Words matter.
Words have the power to perpetuate or challenge conscious and unconscious bias, to invite or exclude, to oppress or liberate. A commitment to equity demands we be intentional in our words.
As a copywriter and editor, I apply an equity lens to every project, identifying and addressing language that may unintentionally perpetuate stereotypes or power imbalances across race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, age, ability, religion, language, situation, and more. My person-centered approach respects humanity and cultural identity and is guided by listening to individuals and embracing continuous learning.
An Equitable Language Guide helps organizations align their communications with their values, providing a glossary of current, person-centered terms and other resources to support your DEI vision. These living documents are tools for reflection, growth, and action, reminding us that language evolves—and so must we.