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As part of our efforts to prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF Education First</a> globally, we have introduced a team dedicated to bringing <a href="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/we-are-ef/a-letter-from-our-ceo-of-north-america/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our five commitments</a> to life. While we are at the beginning of a long journey, we are steadfast in our efforts to drive real change at EF. We’ve appointed teams in the major regions where EF operates — North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia — to address the needs of each on a local level.
Each DEIB representative brings their own unique expertise and perspective to their new position. Read, in their own words, why they took on these new roles and how their passion will help our teams move forward.
<h1>North America</h1>
<h3><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-17330 size-full" height="362" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogNayeli-1.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogNayeli-1.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogNayeli-1-300x191.jpg 300w" width="568"></h3>
<h3>Nayeli Vivanco, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, EF North America, Boston</h3>
What makes you passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?
Having grown up in a multi-cultural environment as a first-generation, Mexican-American woman has exposed me to the good–and sadly the bad–of what it means to be different. These same experiences have fostered a passion in me to celebrate all of the differences that we share as humans. It is this same diversity of thought and experiences that help us become a better society. I choose to believe that I am because we are. Living by the <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/ubuntu-south-africa-together-nelson-mandela/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ubuntu philosophy</a> reminds me that all of my actions impact those around me. And with that I want to be better and do better to make this world a little more understanding, inclusive, and equitable where everyone feels that they belong.
What books, podcasts, educational materials, etc. would you suggest?
Some great DEIB resources I have come across lately are: <a href="https://www.vernamyers.com/2020/05/15/what-if-i-say-the-wrong-thing-10-tips-for-culturally-effective-people/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What if I say the wrong thing? 25 Habits for Culturally Effective People</a> by Verna A. Myers; (as a new mom…) <a href="https://www.ibramxkendi.com/books-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Antiracist Baby</a> by Ibram X. Kendi; and Don Lemon’s podcast, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/don-lemon-silence-is-not-an-option" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Silence is Not an Option</a>.
What’s your favorite hobby?
I’m passionate about traveling, learning about new cultures and languages, and both eating all the amazing foods of the world and cooking them.
<h3><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-17331 size-full" height="362" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogLeslie-1.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogLeslie-1.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogLeslie-1-300x191.jpg 300w" width="568"></h3>
<h3>Leslie Anselme, Program Manager, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, EF North America, Boston</h3>
What makes you passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?
I know what it feels like to feel like you don’t belong – in a city, in a room, in a workplace. I’m particularly passionate about it within the workplace because I felt myself suffering from this “other” feeling, this imposter syndrome, and this feeling of not belonging at EF. It got in the way of my performance, and it killed my spirit. I want to be a part of the change that can prevent others from feeling like this and allow more people to truly shine in their roles. The goal is to make sure that this (and every) company is a place where everyone can work, thrive, grow and feel empowered to do so.
What books, podcasts, educational materials, etc. would you suggest?
I love autobiographies, memoirs and anthologies. They give you an in depth look at an actual person’s experience. Some of my favorites are: <a href="https://ta-nehisicoates.com/books/between-the-world-and-me/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Between the World and Me</a> by Ta-Nehisi Coates; <a href="https://janetmock.com/redefiningrealness/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Redefining Realness</a> by Janet Mock; <a href="https://www.roxanegay.com/difficult-women/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Difficult Women</a> by Roxane Gay; <a href="https://becomingmichelleobama.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Becoming</a> by Michelle Obama; Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde.
Don’t be afraid to read or watch something out of your comfort zone. Watch foreign movies. Watch TV shows that highlight different groups. Read articles from various publications. Get your news from different places.
What’s your hidden talent?
I went to magic camp as a kid one summer. As a result, I can (kind of) juggle. I also have one card trick that I bring out at parties. It’s a crowd favorite.
<h1>Latin America</h1>
<h3><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-17332 size-full" height="362" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogTannia.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogTannia.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogTannia-300x191.jpg 300w" width="568"></h3>
<h3>Tannia Domenzain, Recruitment and Employee Development Director, EF International Language Campuses, Mexico City</h3>
What makes you passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?
During my life I have been granted the opportunity to know, listen to, and love people who struggle with some or all of these topics. There have been times during my life in which I might have felt like them. This is why I really feel passionate about opening the doors to listen, and do whatever I can to change the way my colleagues at EF might feel. In a world in which we desperately need to understand and accept each other, it’s really great to have the chance to promote inclusive behaviors and be available for the ones who need them the most.
What books, podcasts, educational materials, etc. would you suggest?
I really like the app “<a href="https://happynotperfect.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Happy Not Perfect</a>.” It offers many ideas on how to cultivate your emotional health with very friendly reminders. <a href="https://www.eckharttolle.com/power-of-now-excerpt/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Power of Now</a> by Eckhart Tolle has changed my vision on how I am the one responsible to maintain myself peacefully in the present no matter the circumstances in life.
What’s your hidden talent?
I really enjoy active listening. I would like to develop myself as a personal coach as I think it might be something that I can use to help people.
<h1>Europe</h1>
<h3><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-17335 size-full" height="362" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogAdama.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogAdama.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogAdama-300x191.jpg 300w" width="568"></h3>
<h3>Adama Lawla, Project Director, Global Recruitment and Development, EF Education First, London</h3>
What makes you passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?
Being a woman of color and having experienced racism both in and out of the workplace, it is a topic that is very close to my heart. I am passionate about creating an environment where our colleagues feel represented, empowered, and where they can to bring their authentic selves.
What books, podcasts, educational materials, etc. would you suggest?
A must read is Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire by Akala.
What’s your favorite hobby?
I am an avid fan of music. I often spend hours just exploring new music and people who know me say that I can sing well.
<h3><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-17336 size-full" height="362" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogManon.jpg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogManon.jpg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DEIB-Team-Intros-BlogManon-300x191.jpg 300w" width="568"></h3>
<h3>Manon Dave, Vice President of Product Innovation, <a href="https://www.ef.edu/about-us/research/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EF EdTech</a>, London</h3>
What makes you passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?
I’m passionate about the potential of people, the ideas they can bring to the table, and the things they can achieve, both individually and collectively. I think, in order to realize that, I have to be passionate about everything the DEIB group stands for, specifically, ensuring that our diversity as a team is represented at all levels of the organization, and that we all have an equal footing when it comes positively impacting our business and workplace.
What books, podcasts, educational materials, etc. would you suggest?
I recently came across a book called <a href="https://www.myweeklymemo.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Memo</a> by Minda Harts. The book primarily focuses on issues faced by women of color as they strive to advance in the workplace, but a lot of what is covered can also be seen through the eyes of a person of any minority background. I found it quite honest and eye-opening and would really recommend it to anybody who is curious to hear more about the experiences of people of color in the workplace.
What’s your hidden talent?
I like to make music! I’ve been lucky enough to write songs and produce music for some super-talented people and continue to do so whenever I can grab some free time.
<h1>Asia</h1>
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-18874 size-full" height="362" sizes="(max-width: 568px) 100vw, 568px" src="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/f54813c3-4455-41f6-ba21-ffa313665749.jpeg" srcset="https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/f54813c3-4455-41f6-ba21-ffa313665749.jpeg 568w, https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/f54813c3-4455-41f6-ba21-ffa313665749-300x191.jpeg 300w" width="568">
<h3>Rachel Pratt, Program Manager, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, EF International Language Campuses, Taipei</h3>
What makes you passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?
I stand for humanity—without exception. Diversity should be celebrated, equity should be a standard, and barriers should be broken down. Action is part of my commitment. 
What books, podcasts, educational materials, etc. would you suggest?
LinkedIn Learning: Confronting Bias: Thriving Across Our Differences Love for Imperfect Things by Haemin Sunim 
I would recommend the LinkedIn Learning course called <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/learning/confronting-bias-thriving-across-our-differences">Confronting Bias: Thriving Across Our Differences</a> which is instructed by Vernā Myers and Arianna Huffington or a great read is Love for <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39736045-love-for-imperfect-things">Imperfect Things: How to Accept Yourself in a World Striving for Perfection</a> by Haemin Sunim.  
What’s your hidden talent?
Outside the office –– you’ll most likely find me outdoors. I love cycling up mountains, swimming in the ocean, or running through the city to prepare for my next triathlon race.

As part of our efforts to prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across globally, we have introduced a dedicated team.

Committing to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging: Meet the global EF DEIB team - We are EF

Committing to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging: Meet the global EF DEIB team ‹ We are EF

Committing to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging: Meet the global EF DEIB team

Meet the global ef deib team

Dear all,
This is a time of much-needed reflection regarding racial injustice throughout the U.S. and the world. I am devastated about what is happening in the U.S. regarding the continued killings of Black people and the horrific nature of hate crimes, brutality, racism, and acts of violence against the Black community. The unjust murder of George Floyd, and all of those who came before him, is a wake-up call.
As a company, we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another. Our mission of opening the world through education is critical for all people, no matter where they live, who they love, their spirituality, or the color of their skin.
While we have worked hard to improve diversity at EF, I recognize with some pain that we have not been strong enough allies for our Black employees, students, educators, and friends. The time to change that is now.
We are making five commitments to drive change at EF. Our newly formed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Team, who work directly with me and alongside all of us, will help lead these efforts.
<ol>
<li>We commit to grow diversity within our teams, at all levels, through proactive recruiting and retention of talent</li>
<li>We commit to provide internal training and development opportunities on recognizing and preventing bias to fight systemic inequality in the workplace</li>
<li>We commit to create and share educational tools, resources, and platforms to combat systemic racism and discrimination within and outside EF</li>
<li>We commit to foster safe interactions, experiences, and spaces for our staff, students, and customers</li>
<li>We commit to reimagine, actualize, and continually audit our programs, services, language, and marketing to strengthen inclusivity in everything we do</li>
</ol>
These are only the first steps—the journey will be long and require sustained work and effort from all of us. But I am confident that together we can make an impact for the long-term benefit of our staff, our community, our businesses, and our world.
Best regards,
Eddie
Edward Hult, CEO of EF North America
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandela
 
EF North America staff received a version of the letter above on June 8, 2020.

As a company, we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another.

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