her dissertation year of earning a PhD in Organizational Behavior/Human Resource Management at the University of Maryland, specializing in DEI - She’ll PCS this summer to USAFA for her payback at CCLD. She currently serves on the UMD Senate Committee for DEI, and advised and planned the last 2 DAF DEIA Conferences.
She is married (husband just retired from active duty in April), and has two kids (4 yrs and 2 yrs).
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarabholmes
FB: https://www.facebook.com/tara.b.smith.71
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