Community Spotlight: Cynthia DeVese

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Cynthia DeVese

Cynthia DeVese’s journey into diversity, equity and inclusion (also known as “DEI”) in Westerville began with a chance meeting with Westerville City School District (WCSD) superintendent John Kellogg.

The two met on their way to the same parent meeting and struck up a conversation about access to education. A conversation with Kellogg’s team followed and DeVese was soon hired as the school district’s Educational Equity Coordinator.

She focused her efforts on creating college and career readiness programs for students of color. She also created parent organizations to engage with district administration, a Westerville-based mentoring program for female middle school students and a minority scholars initiative that grew into the “Lead Higher” program. Her work has created opportunities for student success and well-being, student access to rigorous academic programs, intentional diverse hiring practices, as well as representation in curriculum and advocacy groups.

Now that she has transitioned from the school district to full-time entrepreneurship, DeVese says she is excited to see WCSD take the reins and grow equity initiatives even further. As she sees it, there are three key tenets to building frameworks for DEI programs.

“First you have to start with a goal and examine the cultural mindset of your organization,” said DeVese. “Who are we as people and how do we show up?”

Second, she advocates a focus on student-centered teaching and learning by centering student voices, acknowledging funds of knowledge and exploring how people engage.

Lastly, DeVese encourages putting careful thought into policies and procedures. She says it is important to assess how organizations function and take a hard look at inequities and disparities in daily practices.

“People are layered. They are living and learning together. We have to be conscious of how people are treated because of their layered identities. We have to help people do that work. The more you know, the more you grow,” said DeVese.

Today, DeVese is a published author and full-time DEI practitioner, speaker and consultant. She also serves on the board of directors for the Westerville Public Library where she is taking a deep dive into community engagement and access to library resources.

While she sees DEI efforts gaining traction in Westerville, she says the work is not over.

“This community is open and welcoming but should always be open to change. We have to continue to embrace the changing community and make space for everyone,” said DeVese.

A Westerville resident for 15 years, DeVese has been involved in the community for more than 20. Her husband, Larry DeVese, owns a local dental practice in Commerce Park and both of their children graduated from Westerville South High School.

To learn more about her work in equity, access and education, visit www.cynthiadevese.com.