"During my time working in higher education, I was responsible for implementing the university's 'Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity' strategic plan. First, I organized face-to-face meetings between myself and individual students, faculty, and staff of culturally diverse backgrounds to learn about their concerns and needs to help move the university towards an environment of greater inclusion, safety, and understanding. Next, I formed a committee that included people I had met with, and together we compiled recommended changes to university policies and programs. I believe meeting face-to-face and actively listening are both essential when building bonds with people whose experiences may differ from your own."

"When I worked as an instructor with my church's afterschool leadership development program, I believed the students should get involved with community service in order to demonstrate the transformative quality of servant leadership. I also strongly believed, and still do, that participating in community service with people who come from diverse backgrounds is a powerful way to build bridges between communities. As such, I contacted a friend of mine who participates in a community service group at his mosque. I asked him if he would be willing to co-organize a community service day with me involving students from my leadership program and participants from his mosque's service club. This day served as a test to see if we would continue this partnership for future events with broader attendance from members of the Christian and Muslim communities. The event was a success, and we were able to include four annual events as part of our regular rotation."

Try to avoid generalizations about embracing diversity. Pick specific ways that you have educated yourself in cultural sensitivity and fostered authentically inclusive environments.