Meet Tonya Parker | The Inclusion Practitioner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tonya Parker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tonya, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor for the success of my brand as “The Inclusion Practitioner” is the sincerity and authenticity that comes simultaneously with my existence and my practice. They are one, and for me, there is no separation. Wherever Tonya Parker happens to be, inclusive behavior and practices follow. I don’t need space, reason or opportunity to become “The Inclusion Practitioner.” It’s who I am.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My philosophy and practice as The Inclusion Practitioner is simple: Treat people the way they want to be treated, starting with the way you want to be treated until or unless you know any different; and as much as it depends on you/me, don’t cause intentional hurt or harm to others. We are responsible to and for one another.

All people share in the responsibility of building and maintaining inclusive environments, as we all contribute to human diversity. “Be the change you want to see in the world” is one of my favorite quotes. It inspires me to live what I believe and to treat others the way they want to be treated, starting with treating them the way I would like to be treated. I believe individuals must exhibit the behavior they expect or desire from others. If you don’t want to be excluded or alienated by others, you must willingly, intentionally and actively participate in creating and fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. It is not a one-person job or responsibility.

My work as The Inclusion Practitioner is to strategically and intentionally bring diverse groups of people together to reach an effective and desired outcome, which is at the core of my trainings and workshops. I work independently and collaboratively under my registered title, Inclusion Practitioner®, for DEI workshops and trainings, and civil discourse and inclusive dialogue facilitations. I have found over the years that well-facilitated dialogue that focuses on commonalities and the appreciation of differences, story-sharing, and awareness of the responsibility of each individual is effective in connecting gaps in understanding, improving communication, and building meaningful and productive relationships within shared spaces. People who serve in roles such as mine must have the integrity, compassion, concern, and heart for equality, equity and fairness for ALL people. Leading by example and building and fostering relationships are of utmost importance for this calling.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to the wonderful people, present and past, of Wesleyan College–my alma mater and the place where I began to hear my own voice more clearly as a student and to shape it more deliberately and with certainty as a campus executive leader. I would not have eventually become the first Chief Diversity Officer of the institution without the vision of my former professor, Dr. Matthew Martin, who believed that I was “the right person” to come back to the College to help bridge gaps of understanding and lay the foundation for a more inclusive culture. He knew I was “The Inclusion Practitioner” before I started claiming it. Thank you, Dr. Martin!

My DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) work at Wesleyan College has not been without its share of hurdles and challenges, but with the partnership, drive, passion and collaboration of my colleague and friend, Dr. Melanie Doherty, along with the support and encouragment of many other faculty and staff, we have made and are making great progress. I would be remiss if I don’t include former College Presidents, Dr. Vivia Folwer and Ruth Knox, and current President, Meaghan Blight, in this shoutout. I am grateful for every opportunity these wonderful women have given me to be my true, authentic self, to continue to grow into who I am called to be–on and off campus, and their support through it all. Thank you very much, ALL of my Wesleyan family! I cannot be who I am without my community.

Instagram: @tonyaparker_tp

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-parker-inclusion-practitioner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Parker.TonyaS

Image Credits
Photo in red shirt, yellow skirt by steps– Dsto Moore, photographer