Episode 88 | Andrew Strong, Director, San Diego County Office of Equity and Racial Justice

In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in the studio by Andrew Strong, the Director of the Office of Equity and Racial Justice for the County of San Diego. The Office of Equity and Racial Justice aims to provide a compelling exploration of the challenges and aspirations in fostering diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Listen as Strong discusses the complexities of equity and racial justice, emphasizing the need to create environments where individuals genuinely feel a sense of belonging. The episode underscores the difficulties of cultural change within government structures, acknowledging the resistance faced when challenging established norms and thought patterns among leadership.Hear about the tangible impact of Strong's office, spotlighting several external programs. The conversation also touches upon the importance of engaging and educating the youth on topics of diversity and racial justice, with ongoing initiatives like youth academies aiming to instill awareness and understanding. Strong's passion for equity, rooted in personal experiences and family history, becomes a driving force behind his commitment to creating a better future. The long-term vision presented in the episode revolves around embedding equity into the very fabric of institutional cultures over the next five years. Ultimately, this episode provides valuable insights into the intricacies of effecting meaningful change within government structures, stressing the importance of sustained efforts and community engagement for lasting impact.An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Andrew. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:Equity and racial justice are focused on changing outcomes and mitigating historical harms caused by systemic racism.Creating spaces where individuals authentically feel they belong is crucial in diversity and inclusion.Transforming institutional culture requires patience and persistence, facing resistance from entrenched leaders in the challenges of cultural change in government.External programs for social equity, like a social equity program for commercial cannabis, address historical disparities in marginalized communities.Youth engagement and education initiatives, such as youth academies, aim to engage and educate the younger generation on the importance of diversity, equity, and racial justice.The answers to the rapid-fire questionsAn excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Andrew, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to [email protected]. Thank you for listening.To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.