[jessige]

THANK YOU, Stacey, for sharing this. 

I echo your powerful words and I challenge the white women out there like me to especially listen (not speak, *listen*) to our underrepresented and marginalized populations. We need to listen and listen and listen…and then we need to support these folks in whatever ways they need–not just the ways we’re comfortable with, but what they really need.

We gotta do better. We gotta do it for our kids, for our communities, for ourselves. *I* gotta do better, for my kids, my community, myself. Less Karen, more caring. 

We are in a unique position to hear from our students, the ones who will assume the mantle of change (and already are!). May we use it wisely in 2023 and beyond.

—

Jessi Eaton (she/hers)

Manager of Student Life

W: purdueglobal.edu

E: jessica.eaton@purdueglobal.edu

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Original Message:
Sent: 12/13/2022 5:27:00 PM
From: Stacey Givens
Subject: Will you Accept the Challenge to Amplify?

Hello everyone,

Each year I focus my actions and intentions on a single word. In 2020 my word was Pivot. In 2021, Manifest. In 2022, Results.

My word for 2023 is Amplify.

At the People’s Choice Awards, singer, songwriter, and flautist Lizzo receive the People’s Champion Award then redirected the spotlight to recognize 17 social justice sheroes. Women whose names and faces we probably did not know, were given center stage for a brief, yet impactful moment. Lizzo used her platform to amplify the voices of others. 

You have a voice. It may ring like a bell or blast like a horn, no matter how it sounds, we want to hear it. In the coming year I am challenging you to be the megaphone for someone else. Leverage the platform of this community, the monthly DEI newsletter, and the access you have to thousands of members to amplify your impact. 

Will you accept the challenge? The best way to answer that question is to share the names of colleagues, friends, and leaders and shine the spotlight on their accomplishments. 

Be well,

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Stacey Givens
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Senior Diversity Officer
ACUI
Bloomington IN
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