Earlier in my career, a woman mistook me for another Asian employee and greeted me with her name. I corrected her, to which she lightheartedly replied, “I can’t tell you girls apart! You’re like twin sisters.”
We couldn't look more different.
A few years ago, I met a doctor to discuss my health concerns. He asked me if I knew one of his acquaintances because we shared a surname. When I shook my head, he responded, “I figured you might know her because you’re both Korean. Are you sure?”
I didn’t know her, and I was certain we never crossed paths.
In both instances, I believe the people involved didn’t have any ill intent with how they addressed me. They may have just been making conversation. However, mistaking me for another Asian woman or assuming I knew someone because of a small commonality fed a stereotype that made me feel small. They were essentially microaggressions, which reinforce biases that dehumanize others in more subtle ways.
No matter their intent, the impact of their words was harmful.
Because I now have the language to pinpoint the source of my discomfort, I can better advocate for myself. I have access to resources that deepen my understanding as both a woman of color and an ally to other underrepresented groups so I may also be more mindful about my vocabulary.
Education is a critical starting point for DEIA. There are identities, people groups, and complicated histories that we need to unpack. For that reason, we curated a list of top DEIA book recommendations for enthusiastic lifelong learners and eager changemakers.
Keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and bestselling author, Lily Zheng followed up with a practical workbook to accompany their previous work, DEI Deconstructed. Whereas DEI Deconstructed is an in-depth analysis on problematic DEI practices and alternative solutions, Reconstructing DEI consists of over 40 exercises to put your learning to action in tangible ways.
Evidence-based and backed by extensive research, Zheng’s book takes readers on a journey of meaningful reflection and change. DEI is incredibly multilayered and can’t be mastered in a single training or workshop—it requires continuous progress and accountability, and Reconstructing DEI provides the tools to achieve it.
Inequity is systemic. To dismantle it, we require powerful voices and radical transformation in every sector of society. But sometimes, change isn’t just external. It requires leaders to undergo deep reflection before they learn how to leverage their privilege for good.
Tara Jaye Frank is a renowned equity strategist who has educated numerous Fortune 500 executives through data-driven education and thought-provoking storytelling. The Waymakers puts her teachings on paper by offering diverse perspectives and peeling through the different layers of allyship. Her book ponders: what is the role of the waymaker? How can leaders cut out the noise and learn how to empower their employees meaningfully?
As previously mentioned, microaggressions are more difficult to identify than blatant discrimination. They creep into seemingly harmless interactions, often in fleeting actions or words that people tend to overlook.
In Subtle Acts of Exclusion, authors Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran define microaggressions as acts that isolate people and limit workplace belonging. Their tangible examples and best practices empower readers to navigate confrontation safely and create a space for open dialogue so acts of injustice, no matter how subtle, don’t go unnoticed.
The first step to dismantling underrepresentation is recognition, spotlighting marginalized groups and the barriers they face. The LGTBQ+ community continues to fight for their rights in the workplace. Companies have the responsibility of empowering LGBTQ+ professionals to reach their full leadership potential.
In Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling, Layla McCay validates the hardships that LGBTQ+ workers undergo regularly and provides best practices for fostering inclusivity. She supports her points with anecdotes from over 40 LGBTQ+ changemakers, leveraging the art of storytelling to bring light to prevalent issues and the solutions that can triumph over them.
Whether a disabled person or supportive ally, Demystifying Disability is a gentle guideline for navigating complex situations with integrity and respect. Its title is self-explanatory: disability is a crucial facet of the DEIA conversation, yet many need proper direction to:
Emily Ladau covers each topic with grace for knowledge gaps but a firm roadmap to action. Disability can be both visible and invisible, and committing to equitable practices for all is crucial to pushing accessibility to the forefront of our work.
DEIA work can be heavy. Reflection and education requires effort, but with a community, you can take your journey to the next level. CCWomen is a platform for women and allies from all walks of life—and we strive to learn, grow, and evolve together.
Join our membership today to kickstart your DEIA transformation alongside inspirational and passionate leaders.