EP 108: Clearing the Path: Cinnamon Clark on Turning Inclusion into Action

(Veterans/Military Appreciation Month Series) In honor of Military Appreciation Month, this episode celebrates service, transition, and purpose-driven leadership through a conversation that bridges military, corporate, and public service spaces. Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Cinnamon Clark — a U.S. Navy veteran, Chief Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer at the California Department of Justice, and Chair of the San Diego Citizens’ Equal Opportunity Commission — to explore what it really takes to make inclusion actionable. From maintaining aircraft in the Navy to leading equity initiatives for global corporations to shaping equity policies for one of the largest justice departments in the country, Cinnamon’s story demonstrates how leadership, courage, and curiosity can open doors not only for oneself but for everyone who follows. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: ✅ What “Inclusion as a Verb” Looks Like Cinnamon shares how inclusion happens through daily choices — the way we ask, listen, and lead — and why it’s everyone’s responsibility, not just a DEI department’s. ✅ From “Only” to “Opening Doors” One of the first women integrated into shipboard squadrons, Cinnamon turned isolation into advocacy — clearing pathways for others, including the first enlisted woman to complete Naval Special Warfare training. ✅ Equity vs. Equality — The Boots Story She illustrates the difference between equality and equity with a memorable lesson from her military days: same-sized boots don’t mean the same fit. ✅ Intersectionality as Leadership Why every leader needs to understand intersectionality as a competency — the ability to pause, ask questions, and see the full context before reacting or judging. ✅ Transitioning from Military to Corporate to Civic Leadership Cinnamon walks through her evolution from aviation electrician to global DEI advisor and state executive, offering insights for professionals navigating their own career pivots. ✅ The Power of Curiosity and Self-Belief Her message for emerging professionals: stay curious, say yes to opportunities that stretch you, and never measure your success against someone else’s timeline. ✅ Food, Culture, and Connection How something as simple as sharing a meal — becomes a bridge for belonging. About the Guest Cinnamon Clark is a retired Chief Petty Officer with over 20 years in the U.S. Navy. She has since become a respected diversity and inclusion leader, serving as Chief Diversity Inclusion and Belonging Officer at the California Department of Justice and Chair of the San Diego CEOC. Her career spans military service, corporate consulting with McLean & Company, and state leadership — all centered on embedding equity into systems, structures, and culture. 🔗 Connect with Cinnamon on LinkedIn About the Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo is a workplace inclusion strategist, author, and CEO of EQImindset, where she helps organizations build communities of belonging through strategy, storytelling, and systems change. 💬 Connect on LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Adeyemo Want to Go Deeper? Follow Dr. Lola on Substack, where each episode continues through reflection, storytelling, and community discussion. For HR & DEI Leaders: Do you need ERG or BRG strategy support? Connect with Dr. Lola to explore fractional partnership or organizational [email protected] For Immigrants & First-Gen Professionals: Join the free community at www.immigrantsincorporate.org for networking, resources, and peer support. ✨ Your story matters. Keep thriving in your intersections. — Dr. Lola Adeyemo Send us Fan MailSupport the showThank you for listening to Thriving in Intersectionality with Dr. Lola Adeyemo.This podcast explores how identity, lived experience, and leadership intersect in today's workplace and beyond. Through conversations with leaders, founders, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, we uncover stories and insights that help people thrive across the many intersections of their lives.💬 Have a thought about this episode? Send a Fan Mail message directly through Buzzsprout. I'd love to hear what resonated with you.❤️ If you find value in these conversations, consider becoming a supporter of the show. Your support helps us continue amplifying diverse voices, meaningful stories, and leadership insights from across industries and experiences.⭐ Follow, share, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these conversations.📬 Continue the conversation - read the companion reflections on Substack🌍 Immigrants and first-generation professionals can join our free community at:www.immigrantsincorporate.orgConnect with Host Dr. Lola Adeyemo on LinkedIn.Keep thriving in your intersections. Your story matters.