Growing up as a Native American-Asian woman on my Tribal land in Oregon, encountering accurate representation of my identity in large companies or educational settings has consistently been a challenge, even within the confines of my tribal community. The presence of tribal people or the BIPOC community in Oregon, in general, is notably scarce. Being bi-racial in a predominantly white state and continuing into higher education at an even more predominantly white institution has presented its own set of challenges. Stepping into rooms, I often sense the disparities in my lived experiences compared to those of my peers. Due to these disparities, finding a place where I felt wholly accepted has been a recurring struggle.
Native enough, Asian enough, Smart enough, Good enough.
During high school, I remained unaware that these feelings of inadequacy could have been influenced by the lack of representation within the school systems. From K-12th grade, I encountered only one teacher who was a person of color (POC), and the only other POC teacher within the district at that time happened to be my father. Reflecting on how the absence of diversity within schools can impact not just students’ education but also their mental well-being is striking, particularly when considering my own experiences.
While I had exceptional teachers whom I cherished, it has only recently dawned on me that I was shielded from a diversified education, significantly shaping the way I think, speak, and perceive the world around me.
Finding support through people and connections within brands has given me the assurance that, despite sometimes feeling isolated, I am not alone in these sentiments. Knowing there is support and others like me out there has been crucial. Imposter syndrome, especially prevalent among underrepresented communities, can take a toll on individuals’ mental health. This is why representation in the media holds immense significance. Growing up without access to connections with BIPOC leaders beyond those in my family made it challenging to grasp the relationship between race, culture, and success, especially during such formative years.
Promoting inclusivity and diversity in the media can reshape how BIPOC youth perceive themselves, instilling the confidence to pursue ambitious goals and alter the narrative for their communities. Nurturing the next generations of leaders is intricately tied to providing them with the platform to be seen.