Kristin Peikert, SVP of People & Culture, talks about the Significance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Educational Environments.
What is your name and what do you do at Macmillan Learning?
I am Kristin Peikert, Senior Vice President of People & Culture.
What does Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) mean to you and why is this topic important to you?
I believe that DEI is more than just recognizing and celebrating our differences, it's also about promoting equity and inclusion. Our different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives can only foster innovation if there’s a seat at the table for those voices to be heard.
What does DEI mean in the work context/environment and why is it so important?
At Macmillan Learning, our mission is to inspire what’s possible for every learner. To achieve that goal, we have to ensure that our diverse learners can recognize themselves in the content and products we create. That’s a big responsibility to shoulder, but one we know is necessary for us to help educators support student success and keep historically underrepresented learners engaged.
How do you experience the working atmosphere at Macmillan Learning?
The education market has been under rapid change for some time. That’s forced our teams to think differently and build their resilience. Change is tough for anyone, but it’s great to work with a mission-driven team that is dedicated to figuring out our role in helping to define the future of education.
What do you wish for the future in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion?
I welcome a future where every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or any other characteristic, has an equal opportunity to succeed and thrive. As an education company, we have a hand in helping make that possibility a reality. I am also excited for the day when DEI work isn’t viewed by society as activities that one must do to check a box or make a political statement. I believe that the most important thing we can do to usher in that future is to connect with each other and our communities.