Table of Diversity Youth Edition
The Table of Diversity is a structured framework designed to help kids, teens, and young adults explore how identity, experience, and perspective shape the way we understand ourselves and others.
What is the Table of Diversity?
Inspired by the Periodic Table of Elements from Chemistry, the Table of Diversity organizes various elements of diversity in a way that's accessible, relatable, and actionable. It helps kids, teens, young adults- and their grown-ups- explore the complexity of who they are and how that shapes their interactions, relationships, and communities. It is the foundation behind all Table of Diversity Experiences.
The Table of Diversity Experience
The Table of Diversity Experience is a structured, interactive program that helps young people explore identity, perspective, and community through guided activities that naturally lead into deeper dialogue.
How it works:
1. DO: Young people begin with interactive activities like the signature prompt:
What’s Your Diversity Formula?
2. NOTICE: Participants reflect on what they observe during the activity answering questions like 'what patterns did you notice when completing the activity?'
3. CONNECT: Participants deepen the experience through structured reflection using the Table of Diversity Framework- Reflect, Relate, and Rise Up to turn awareness into meaningful action.
About The Table of Diversity Creator
Demetria Miles-McDonald
Hello and welcome to the Table of Diversity universe!
My name is Demetria Miles-McDonald and I'm dedicated to promoting understanding and meaningful engagement in our diverse workplaces. With over a decade of experience in professional speaking, training, and consulting, I've had the privilege of partnering with industry leading organizations such as NASA, Humana, and In-Q-Tel to foster inclusive and equitable environments.
My Journey
My background in chemistry has profoundaly influenced my approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and intersectionality. I've always been fascinated by the interactions and reactions that occur at the molecular level, which parallels the complex dynamics of human relationships. The inspiration for the Table of Diversity stems from the Periodic Table of Elements. And, fun fact: The creator of the Periodic Table of Elements is Dmitri Mendeleev. I'm pretty sure I was Dmitri in a previous life!
The Table of Diversity is my modern take on the periodic table of elements. It serves as a framework for understanding the diverse identities and experiences that shape our world. I believe that just as the periodic table of elements organized the complexities of matter, the Table of Diversity helps organizations and individuals navigate the intricate landscape of human connection.
My Mission
At the heart of my work is the belief that every individual has a unique story that contributes to the larger narrative of our communities. The Table of Diversity is designed to be useful in three ways:
* For individuals: The Table of Diversity serves as a personal tool for self-discovery. It invites people to reflect on their own identities, thought processes, and experiences, fostering greater self-awareness and showing up with purpose.
* For teams: The Table of Diversity is a powerful resource for team engagement. It helps team members understand each other's backgrounds, values, and perspectives, creating a foundation for collaboration and mutual respect. By exploring diversity together, teams can enhance their dynamics and drive collective growth.
*For organizations: The Table of Diversity facilitates a systemic shift in how organizations operate. It challenges existing structures and practices, encouraging leaders to reevaluate their strategies and implement sustainable, inclusive practices.
Join The Test Tube
The Test Tube is a weekly space to practice DEI using the Table of Diversity, and yes, the name is intentional. Just like scientists use a test tube to run experiments and make discoveries, The Test Tube is a space where you can examine your assumptions, activate new thinking, and create change you can measure. Every issue is designed to help you move through the world with a DEI lens and take action that actually means something.
