Rebecca Jacquez, master's student, Department of Anthropology
Why are you passionate about helping to build an LSE for everyone – a more equitable, diverse and inclusive community? How do you hope to make a difference here at LSE?
I am passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion because it benefits everyone to engage with our own vulnerabilities, understand another person's worldview and create a university where everyone’s voices are heard. Creating equitable, diverse, and inclusive institutional initiatives are important to create structural changes and I am grateful to be part of the successful workshops that will be implemented into the undergraduate orientation next year.
What makes you feel part of our School community?
Being a lead facilitator for the Equity Diversity and Inclusion team has made me feel more connected to faculty, staff and student leaders.
What do you think is the most important thing students and colleagues in positions of responsibility can do in order to make others feel included, safe and supported?
Lead with empathy. It’s hard to see another’s perspective or a lived experience different from your own. Entering a dialogue with empathy allows for a person to feel seen, and creates a safe space to share and feel supported.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt from being involved in the Making a Choice workshops?
People respond better to a non-hierarchical workshop to engage in these critical conversations. Placing their lived experiences and knowledge as the foundational building block to understand the content helps students, staff, and faculty understand the importance of issues such as consent and hate-crimes on campus. Everyone becomes equally responsible for a safe, confidential, and empowered space.