Meeting Recap- How to Tell Authentic Stories
by Riley Mason
DEI Committee alongside Carmina Escalante (third from right) and Sydney Brass (second from right)
This meeting was hosted by Sydney Brass, the current director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Outreach for UGA PRSSA. Read on to learn how intentional communication can shape authentic storytelling.
Panelists
- Carmina Escalante – Senior Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at SiriusXM
- Gita Stulberg – Executive Director of MyVote and Founder of the Social Justice Lab
- Naria Frazer – Senior Vice President of People Experience and Belonging at Praytell
What does a typical day in your role look like?
Escalante: Her work varies daily, but she primarily focuses on integrating a DEI structure within the company. She works with employee resource groups to ensure they operate efficiently and have a direct line to SiriusXM leadership. Her goal is to embed diverse voices and perspectives throughout the company.
Frazer: She recently launched Praytell’s learning and development program, ensuring it provides equal opportunities for all employees. By creating a system where anyone can learn the necessary skills to succeed, the agency enhances employee retention and engagement. Her goal is to weave these values into the company’s culture so they shape both internal interactions and client work.
Stulberg: Unlike corporate settings, her role centers on engaging with volunteers, interns, and fellows to ensure diverse representation and community involvement. She also collaborates with partners to foster inclusivity in voter education and civic engagement. Her focus is on bringing in a wide range of perspectives.
What motivated you to pursue a career in DEI?
Escalante: As a child, her parents told her not to bring a toy into stores to avoid accusations of theft. This experience highlighted how people navigate the world differently based on their identity. Her passion for DEI was reaffirmed when her daughter entered kindergarten and struggled with representation in her peer group. This reminded her why she is committed to this work.
Frazer: Throughout her career, she has often been the only minority in corporate spaces. Acknowledging her unique experiences, she felt driven to create change, making these spaces more inclusive and opening others’ minds to different perspectives.
Stulberg: Inclusivity has always been a core value for her. Growing up in a diverse family in New York City, she learned the importance of ensuring people feel seen and heard.
How do you tell authentic stories?
Stulberg: Listening is key. See people for who they are, look beyond differences, and connect with their humanity.
Frazer: Whether pitching stories to clients or engaging in DEI work, curiosity and humility are essential. Good storytelling requires active listening, learning, and understanding. Diversifying your social circles and consuming various cultural media, such as music, art, and literature enhances storytelling.
Escalante: Working closely with internal communications and multicultural marketing, she emphasizes inclusivity in messaging. When crafting company-wide messages, she ensures they are reviewed by representatives of the content to guarantee respect and accuracy.
What are the most memorable DEI events you have hosted?
Escalante: “Crucial Conversations” at SiriusXM stands out, particularly a discussion on allyship. The key takeaway was that genuine allyship requires sacrifice. Posting a black square on Instagram may offer personal gain, but true allyship involves taking risks to drive meaningful change.
Stulberg: After 2020, her organization prioritized bringing people together in person. One notable event was a community conversation in New York on the lingering effects of COVID-19. It united students, artists, teachers, and others who might not typically interact, fostering connection during a difficult time.
