This might get me some unsubscribes..and I don’t care
Proximity Changes Everything: Why I’m Donating to the Equal Justice Initiative
In business, conventional wisdom says to avoid polarizing topics—especially race. But as I prepared for my NYC Terrace Meetup, an idea hit me: why not donate 100% of the $15 ticket fee to an organization I deeply care about?
That’s why I chose to support the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a nonprofit committed to ending wrongful mass incarceration and promoting racial justice in the United States.
Sure, I could’ve picked a “less polarizing” charity, but I’m in a season of fully leaning into who I am and standing for what matters. Talking about race and inequality might lead to some unsubscribes, but if you’re curious about where I stand, read on.
The Power of Proximity
Growing up, I didn’t have a stable two-parent household. I bounced between relatives and even lived with my best friend’s family during high school. That family? A Black female household in Southern California, a place where diversity was scarce, and stereotypes were everywhere. Read about it here.
Living with my best friend Jessica and her mom, Pam—a single mother of four girls who earned advanced degrees from UPenn and Harvard—taught me more about race in America than any classroom ever could.
Lessons from Pam
Pam grew up in the projects outside Washington D.C. Despite systemic barriers and an abusive childhood, she earned a full scholarship to Johns Hopkins, put herself through medical school, and became a top OB anesthesiologist.
But even as a highly skilled professional, she faced racism at work. Once, she walked into an operating room to help deliver a baby, only to be mistaken for the janitor.
Pam’s story is one of resilience and breaking barriers, and her journey profoundly shaped my understanding of race and inequality.
Breaking the Mold
Pam’s life has been about paving new paths, and I see that same spirit in the work I do. As a five-foot-tall daughter of Chinese immigrants, no one expects me to be a PR coach helping small businesses pitch confidently.
🙏🏽 This work is sacred. It’s about more than PR—it’s about helping people take up space in a world that often overlooks them.
We All Have Stereotypes
Let’s be honest: we all carry stereotypes, even if we don’t consider ourselves racist or prejudiced. These biases are shaped by media, society, and our personal experiences.
Breaking past those bubbles requires proximity. It’s easy to live in silos, but real growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones and connect with people who don’t look, sound, or live like us.
Diversity Isn’t “Attracted”—It’s Created
I once spoke with a coach who had a much larger platform than mine. She admitted, “I value DEI, but people of color don’t seem to join my programs.”
Here’s the truth: diversity isn’t something we attract—it’s something we become.
💗 It’s about attending cultural events, reading diverse stories, and seeking out new perspectives.
💗 It’s about asking questions, getting curious, and learning from quieter voices.
💗 It’s about being intentional with the spaces we create.
Building Inclusive Spaces
As a first-generation immigrant coach, I’m hyper-aware of the spaces I’m building. Inclusion and belonging aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the foundation of my PR program.
I carefully choose the events I speak at, the podcasts I host, and the ways I hold space for my community. Because at the end of the day, our businesses and communities reflect who we are.
Why I Chose the Equal Justice Initiative
I could’ve picked a less controversial charity, but I stand firmly with EJI because their work aligns with my values. If you want to learn more, I highly recommend the film or book Just Mercy, which tells the story of Bryan Stevenson’s fight for racial justice.
I know conversations about race and inequality can feel uncomfortable, but growth happens when we lean into those moments. I’m here for the people who want to do the work—who believe in building communities where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Let’s continue breaking down barriers, lifting each other up, and creating spaces where true inclusion thrives.
With love,
Gloria