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ABOUT ME
Hey! I'm Adriele (ay-dree-el), an independent diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant—or as I prefer, DEI thought partner.
More specifically, I help folks identify & take actionable steps towards integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into their work.
I also help other other DEI professionals design effective workshops and strengthen their facilitation skills so that they may best support their organization and/or clients.
My journey with DEI "officially" started in 2008 when I began working in career development. But as I reflect on my life experiences, it's clear to me that I've been a "DEI practitioner" since childhood.
At an early age I was tasked with navigating the juxtaposition of living in a predominately Black inner city neighborhood (where everyone looked like me), while attending a PWI where the majority of the students came from affluent families. It was a struggle, to say the least.
After constantly feeling as though there weren't any spaces for me, I started organizing and leading groups to bring together students like myself. In high school I even co-organized a couple of weekend-long conferences for Black students in my hometown (#whatupdoe Toledo?! ❤️) .
Fast forward a bit...
In 2015, I began working in the tech recruiting space and while at my first tech company, started the org's first employee resource group (ERG). And in 2018, after having developed and managed several DEI-related programs and initiatives in addition to the job I was hired to do (which was exhausting 😅—iykyk), I transitioned into DEI full-time.
Since then, I've helped a number of individuals and teams challenge their ways of thinking about DEI—helping people identify and commit to actions that integrate DEI into their day-to-day lives, without thinking of DEI as another "check-the-box" exercise. I've also helped a number of DEI practitioners hone in on their skills, design workshops, and develop their facilitation skills.
To learn more about my approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, go here.
Or, if you're ready to jump right in and see how we can work together, drop me a line!
P.S. I am *so* much more than *just* a DEI consultant. At my core, I'm a creative being. And unapologetically so. Often people get boxed into a profession or label, and I aim to take a different approach. I believe being a well-rounded, curious human has not only allowed me to be true to myself, but it's made (and continues to make) me a better DEI consultant. You can learn more about me (the human me) by visiting my social links and checking out the "Not DEI :)" menu tab. ❤️