DIALOGUE

MICHAELA MARES-TAMAYO, PHD

Polytechnic School’s inaugural director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is practicing what she preaches, which means she’s listening. For the upcoming school year, the Poly alumna will also be a Poly parent. Here she discusses what parents can listen for and lean into to be a DEI ally at home.

BY JENNIFER ASHTON RYAN

> Tell us about your new job.

I have a balcony view of what’s going on across Poly. I will sit with school-wide directors and serve as a resource for our student, faculty, parent, and alumni groups. In July, I stepped into the community and am seeing where DEI work has been taking place, coming in with respect for the groundwork already laid by students and faculty. Our student groups have been growing, ranging from racial, ethnic-based af nity groups to groups focused on feminist education and LGBTQ+ issues.

> How were you thinking about DEI as a Poly student?

I wouldn’t have used those words, but I was just looking for a time to talk and acknowledge the fact that there were differences across our classes. I wanted to hear someone acknowledge that there wasn’t just one monolithic experience that people brought to our school. Maybe we didn’t have those conversations because there was a sense of not wanting to ruf e people’s feathers or create a lack of unity.

> What should parents say at home to open up safe spaces to talk about DEI?

What’s important in the early years is to understand that people come from all walks of life and that their differences can be a source of strength in the community. As students get into middle school, it’s important for them to understand how those differences are valued, both presently and historically. Students are understanding, “Who am I in this world? What can I do to be a good community member?” A good member is someone who listens to the people around them. It doesn’t mean that they have to agree, but it does mean that they’re holding space and providing a sense of belonging.

> In what ways do you see parents hindering DEI work?

Sometimes we assume that talking about certain topics will only make students feel bad or sad. They’re just kids, right? I’m the mom of a beautiful 6-year-old boy, and the rst thing that I think of every day is, how can I protect him? How can I make sure he’s healthy and happy? Sometimes as parents, we focus on protection so much that we underestimate our children’s capacity to be challenged. But look at what happens in sports, or swimming lessons, when it’s clearly not a comfortable experience for the child. The child is not happy, and then they have their peers, their coaches, equipping them with con dence and skills, and they nd ways to channel the discomfort in a positive way. The same goes for talking about issues that make us parents feel uncomfortable or cause us to admit that we don’t have the answers.

> Where can we learn more?

I’m a huge fan of the Pasadena Public Library, and I read its Off the Shelf newsletter that lists ongoing educational opportunities, especially at the La Pintoresca Branch in Northwest Pasadena. Vroman’s Bookstore also promotes a diverse range of authors and speakers. And you can get your family involved in community-based groups like Adelante Youth Alliance.

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