Welcome to LaKisha Brooks, Director of DEIJ
We would like to welcome LaKisha Brooks, as the director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ). LaKisha is passionate about DEIJ and recognizes its importance in coaching.
“As a coach, it is essential to understand the privilege, advantages, and access that some have to professional coaching while others do not. Therefore, we need to create an equitable space in professional coaching where everyone can access it when needed,” shares LaKisha.
“Plus, creating a sense of trust starts with knowing the complexities of your clients. That entails recognizing the multidimensions of them and the impact of intersectionality. Each client belongs to several diverse groups, including their age, gender, marital status, educational background and job title. These characteristics, along with others, shape clients individually and should be considered when working with them.”
In this new role, LaKisha will work to create a global One ICF approach to DEIJ, where it is part of the lived culture at ICF and where stakeholders embody what it means to be a DEIJ change agent.
To accomplish this, she will be partnering with stakeholders across the ICF to roll out a comprehensive DEIJ plan. Forthcoming initiatives include:
- The creation of a committee to help develop diverse and inclusive cultural/holiday events
- A podcast to share DEIJ information relevant to the coaching industry
- DEIJ training for all stakeholders
Congratulations on your new role LaKisha! Let me know of there is anything I can do to help support you in your new role.
Welcome Lakisha to ICF!
I am excited to hear more about the initiatives on DEIJ and coaching. I am from Brazil, but based in Hong Kong having my own business FELIZ Consulting. I do a lot of coaching, training and DEI work too.
Looking forward to connecting and growing together!
Warm wishes, Mônica
Welcome Lakisha and thank you for taking on this lead role globally. And Well Done, ICF, for ensuring equality and equity are at the core of your work. I am a U.S. Government DEI Facilitator and would love to assist if needed. So glad to be a part of the ICF family.