Sensitive Curiosity: A DEI Leader’s Journey with Marcel De Jonghe

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What does it mean to navigate the world as a mixed heritage individual when belonging feels just out of reach? In this episode, Shawna and co-host Kat Aragon welcome Marcel De Jonghe, Head of DEI&B for Europe’s largest local authority, to explore identity, belonging, and the intersections of race and culture. Marcel shares his personal journey as a Zimbabwean-Belgian navigating life in the UK, the challenges of being "not quite Black enough" and "not quite White enough," and how his work in equity and inclusion is shaping a more thoughtful, empathetic world. The conversation covers microaggressions, the power of "sensitive curiosity", and how we can all work toward fostering true belonging—at work, at home, and in our communities. Tune in for an insightful and heartfelt discussion about identity, advocacy, and breaking down barriers.

Stuff to check out from mentions in the episode:

• What’s the difference between “Inuit” and “Eskimo”?
• What's in a Name? The Meaning of "La Raza"
• The changing categories the U.S. census has used to measure race
• 1930 Census Instructions to Enumerators
• "Instructions to Enumerators" [ORIGINAL]
• Who’s White? Who’s Black? Who Knows?
• John Agard reads his poem, Half-Caste and Half-Caste (John Agard)

If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.

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