Diversity & Inclusion Education

In a time when institutions are seeking diversity and inclusion consultants, more than ever before, Perception comes from the framework of educating not training. As a strong pedagogue, Dr. Brackett teaches issues of diversity to the most novice of learners, and she is a master at breaking through and bridging divides. Thus, Perception provides a unique option of short courses, not training workshops. These courses require work not simply from the educator but from the learners as well. Do you truly want to know how to stop microaggressions? Are you desiring to work from within your institution to build a more inclusive environment? Do you want your team to all be on the same page of understanding about diverse communities and how they show up in your spaces? Then Perception is what you need. Dr. Brackett is a full-time faculty member in an African American Studies department and her diversity and inclusion consultant lens is to educate not train.

“I teach people how to fish, I don’t catch the fish and hand it to them. This work is continual, and the process is the product.”

— Dr. Brackett

Short courses

Do you want to be educated on the foundations of what would create a more inclusive environment? If so, contact Perception about having a short course. Short courses are meant to be like college courses, but arranged with your individual organization in mind. This means teaching content in a manner suited best for those seeking to learn. But a short course will require pre-reading, and short activities before and during sessions. A short course begins at 3 sessions and can extend based on the organization’s needed. Reach out for more information, and a glimpse at past courses used for other institutions. This is the most sustainable option if you are looking for continued engagement after the consultant has left. Why? Because now everyone is on the same page, they can use the same language, they can reference tools provided to work through any issues or concerns, and they are now more aware of their colleagues in regards to diversity and inclusion engagement.

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Guest Speaker

Perception seeks truth, honesty, availability, approachability, accountability and action through consulting ventures which range from speaking engagements to small workshops and work groups depending upon the needs of the benefactor(s)

Topic focused lecture

These are great opportunities to introduce groups to new topics of cultural or marginalized information and have a safe space to dialogue about the topic. Dr. Brackett is well versed in African American History, African American Popular Culture, Activism in Communities of Color, Connecting Cultures, Women of Color, Students of Color, Student Activism, and more. Reach out for further insight on options.

Work Group Dialogues

Holding smaller groups for the specific purposes of dialoguing and working through any concerns desired by the clients creates the best environments for intercultural development. Such groups can be held over several sessions to begin a transformative process for your organization in regards to engaging with cultural situations actively and not passively. This is essential to a successful work environment and to be successful in being inclusive in the organization’s deliverables. Most importantly, these group dialogues require individuals who desire to follow through with the goals that Perception seeks. And an organization that will support the developments from such dialogues.

Keynote Speaker

Do you have an upcoming event in need of someone who can speak with the audience and not simply at the audience? Dr. Brackett engages with the audience even at a distance. If you have a special event for Black History Month, Women's History month, a Diversity Week, or one related to some of her research focuses, Dr. Brackett is happy to connect and see how she can assist in fulfilling your event goals.

“I commend your candor and ability to create stimulating dialogue to assist military leaders in understanding the importance of communication, empathy, and personal growth. You have set the bar exceptionally high for future seminars.”

— Daphne Y. Soto, SMSgt., Retired, USAF Director, Equal Opportunity

Past Speaking Engagements

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO, HART HOUSE

I was invited to be a special guest speaker at the Hart House, located at the University of Toronto, in Ontario, Canada. The title of my talk was: The [In]Visible Black Woman: My Future doesn’t Always Look Bright, That’s Why I Throw Shade

TOKYO: JISSEN WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY

I was asked to give a guest lecture in the African American Literature class, after recognition of my presentations at the Japan Black Studies Association Conferences. The talk given was entitled: Overshadowed Victories at the 2018 Tennis US Open: Post-Match Commentary and the Undertones of Race, Gender, and the Politics of Respectability

DIVERSITY WEEK EWU

I presented a Diversity Lesson for Eastern Washington University's 2014 Diversity Week. The theme for that year was Get Out of Your Comfort Zone... The themed lecture and discussion was entitled: Racial Micro-Aggressions: The New Subtle Form of Racism.

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE

The Equal Opportunity Office at Fairchild has invited me to the base for two occasions. In 2014 for an interactive discussion for the high ranking base officials: Micro-Aggressions: Another Form of Discrimination. Also a more informal Black History Month interactive lecture and luncheon with mixed ranks in 2015: Black History: Who Defines History?

MEChA DISCUSSION ON COLORISM

In February 2016 I was invited to be the EWU Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA) student group presenter on Colorism. This particular student group is especially awesome in their activism and work towards cross cultural collaboration. In the audience were students from the Black Student Union and Native American Student Association as well. I am so grateful to have been asked to share with them.

ESL Tutoring

As someone who has taught abroad, I have gained insight into the need for ESL preparation and assistance on various levels for college and graduate students along with travelers. But most important, is having someone who can anticipate what you are trying to accomplish, and someone who finds joy in your success. English is a difficult language, to speak and to write, but I've enjoyed assisting folks with both of these. See options below for types of ESL tutoring I offer.

Editing for Short
Essays and Papers

Are you writing a college entrance essay? Do you have a first year paper due soon? Send it to me and I'll let you know if you're on the right track. If not I'll guide you in getting it on track. Online and Phone assistance available.

Editing for Longer
Essays and Papers

Do you have a senior research paper due? Are you a graduate student writing a thesis or dissertation? Do you want help with grammar and content, then reach out to me and let me see how we can work together to ensure you finalize that degree. It can be overwhelming, but I can help you.

Conversation and
Presentation Practice

Are you traveling to the United States for leisure or short term education? Let a native speaker prepare you for your trip. Do you have an English presentation coming up? Send me your presentation and we'll find a way for you to present to me. I'll help you prepare your delivery along with prepping you for questions and any on the spot adjustments. Skype me!

Send me a note and I'll let you know how I can help you.
*I accept Paypal and Venmo for payments.

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From my former student Paige in her native language Mandarin Chinese:

大家好我是Paige，目前就讀紐約大學整合行銷學系。在我來到紐約前，很榮幸可以跟LaToya老師學習英文跟美國文化。在課程開始前我們討論了很多關於我這次學習的目的，我希望這次的學習能幫助我提前適應美國碩士上課的模式向個案討論等，同時也希望可以多了解美國文化。在學習的過程中，我了解國外上課的運作模式。這對我現在碩士課程學習上幫助很大，同時我也很習慣上課跟教授做討論。 LaToya老師不只給我學習上的幫助也給了我文化上的差異及提點，這讓我剛來紐約時可以很快適應當地的文化。所以我很開心可以跟她學習這一切。

From a former student:

“Hi everyone, I’m Paige and I study Integrated Marketing in NYU now. Before I came to New York, I had a chance to learn English and American culture with LaToya, in Taiwan. Before the class began, we discussed about the objective of this time learning. I would like to know how to prepare for my learning in graduate school, case study, and understand the culture of United States. The classes with LaToya really had me get into the situation that I face in my graduate courses. I can have a nice discussion with my professor about the case study. The culture learning literally gave me a hand to adapt the life in New York and easier to get into the new environment. From my personal experience, I really had a great time learning with LaToya.”