Equality Institute

07/21/2025

07/18/2025

Equity isn’t extra. It’s essential for progress. 💡

If your people don’t feel seen, heard, or supported, how can you expect them to move the mission forward?

This clip is a reminder that inclusion isn’t just about belonging. It’s about unlocking performance and purpose. That’s not fluff, it’s management 101.

Catch the full episode on YouTube and stay in the loop at 5ThingsDEI.com.

07/17/2025

Every week, Bernadette shares “good vibes in DEI” through my newsletter, 5 Things, and livestream/podcast, 5 Things in 15 Minutes. And yes, even these days, she still manages to find stories that bring me hope!

This week, Bernadette found hope in Denmark drafting women, Chicago Sky blocking trolls with national security tech, H-E-B delivering to flood zones, and more!

Which of these 5 stories resonates most with you? 🤔♐

07/16/2025

This week on the podcast, Bernadette was joined by Celeste Warren (she/her), Diversity & Inclusion Leader, Speaker, and Published Author. Celeste just retired from her role as Chief Diversity Officer at Merck, and she brings a practical lens to this conversation.

This week, their conversation is about Denmark drafting women, Chicago Sky blocking trolls with national security tech, H-E-B delivering to flood zones, and more!

Listen to this episode wherever you listen to

[Image description: graphic for 5 Things in 15 Minutes / Simplicity, a photo of two people, Bernadette Smith, a white woman with short blonde hair and glasses, and Celeste Warren, a Black woman with long black hair]

07/07/2025

Repurposing space isn’t just a budget win it’s a values win. Whether it’s an empty wall, hallway, or courtyard, there’s an opportunity to tell stories, spark pride, and reflect the people in your space.

This episode of 5 Things reminds us that transformation doesn’t always require a big budget, just intentionality.

Catch the full episode on YouTube for more inspiring insights, and sign up for the 5 Things newsletter at 5ThingsDEI.com to keep them coming.

07/04/2025

Some of the most impactful DEI work happens in spaces where curiosity outweighs judgment. 🙌🏽

In this clip, Bernadette Smith and Jim Fielding talk about the value of connecting across identity lines—and why we need straight white men to be part of this work, not excluded from it. Willingness to learn is a superpower, no matter who you are.

💬 Watch this conversation on YouTube and subscribe at 5ThingsDEI.com for more good vibes in DEI.

07/03/2025

Every week, Bernadette shares “good vibes in DEI” through my newsletter, 5 Things, and livestream/podcast, 5 Things in 15 Minutes. And yes, even these days, she still manages to find stories that bring me hope!

This week, I found hope in subway voices coming out, land stewardship flipping the script, prison newsrooms making history, and more!

Which of these 5 stories resonates most with you? 🤔♐

07/02/2025

This week on the podcast, Bernadette was joined by Jim Fielding (he/him), Founder, All Pride, No Ego. They had a GREAT chat...Jim and Bernadette talked a lot about Pride, and the importance of creating spaces for solidarity and community, especially now.

This week their conversation is about subway voices coming out, land stewardship flipping the script, prison newsrooms making history, and more!

Listen to this episode wherever you listen to

[Image description: graphic for 5 Things in 15 Minutes / Willing, a photo of two people, Bernadette Smith, a white woman with short blonde hair and glasses, and Jim Fielding, a white man with light brown hair and a beard]

06/30/2025

It’s easy to stay in the lane that feels familiar. It’s harder to notice who’s missing—and why.

In this clip, Bernadette shares how learning the full story of Juneteenth challenged her to get honest about comfort, curiosity, and responsibility. Inclusion isn’t automatic—it takes practice. It takes choice.

🎥 Watch on YouTube + sign up at 5ThingsDEI.com to keep learning and leading with intention.

06/27/2025

We don’t have to be everything—we just have to bring something.

When we share what we each uniquely hold, we build power, possibility, and real connection. That’s how we become beautiful together.

Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe at 5ThingsDEI.com for more.