Lattice Miller, product analyst II, product development, said that if there was one thing she could teach others about diversity and inclusion, it would be, “Challenge your perception of reality and understand that the way you experience life and your interactions are not the same as other people’s experiences.”
As a member of USAble Life’s inaugural Inclusion Council, Lattice sees this as an opportunity to “have a seat at the table; to have a say in things that impact her.” Lattice has been with USAble Life for five years. As a member of the Inclusion Council, she feels that she has “an opportunity to have the hard conversations, raise cultural awareness, and help with career training and advancement for underrepresented groups.” Through the council, she hopes to help influence change to create a workplace where everyone feels included. She also said, “I hope to learn more about different cultures, understand our biases, and be open to change. I look forward to having an impact in our community.”
Lattice sees diversity as being aware that we’re all unique with different perspectives and experiences. She tries to instill the idea of diversity in her children, who have inspired her during Diversity Month. Lattice said, “I’ve had some tough conversations with my children over the past year. Conversations I thought could wait until the teen years.” She knows the conversations are important, and she wants her children to understand that it’s okay to be different in hopes that they’ll always be themselves.
Lattice is inspired by many great civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, and Rosa Parks. She said, “But if I had to pick one, it would have to be Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana at the age of six.” Lattice said, “I cannot think of anyone braver than her six-year-old self, escorted by marshals to school every day, surrounded by mobs of angry people. Her selflessness helped reform education.”
Education, hope, respect, and inspiration are all part of the Inclusion Council’s essence and creating a sense of belonging for all. One of Lattice’s hopes is that rather than people quoting Dr. King, they would live out his dream. She said, “I long for the day when people don’t hate others based on their skin color and ethnicity. We should treat each other with respect and kindness.” It’s the basis of how she defines inclusion as recognizing individuality while providing a sense of acceptance for all.
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