Season 294 Episode 9593
S5E2 - Championing Inclusivity with Andrea Horton-Mericli
Join us for a soul-nourishing session of ""Mindful Mondays with Laura Cross"" featuring the remarkable Andrea Horton-Mericli. As a beacon of resilience and a champion of diversity and inclusion, Andrea's journey is a testament to the power of embracing one's intersectional identity. From her experiences as a military brat to her commitment to creating equitable opportunities for all, Andrea's story will inspire you to prioritize self-care and celebrate the richness of diverse perspectives. Discover how Andrea's unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive environments can ignite a sense of purpose within you and empower you to create positive change in your own corner of the world. Let's come together on this mindful journey towards a more just and inclusive future with Andrea Horton-Mericli as our guide. About: Andrea Horton-Mericli Andrea Horton-Mericli is a dynamic leader, advocate, and entrepreneur whose life and career have been shaped by her intersectional identity as a mixed-race Latina, military brat, and individual from a low-income background. Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion. Andrea's early life was marked by the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being a military brat. Frequent relocations meant she had to adapt quickly to new environments and cultures, a skill that has served her well throughout her career. Growing up in a low-income household, she learned the value of hard work and perseverance from an early age. These experiences instilled in her a deep empathy for others facing similar challenges and fueled her passion for creating equitable opportunities for all. Her professional journey began with a strong academic foundation. Andrea pursued higher education with a focus on social sciences and public administration, fields that aligned with her desire to make a meaningful impact in society. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Virginia Tech, where she developed a keen understanding of the systemic issues affecting marginalized communities. Andrea's career has spanned various roles in education, nonprofit management, and diversity advocacy. She has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering inclusive environments and empowering underrepresented individuals. Her work experience includes significant roles in educational institutions and organizations dedicated to social justice and advocacy. In her current day job, Andre plays a crucial role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across the institution. Her responsibilities include developing and implementing initiatives to recruit and retain diverse staff to be more reflective of those they serve and of the local community. Andrea’s impact extends beyond the university. She is the founder and CEO of Diversifuse, a DEI consulting company dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in various sectors. Through Diversifuse, Andrea provides consulting services, training programs, and provides resources to organizations seeking to enhance their diversity and inclusion efforts. Her work with Diversifuse reflects her belief that true innovation and progress stem from diverse perspectives and inclusive practices. Andrea's personal and professional journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of inclusive leadership. She has overcome significant challenges, including navigating the complexities of her intersectional identity, to become a leader who champions diversity and inclusion in all aspects of her work. Her story is one of perseverance, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of equity and justice. Today, Andrea continues to drive change through her work with Diversifuse and the university she works at. She remains dedicated to creating environments where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed. Her vision for the future is one where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is the norm, and equitable opportunities are accessible to all. Andrea Horton-Mericli's journey is far from over. She is constantly seeking new ways to make a positive impact and inspire others to join her in the pursuit of a more just and inclusive world. Her work serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for those committed to making a difference. Social Links: https://diversifuse.com/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... / diversifuse https://x.com/Diversifuse / @diversifuse / andreahortonmericli
