From Fledging Feelings to Full Flight: An Introverted, Overthinking Perfectionist Implements a DEI Philosophy Shift

In this first-person Engage feature, Sharleen Tarnate-Nguyen, the Volunteer Engagement Manager for the San Diego Humane Society, gives readers an impassioned account of her journey to implement an organization-wide philosophy shift toward diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. Describing the experience as one of “fledging feelings to full flight,” Tarnate-Nguyent now pledges to always advocate for and highlight diverse volunteer voices in her career as a Volunteer Engagement professional. Writes Tarnate-Nguyent, “With the discourse around DEI becoming increasingly politicized and heated, I argue that at its root, it’s about basic human rights and dignity. . . it’s having the courage to act on what is right. . . it is speaking out against injustice and discrimination, even when it’s scary. . . and it is forging pathways to allow equitable access to resources, influence and power within our nonprofits.”