#058: Beyond Performative: How to Actually Live Your DEI Values with Nel Taylor

Welcome to the 25th episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this episode, "Beyond Performative: How to Actually Live Your DEI Values with Nel Taylor" we explore the state of DEI in the nonprofit sector, how organizations can adapt under current political pressures, and how to embed equity into everyday operations–not just as a buzzword or temporary initiative, but as a long-term, justice-centered practice.  Some of our favorite takeaways include: The current backlash against DEI has exposed who was preformative all along. Companies and nonprofits that adopted DEI as a trend quickly removed equity statements and backed off their commitments. You can future-proof equity work by embedding it in your operations rather than just making a statement or siloing the work in a DEI committee. Looking at HR policies, leadership models, compensation, hiring practices, and internal culture are opportunities. Use alternative language when needed – Nel reframed DEI as “ethical operations” and “equitable HR,” while also sharing Lily Zheng’s FAIR (Fairness, Access, Inclusion, and Representation) framework as a way to help organizations continue this work without triggering political scrutiny. Join Nel’s Course – Rethinking HR: Transforming Policies for Workplace Equity and Justice (May 1 - July 31, 2025)Rethinking HR: Transforming Policies for Workplace Equity and Justice is a live twelve-week virtual course where you will learn how to dismantle harmful HR practices and infuse Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice principles into the DNA and culture of your organization through human-centered policies and internal processes. Use Promo Code: LEAP for $250 off! Sign up at https://www.nowthisconsulting.com/course Guest & Host Information:Guest, Nel Taylor, Founder & Steward of Now This ConsultingCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Nel:On Instagram @nowthisconsultingOn LinkedInOn TikTok @nowthisconsulting Listen to Nel’s Season 1 Episode: On Apple PodcastsOn SpotifyOn YouTubeThe CourseThe Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur. Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram