HCI Webinar Recap: Empowering Resilience: Nurturing Motivation and Self-Care Amid DEI Challenges, with Raphael Williams and Kavita Singh Gilchrist

In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Shawnasia Black,  Raphael Williams, and Kavita Singh Gilchrist about empowering resilience and nurturing motivation and self-care amid DEI challenges. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!

Watch the episode here:

Quick Recap

The team discussed the importance of self-care and resilience in the face of challenging social and political contexts, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and the role of design in creating equitable workspaces. They also highlighted the need to move past politicized rhetoric to have productive dialogues about equity, and the importance of understanding the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The conversation also touched on the challenges of maintaining positive energy and self-care in organizations, and the importance of setting boundaries and protecting energy as a starting point.

Promoting Racial Equity and Resilience

Jonathan, Raphael, and Kavita discussed the importance of self-care and resilience in the face of challenging social and political contexts. Raphael and Kavita shared their experiences and the work they do in promoting racial equity and inclusion. They emphasized the need for continued advocacy and the importance of caring for oneself and others in the community. The conversation also touched on the role of design in creating equitable workspaces and the need for more voices in these discussions.

Inclusive Design Benefits All Groups

Jonathan and Kavita discuss the importance of creating equitable systems and how they benefit everyone, not just marginalized groups. They argue that improving opportunities for all groups leads to a higher standard of living for everyone, countering the "fixed pie" mentality. Kavita uses the example of the curb cut, originally designed for wheelchair users, to illustrate how inclusive design can benefit a wider population. They emphasize the need to move past politicized rhetoric to have productive dialogues about equity.

Navigating DEI Conversations in Conservative Environments

Kavita discussed the importance of understanding the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and how it is often misunderstood. She emphasized the need for allies like Jonathan to have these conversations and help create inclusive spaces. Raphael added that inclusive design can benefit everyone, not just specific communities. The team also discussed the challenges of navigating these conversations in a predominantly conservative environment.

Maintaining Resilience in Equity Work

Jonathan and Raphael discussed the challenges of maintaining positive energy and self-care in organizations, particularly in the context of equity work. Raphael emphasized the importance of setting boundaries, having a strong support team, practicing restorative reflection, celebrating small wins, and engaging in joy and rest to maintain resilience. They acknowledged the potential for burnout and the need for sustainable practices to avoid losing dedicated individuals.

Setting Boundaries for Self-Care

Jonathan expressed his struggle with prioritizing self-care due to a sense of guilt and the need to do more. Raphael suggested setting boundaries and protecting energy as a starting point, and emphasized the importance of focusing on one step at a time to maintain a sane mindset.

Self-Care and Boundaries in Advocacy

In the meeting, Kavita and Raphael discussed the importance of self-care and boundaries in their work. They emphasized that self-care is not optional but essential, especially in their line of work. They also highlighted the need for community and the importance of scheduling time for self-care. Raphael and Kavita shared their contact information and encouraged the audience to reach out to them for more information about their work. They also stressed the importance of resilience and emotional capacity in their advocacy for inclusion and diversity.

Listen to the webinar here: