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In an era when diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives face increasing opposition, voices of unwavering conviction become not just important but necessary. When Step Up Equity Matters co-founder Tania Ibarra published her powerful opinion piece titled "DEI is under assault. And I refuse to be silent" in the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service earlier this year, she wasn't just sharing personal thoughts—she was laying the groundwork for what would become our vibrant Step Up Together community.
"We cannot allow the forces of division to weaken the very things that make us strong—our differences, our histories, our unique perspectives," Tania wrote in her piece that resonated with many across Wisconsin and beyond. Her words came at a critical moment when DEI programs were facing significant political and institutional challenges nationwide.
What made Tania's article particularly powerful was how she connected her personal journey to the broader struggle for equity. Born in a remote village of just 100 people and walking 45 minutes to school as a four-year-old, Tania's path to becoming a DEI leader wasn't one she planned, but as she noted, it was "the only one [she] could have walked."
This authenticity, combined with her professional experience as a CPA and her role as founder of the Latino Professionals Association, made her perspective on equity matters particularly compelling. As someone who has bridged different worlds and overcome significant obstacles, Tania brings a unique understanding of both the challenges and opportunities inherent in diversity work.
The overwhelming response to Tania's article became a catalyst. What began as a reflection on the current climate became the spark for creating something more enduring—a community where people committed to equity could connect, learn, and drive meaningful change together.
Within weeks of the article's publication, the framework for Step Up Together began taking shape. The community's mission directly addresses the concerns raised in Tania's piece, focusing on building connections among leaders and professionals committed to driving real equity in workplaces and communities, providing resources to deepen understanding of equity-based strategies, and supporting the implementation of meaningful DEI initiatives.
Step Up Together exists because of the recognition that in challenging times, collective action becomes more critical than ever. We believe that when forces seek to diminish the importance of diversity and inclusion, the most powerful response is to strengthen our commitment and expand our community.
As stated in our community commitment: "I understand that my attitude and my perspective make my world what it is. I choose to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and empathy each and every day and in each and every encounter. While I know it will not always be easy, I commit to the challenge. I commit to change."
This pledge directly echoes the spirit of Tania's article, transforming concern into commitment and resistance into positive action.
Perhaps most importantly, Step Up Together represents a structural response to the institutional challenges facing DEI work. By creating a platform where meaningful connections can form, where resources can be shared, and where strategies can be developed collectively, we've built something that transcends individual organizations or initiatives.
Tania unapologetically supports Black, Indigenous, and women of color in the workplace, as clients, or as vendors whenever possible. This principle guides our community's development and represents the kind of clear, values-driven approach that can withstand opposition.
If Tania's article resonated with you—if you share her refusal to remain silent in the face of attacks on DEI—we invite you to become part of Step Up Together. This community exists because people like you recognize that progress requires more than individual effort; it demands collective action and mutual support.
Together, we can transform concern into positive change, creating workplaces and communities where equity isn't just a goal but a reality. Because as Tania's journey from a small village to leadership in DEI work demonstrates, the path may not be one we planned, but it can be one we walk with purpose, conviction, and in good company.
To learn more about joining Step Up Together and connecting with others committed to equity work, visit https://stepuptogether.mn.co/ or contact us at hello@stepupforequity.com.
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