Eight long years at boarding school flew by laughing, crying, studying, playing, eating, and doing pretty much everything together with a group of girls who were not necessarily like me. We were from different families, cultures, religions and socio-economic backgrounds, but we found a way to make it work, sometimes willingly and at other times unwillingly.
The years we spent together, instilled in me…
• curiosity to learn about people who were not like me
• empathy to understand them in their own context
• ability to value differences they bring to the table
• desire to create a space where each one has a voice
Twelve years later, I am here pursuing a career in diversity and inclusion! The lessons I learnt at school, and the behaviours they instilled in me, are now my passion! I strive each day to build a workplace where everyone can feel included and experience a sense of belonging. I am beginning to call another country ‘home’, I share special moments every day with people who do not look like me, I willingly eat food I never tasted earlier, and I live with an individual who I did not even know two years ago!
It is no more professional or personal endeavour but a life long journey – a way of life!
Devyani Dutt, Manager Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at LinkedIn APAC
https://www.linkedin.com/in/devyani-dutt-b3982669/
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