In a world where diversity, equity, and inclusion are becoming increasingly important, understanding these concepts and how they apply to everyday life is crucial. In a recent episode of the “Rich in Real Life” podcast, host Jessica Hurley had an enlightening conversation with Amber Cabral, an award-winning strategist, author, and expert on these topics. Here’s a recap of their insightful discussion.

The Concept of Equity

Amber began by explaining the concept of equity. She emphasized that equity is not just about workplace issues but extends to every aspect of our lives. It’s about fairness, justice, and ensuring everyone has access to the same opportunities. It recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.

The Importance of Allyship

Amber also touched on the concept of allyship. Allyship is the practice of emphasizing social justice, inclusion, and human rights by members of an ingroup, to advance the interests of an oppressed or marginalized outgroup. In other words, it’s about using your own privilege to help raise the voices of people who don’t share that same privilege.

The Three-Step Framework

Amber shared a simple three-step framework for practicing equity and allyship:

1. Acknowledge Your Privilege: Recognize the advantages you have and consider how they can be leveraged to promote equality.
2. Understand Others’ Experiences: Learn about the unique challenges and barriers certain groups may face and provide them with the resources and opportunities they need to achieve the same outcomes as everyone else.
3. Extend Your Privilege: Use your privilege to amplify the voices of marginalized groups. This could involve sharing their stories, supporting their work, or speaking up for them in spaces where their voices may not be heard.

The Power of Engagement

Amber stressed the importance of engaging with others, especially those who are different from us. Ignoring these differences can lead to isolation and a lack of accessibility. Instead, we should acknowledge and engage with these differences in a respectful manner.

The Impact of Equity and Allyship

Amber believes that everyone can contribute to creating a more equitable world through simple, intentional actions in their everyday lives. By acknowledging our privileges, understanding others’ experiences, and extending our privileges to others, we can make a significant impact on the world around us.

In conclusion, Amber’s approach to equity and allyship is about making these concepts accessible and understandable to everyone. It’s about standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult, and using our privileges to support others. As Amber puts it, “If we could just do those three things…how different would the world be?”