The Importance of DEI: More Than Just a Buzzword
- Feb 6, 2025
- 4 min read
Today, I had the privilege of attending the Partnership Impact Showcase 2025 at UCF’s College of Community Innovation & Education. The panel discussion, Building Resilience in Under-Resourced Communities & Youth Through Partnerships, was moderated by Dr. Jake Kirchner (HCA Healthcare’s North Florida Division) and featured inspiring insights from panelists:
Timothy McKinney – United Global Outreach, Inc.
Eddy Moratin – Lift Orlando
Shannan Outler – Orange County Public Schools
Dr. Jennifer Peck – Department of Criminal Justice at UCF
This conversation shed light on the intersection of resilience, collaboration, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)—and why these principles must be at the core of our efforts to uplift underserved communities.
Resilience: More Than Just Bouncing Back
One of the most powerful takeaways from the session came from Shannan Outler, who emphasized that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about continuously moving forward. But for many individuals in under-resourced communities, moving forward isn’t just about effort; it’s about opportunity.
Some people can succeed despite the adversities of a low economic status, but they are the exception. Meanwhile, those with privilege have far fewer obstacles, as opportunities are abundant and success is often the standard. Even the average outcomes for privileged individuals far exceed those of their underprivileged counterparts, who struggle with basic necessities—let alone the ability to dream about being what is considered "average" or beyond that.
Imagine trying to climb a downward-moving escalator—that’s what it feels like to grow up without access to fundamental resources. The path to success is significantly steeper for those without the support systems and resources many of us take for granted.
The Reality of Opportunity Gaps
During the session, Timothy McKinney shared a heartbreaking yet inspiring story about a young girl named Danika. She grew up in Bithlo, Florida, where the average education level in her community rarely exceeded 8th grade. Danika's mother was an addict and a prostitute, and by 14, she was living in a shed with her boyfriend and his family.
Despite these unimaginable challenges, Danika not only graduated high school but also scored a 1200 on the SAT. When McKinney shared this, the room gasped.
At privileged high schools, a 1200 SAT score might be seen as unimpressive—but in Danika’s case, it was a monumental achievement. Unlike students with access to SAT tutoring, advanced coursework, and extracurricular resources, Danika lacked even basic necessities like clean water, stable housing, and consistent meals.
The fact that she excelled against such odds speaks volumes about the power of resilience—but it also underscores the systemic inequities that persist in our communities and highlights why DEI, especially in universities, is so crucial. If universities only admitted students based strictly on traditional merit metrics, they would likely overlook students like Danika. However, her 1200 SAT score represents more than just intellectual ability—it reflects resilience, determination, and drive.
For someone from her background, even applying to college is an incredible achievement that deserves recognition and support. This is why equitable access to higher education isn’t just about grades; it’s about leveling the playing field so that students like Danika have the opportunity to thrive.
Bridging the Gap: The Role of DEI & Collaboration
Eddy Moratin built on this point with a powerful analogy:
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. But what if he has no fishing pole, no bait, and no body of water?”
This is the missing piece in many conversations about resilience and success. It’s not enough to tell people to “work hard” or “persevere” when they lack the fundamental tools and opportunities to do so. Acknowledging these disparities is the first step toward bridging the gap.
Addressing the gap in access to resources can best be understood through Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which illustrates that individuals cannot focus on higher levels of growth—such as education, career aspirations, or self-actualization—until their basic physiological and safety needs are met. For those in generational poverty, lacking stable housing, food security, healthcare, or personal safety makes it nearly impossible to prioritize academic or professional success. This is why a single program or resource is never enough to break the cycle of poverty and systemic injustice that disproportionately impacts minorities. True progress requires comprehensive, multi-layered support systems that address basic survival needs, educational access, economic mobility, and community empowerment. Until society commits to tackling these foundational inequalities at every level, underserved communities will continue to struggle against barriers that make success an uphill battle.
The Call to Action
Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) isn’t just about policies and discussions—it requires actionable, tangible efforts from individuals in everyday life. Start by educating yourself on systemic inequities and listening to the lived experiences of marginalized communities. Advocate for DEI in your workplace or school by uplifting underrepresented individuals, supporting inclusive hiring practices, and calling out biases when you see them. Use your privilege to amplify voices that are often unheard, whether by supporting minority-owned businesses, donating to organizations that promote educational equity, or volunteering in underserved communities. On a personal level, vote for policies and leaders who prioritize equity, mentor students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and push for accessible resources in schools and workplaces. DEI thrives when individuals commit to creating opportunities, dismantling barriers, and ensuring that success is not just reserved for the privileged few, but accessible to all.
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