Being an ally is a continuous action, not a badge of honor. Allyship in action not only promotes inclusion, belonging, and equitable practices, it also contributes to the social, emotional, physical, and mental wellness of each individual within our various communities. Ijeoma Oluo writes, “when we identify where our privilege intersects with somebody else’s oppression, we’ll find our opportunity to make real change.” In this workshop, we will explore the core foundations of authentic allyship, such as understanding marginality and privilege across various dimensions of diversity, the emotional intelligence needed to better understand when to listen and when to speak up, and creating authentic partnerships to enact meaningful change. While the primary focus of this workshop is on K-12 educational institutions, the content is applicable to higher education and corporate spaces as well. This will be an interactive workshop with time for self-reflection and group conversations, so please bring something to write with and try to log on using your computer rather than a mobile device.
Rana Razzaque
Dr. Rana Razzaque’s commitment to improving opportunity, access, and inclusion for all children has driven her educational and professional journey. This commitment has deepened over time due to her own lived experiences and the continuous learning she seeks out on a variety of topics related to equity and inclusion, the persistent disparities for marginalized communities, and the deep need to build understanding and empathy through courageous conversations with people from multiple perspectives. Rana was born in Bangladesh, raised in Maryland, spent her adolescence in Texas, and spent a couple of years in Arizona before moving to Denver in 2011. In the warmer months, you might find Rana hiking with her husband, Rob, and her dog Eeyore. She also loves reading (especially fiction and poetry), trying out new recipes to cook, going to concerts, boxing, and indoor rock climbing (even though she is afraid of heights).
Rana received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English Literature from the University of Texas at Austin and Arizona State University, respectively, and focused her thesis research on the impact of literary influence on colonizing South Asia in the 17th century. In 2017, she earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Denver and focused her dissertation research on how mindfulness influences the culturally responsive practices of educators. Rana has served as Social Emotional Learning Partner in Denver Public Schools, Program Development Coordinator with Sources of Strength, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Specialist at Jeffco Public Schools, and is now the Director of Opportunity, Access, and Inclusion at Englewood Schools in Colorado. Her work intersects culturally responsive and sustaining practices with social-emotional learning and transformative educational leadership. Rana’s mission is to ensure that youth and educators have an intentional focus on honoring diverse cultures and identities, utilizing challenges as opportunities to build resilience, and holistically supporting themselves and others to equitably reach their highest potential.
Jessica Havens
As a veteran educator, Jessica has years of experience in a myriad of roles: HS Teacher, Youth Facilitator and Adjunct Professor. In 2012, she received her M.A. in Women and Gender Studies from DePaul University in Chicago with a focus on both anti-racist white identity development and the intersections of race and gender. She has spent the most recent decade doing diversity, equity and inclusion work as an Institutional DEI Consultant, Strategist and Facilitator. She brings a strong intersectional lens to all of her work, helping people and institutions think holistically about how identity (race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, ability) impacts how we see and move through the world. To learn more about her work, approach & testimonials, visit her website: www.jessicahavens.com
