Send us a text

In this episode of The Equity Hour, host Dr. Tami sits down with Jenn Tardy, founder of Jenn Tardy Consulting and author of The Equity Edge, to unpack the realities of bias in hiring and what leaders can do to build truly inclusive workplaces.

With two decades of experience in recruitment and DEI, Jenn brings a clear, actionable perspective on why representation matters, how subtle and underexplored biases derail talent pipelines, and what organizations can do to move from “checking the box” to systemic change.

Key Takeaways:

• Why equity—not just diversity—is the competitive advantage companies need in 2025
• Common but overlooked biases that shape hiring decisions (like “professionalism” and “competitor bias”)
• How to empower recruiters and hiring managers with plain-language tools to spot and mitigate bias
• The difference between “calling out” and “calling in” — and how leaders can create space for accountability without defensiveness
• Why equity is a marathon, not a one-and-done training, and how organizations can sustain momentum despite resistance

Whether you’re a C-suite leader, HR professional, or manager shaping team culture, this episode will give you practical strategies to create equitable systems that attract, hire, and retain top talent.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Equity Edge by Jenn Tardy
• The Platinum Bias Checklist (free resource)

Summer Webinar Series

Support the show

Enjoying the show?
Become a subscriber: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226037/support

Would you like to be on the show or know someone who Dr. Tami should talk with? Let us know!

Follow us on Instagram to find more resources connected to today's episode.

Send us a text

In this powerful and timely episode of The Equity Hour, Dr. Tami welcomes powerhouse educators Drs. Bre & Kia to discuss what it really means to create safe, affirming schools for trans and gender-creative youth.

With honesty, warmth, and lived wisdom, the trio digs into the story behind Bre and Kia’s new book, T*is for Thriving, which offers educators frameworks, tools, and community for equity work that doesn’t stop at intention—it builds real infrastructure.

From navigating systemic pushback to cultivating joy in the face of oppression, this conversation explores how educators and allies can stay rooted in justice while speaking up when it matters most.

In this episode:

• Why “just staying neutral” isn’t an option in today’s climate
• The power of curriculum to affirm, include, and protect
• How allyship means removing barriers—not just offering support
• The story of T* is for Thriving and the frameworks that guide it
• Why joy, rest, and community are part of the resistance
• What it looks like to be in someone’s corner (and let them rest)

Resources:

T* Is for Thriving Book

Mutual Aid & More

Bridge to Thrive Framework

SJ Miller Framework

Goldie Muhammad Framework

Additional Resources:

Activism

For LGBTQ+ educators

To work with Dr. Kia: https://drkiadh.com/

Summer Webinar Series

Coaching Discovery Call

Support the show

Enjoying the show?
Become a subscriber: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226037/support

Would you like to be on the show or know someone who Dr. Tami should talk with? Let us know!

Follow us on Instagram to find more resources connected to today's episode.

Send us a text

In this episode of The Equity Hour, Dr. Tami Dean welcomes Dr. Courtney Teague—leadership strategist, executive coach, and founder of CLT and Associates—for a dynamic conversation on transforming organizational culture through equity, inclusion, and shared humanity. With over 17 years of experience across corporate, education, and government sectors, Dr. Courtney unpacks what it really means to build inclusive systems where people don’t just survive—they thrive.

From uncovering mislabeling in special education to challenging performative equity statements in corporate culture, this episode explores how leaders in all industries can move from words to impact. You’ll learn the role of invisible bias, how data-informed decisions drive cultural change, and why “belonging” must be budgeted—not just branded.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why equity work is deeply personal and not just professional
• The difference between inclusion and conformity in workplace culture
• Why equity should be a strategic imperative—not a charity initiative
• Practical ways to create data-informed, trust-based environments

Perfect For:

• Education leaders & school district administrators
• HR executives & DEI practitioners
• Nonprofit directors & corporate change-makers
• Organizational development and culture strategists

Connect with Dr. Courtney Teague: https://cltandassociates.com/

👉 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:
If you're ready to lead culture with intention—whether in your classroom or your boardroom—subscribe and share this episode. For more insights and upcoming events, visit https://dragonflyrising.org and follow The Equity Hour wherever you listen to podcasts.

Summer Webinar Series

Coaching Discovery Call

Support the show

Enjoying the show?
Become a subscriber: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226037/support

Would you like to be on the show or know someone who Dr. Tami should talk with? Let us know!

Follow us on Instagram to find more resources connected to today's episode.