BBBSWNC is committed to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Leading our effort to integrate JEDI principles into all we do is Chloe Jackson-Pierce.
Chloe started with BBBS in June as the Clay County Program Coordinator and began as JEDI specialist a couple months later. A former garden educator and community organizer focused on food and environmental justice, Chloe since August has trained with the Racial Equity Institute, participated in the nine-week Building Bridges Asheville program, and completed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate with the University of South Florida. She’s also utilized BBBS of America’s virtual webinars and workshops and has attended several regional and national conferences.
The most exciting and challenging part of the work is applying what she’s learned, she said. “It’s essential to continue learning, but training alone will not make our organization more equitable or inclusive,” she said. “What we learn must be shared and applied.”
Chloe is glad to be a part of a group of people committed to JEDI work for the long haul.
“We’re having difficult conversations, supporting each other’s learning, and growing in our analysis and understanding as individuals and as an organization,” she said. “It won’t happen overnight, but my hope is that JEDI becomes ingrained in all of the work we do. It’s essential so that we’re truly affirming and uplifting all of the young people we work with.”
