"As girls, as females, we already feel a level down, but then you add race into it and you're another level or two down based on what type of race you are." Summary Join hosts Meera and Sara as they about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), personal experiences and perspectives, including the challenges faced by underrepresented groups and the misconceptions and resistance to change. Hosts discuss the importance of diversity in personal relationships, the challenges of colorblindness, the impact of race on healthcare outcomes, and the lack of representation and inclusivity in various industries. They also touch on the limitations of race categories and the need for more nuanced understanding. Takeaways Representation and inclusivity are crucial for underrepresented groups to have equal opportunities and access to resources. Embracing diversity and different perspectives leads to better outcomes and fosters innovation and growth. Colorblindness can overlook the experiences and struggles of marginalized groups. Race can have a significant impact on healthcare outcomes, and it is important to address systemic inequities. Industries like fashion and healthcare need to be more inclusive and representative of diverse bodies and experiences. Race categories often oversimplify and fail to capture the complexity of individual experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Context 02:26 Challenges Faced by Underrepresented Groups 04:33 Misconceptions and Resistance to Change in DE&I 06:23 Embracing Diversity for Better Outcomes 22:03 Personal Relationships 25:08 Addressing Racial Disparities in Healthcare 27:21 Lack of Representation and Inclusivity in Industries 30:34 The Limitations of Race Categories ABOUT MEERA HARDIN Meet Meera, a seasoned professional and passionate advocate for women's empowerment and career success. As an immigrant who has faced her share of career setbacks, Meera's journey to the top has ignited a profound sense of purpose within her. However, her story is not just one of personal triumph—it's also about giving back. Driven by the challenges and hardships she has overcome, Meera is determined to ensure that others do not have to endure the same struggles. This conviction fuels her mission to empower others to achieve their goals with confidence and speed. Meera's life is a testament to her unyielding spirit and her commitment to making a lasting impact on those around her. Connect with Meera: IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/browngirltrending⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@browngirltrending⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@browngirltrending⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.browngirltrending.com⁠ ABOUT SARA AXELBAUM Sara Axelbaum is the Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and an Executive Sponsor at a major media company. In this role, Sara leads a global team dedicated to making inclusion a core value of the company and fostering a sense of belonging for every employee, both present and future. Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Sara was named a Top 100 DEI Professional by OnCon and honored as one of the Top Women in Media & Ad Tech as a DEI Champion in 2022. Her work in DEI has also been acknowledged with an honorable mention from the Ragan Awards for Wellness in 2023 and as a finalist at SXSW. Before joining her current company, Sara served in a dual role as the SVP of Client Services for the Digital Advertising team and as the Executive Partner for Diversity and Inclusion at a major broadcast network. She pioneered the creation of Women@21CF New York, an Employee Resource Group, and helped launch other ERGs across the East Coast offices. In addition to her professional achievements, Sara is an entrepreneur, an avid crocheter, a theater enthusiast, and a food-loving mom to two joyful little kids. Connect with Sara: IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/axelbaumchickabaumbaum/⁠