[I've] never heard anyone that moved me so.
Dereca is a visionary and an exceptional leader.
She delivered an interactive transformational education event.
“My very first week at Stanford I heard Dereca speak and I knew that she was someone I wanted to have as an instructor and mentor. She is someone who meets people where they are at and does not shame them into caring about diversity issues, but rather guides them to the reasons why it is important to their lives and their own success. She is deeply passionate about equity and justice, and practices creating that in the world through her connections with others. Without a doubt, I will recommend her to every institution I work at in the future for their diversity initiatives and I hope to channel her in my life moving forward.”
– Stanford University Student“I’ve participated in Dereca’s “Beyond the Line” training twice Both sessions were incredibly powerful – we learned a lot but also practiced talking openly about sensitive topics. Dereca is nothing but professional, engaging and also makes the session super fun. I highly recommend her session to anyone interested in/open to Inclusion topics.”
– Head of Consumer Market Research, LinkedIn“Dereca is probably one of the most insightful, charismatic, and intelligent people amongst Stanford’s far reaching student affairs staff. Speaking to Dereca has the comforting effect of speaking to your mom but the sharp, cutting insight of all things related to race, class, and equity. She’s like Stanford’s very own Toni Morrison.”
– Human Rights Advocate, CHRM2“Dereca supported the successful launch of our Allies Academy as a part of our larger Diversity and Inclusion initiatives at LinkedIn. To support our launch, she delivered an interactive, highly engaging and transformational education event that was broadcast to LinkedIn employees across the US. Feedback was really strong – a few said Dereca should run for President! It is clear that Dereca invested a great deal of thoughtful work and preparation into customizing the experience. Her coaching and guidance along the way was also top notch. I highly recommend Dereca if you are looking to make an impact in the space of diversity and inclusion with a meaningful experience for your organization.”
– Global Lead, LinkedInThe Diversity and First-Gen Office (DGen) at Stanford is the hub of support for first-generation and low-income students and the nucleus for inclusion and diversity programs. The office is playing a key role in Stanford’s yearlong OpenXChange initiative.
Read ArticleTo commemorate the tenth anniversary of Oscar Grant’s death, KQED asked artists, activists and family members to look back on Grant’s life and legacy. What would they say to him today? What changes have they seen in their own communities over the past decade?
Read ArticleThe winners of the individual awards are Ben Barres, a professor at Stanford Medicine, and James Jordan, a senior manager at the Stanford Alumni Association. The winner of the program award is the Diversity and First-Gen Office.
Read ArticleStanford students have a tradition of welcoming first-year students on move-in day by memorizing their names and calling them out when new students arrive at their dorms. A new service uses technology to build on that tradition.
Read ArticleThis quarter, 17 campus organizations have requested that Beyond the Line (BTL), an interactive activity that engages Stanford students in discussions about controversial issues of race, class, gender and campus culture,be facilitated in their student groups or residential spaces.
Read ArticleEn el futuro, un título universitario tradicional seguirá siendo útil para desarrollar habilidades fundamentales, pero después de la graduación, se espera que los trabajadores continúen su educación a lo largo de sus carreras. Ellos pueden, por ejemplo, cada vez más buscar…
Read ArticleWhen Dereca Blackmon arrived on the Farm as a freshman, she felt a remarkable sense of belonging. “This was the first place where I was not just the smart girl and not just the black girl. I was in this community of all these people that had had these experiences, just like me…”
Read ArticleAt a Stanford symposium, experts discuss shifting education expectations, technology’s impact, and new worker demands. In the future, a traditional college degree will remain useful to build fundamental skills, but after graduation, workers will be expected to continue…
Read Article