Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Academic Publishing: A Virtual Interview Panel

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion has created challenges for marginalized communities, including within higher education and healthcare sectors that limit their accessibility to vital resources. Unfortunately, many have and continue to faced disparities in accessing crucial technology that permits necessities such as remote learning and hybrid learning, access to digital research tools, and reliable access to video conference calling, among others. The implementation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices within academics and beyond is pivotal to providing equal access to vital resources for all.

On December 16, 2021, contributing editors to IGI Global’s DEI e-Book Collection, Dr. Jessica Ashe from Mind Set News, USA, Dr. Kimetta Hairston from Bowie State University, USA, Dr. Pamela Leggett-Robinson from PLR Consulting, USA, and Dr. RaMonda Horton from Midwestern University, USA held a virtual interview panel and Q&A session around the benefits and challenges of DEI within academics.

Kimetta R. Hairston, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor and oversees Administration, Academics, and Virtual Engagement at Bowie State University in the College of Education. She received her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an Interdisciplinary Certificate in Diversity and Disability Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her primary research focuses on curriculum and instruction, qualitative research design, diversity, and culturally responsive pedagogy. She was nominated and served as a 2018-2019 American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow. Her commitment and experience in social justice include publications on diversity and cultural awareness, Black women in leadership, and diversity and interdisciplinary studies in K-20 curricula. One of her professional accomplishments includes establishing the sole proprietorship, Critical Diverse Interventions (CDI) Consulting. Over her 25+ years in education, she has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, & encyclopedia references.

Pamela Leggett-Robinson is the CEO and Executive Director for PLR Consulting in Atlanta, GA. PLR Consulting, a boutique Program Development and Evaluation firm, works with organizations and institutions that seek to develop and optimize STEM programs that address multi-faceted obstacles confronting both historically and presently marginalized groups in STEM environments. Dr. Leggett-Robinson has more than 15 years of higher education experience which includes STEM academic and student success/support programming, strategic planning, data analytics, and program evaluation.

RaMonda Horton, Ph.D, is a member of the Speech-Language-Hearing Scientists Equity Action Collective and an associate professor of speech-language pathology (SLP) at Midwestern University in Illinois. Her professional endeavors are focused on understanding the language processes and outcomes of Black children; and prioritizing justice, equity, and diversity in SLP policy, practice, and curriculum/training. Her research, teaching, and community service orientations are influenced by her own experiences with schooling, language, parenting, and intersecting forms of oppression.