Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to our culture because they foster creativity, fresh perspectives, and understanding. The ability to understand one another, to emphasize and tolerate, is a value we should all take the time to develop. Failure to do so has led to many wars throughout history. As someone with multiracial background and an immigrant in the US, I have experienced both DEI's struggles and benefits. The change can be challenging, but if we succeed in accepting others as who they are without the question of age, gender, race, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, or other factors that distinguish one person from another, we can focus what’s important and quite literally make the impossible possible together. 

However, diversity alone is inadequate; that's when equity comes to light. Understanding and embracing that everyone needs different resources to succeed are essential. Companies can find talent anywhere, regardless of academic qualification; demonstrating experience and skill should be sufficient. I’m a product of equity, I didn't study computer science in college, but here I am as a data analyst and software development enthusiast. Do I regret my decision not to study the field I work in now? No. The experiences and other skills I've learned from my academic experience as an industrial engineer help me think outside the box and have different perspectives on the matter. 

Finally, inclusion is the key. Diversity and equity can be successfully implemented only by inclusion. I make extra efforts in my team at work or outside of work to make people feel welcome and feel it's a safe environment to share their opinions. 

Last but not least, I take an active role in Women and EDGE (Ethnically Diverse Group of Employees) ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) at AXIS Capital to support and grow DEI in the organization. 

I have been an active member of Rotary International since 2015. I continue to be a delegate for the branch I was co-chairing four years ago. We have worked really hard over the past eight years to address some of the World's most concerning environmental, educational, and social issues. 

Protecting our planet is the same as keeping your home clean; it is our responsibility to stop pollution, protect nature and various species from getting extinct. Fortunately, with social media playing a significant part in raising awareness globally, we have noticed an increasing demand and interest in addressing environmental issues. However we don't such such trend for education which is equally important. Especially in developed countries it might be less concerning as education and academic resources are plentiful. My experience living in Turkey in that sense has been eye-opening for me to understand the current situation in developing countries. In developed countries, adults have an average of 12 years of school, compared with 6.5 years of school for those in developing countries. This ignorance in developing countries is highly associated with the massive gap between social classes. With Rotary, I've had the opportunity to visit various schools in the east of Turkey, where the situation is grave. Most schools don't have libraries for children to read, electricity to keep them warm, or qualified academicians. Therefore, I've invested my time as co-chair to raise awareness, funds and build libraries in these towns. Raising awareness of the current situation and becoming the voice for those kids is a life-long mission I took over myself. Please start making a change TODAY