Meet Dr. Jessica Renee Pepple
Founder of Equitas Consulting & Management
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In her current capacity as a Chief Diversity & Culture Officer, and collaborator with school-level leaders, school districts, students, and boards, Dr. Pepple works effectively, purposefully, and carefully to elevate equity, bolster belonging, and increase inclusion. Whether in the classroom, boardroom, or conference room, she has helped to establish cultures built on a common foundation of respect, accountability, and empathy. In addition to her motivational keynotes, dynamic workshops, and webinars, and overseeing the delivery of unparalleled service provided, Dr. Pepple’s true gift lies in her ability to build capacity where none previously existed by bridging the divide between seemingly historically marginalized, overlooked interest groups and firmly establishing the need for shared decision-making to achieve to develop a culture of belonging and inclusivity among leaders.
Dr. Pepple holds an Ed.D in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from Boston University, an Ed. Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from National Louis University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University, a BA in Risk Management-Insurance from Florida State University, and an Associate’s in Business Administration from Valencia Community College.
Prior to joining RFK Community Alliance in 2022, Jessica worked for the King Phillip School District as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Before that, she served in various Administrator and Instructional Coach roles at Browne Middle School in Chelsea, Prospect Hill Academy in Cambridge, and Orange County Public Schools in Florida. She is a strategic thinker and thoughtful contributor who is intuitive and gregarious.
The Harm of the N-Word on Black & Brown Students
Author Bell Hooks stated, "Definitions are vital starting points for the imagination. What we cannot imagine cannot come into being. A good definition marks our starting point and lets us know where we want to end up.” Bell Hooks highlights the importance of language and how language is used to shape our understanding. Throughout history, there have been repeated attempts to alter and soften the language used to describe and understand racism.
As a community that works with students impacted by challenges related to trauma, developmental, and mental health, we have a responsibility to not only have empathy for our students but also to adopt anti-racist practices that help to ensure more equitable outcomes for everyone. Before we can do this, we must discuss what dehumanizing looks like and how it has evolved.
For several years, I have been in school administrative roles and have been working as a Chief Diversity & Culture Officer and equity consultant (previously being a Regional DEI Director). During my time in the classroom and in the building, I did hear the N-word being used, but it was very infrequent. Whenever I had to address the slur, the students would automatically say, “I’m sorry; I know what you are going to say next”. However, as a parent, equity officer, and Black woman, I am inspired to share and facilitate and share this workshop with the community as the nation is gearing up for another political cycle which can cause an uptick in dehumanizing language being used in society, which includes the public school system. For example, within one school year, I have read and watched news headlines that took place in the Commonwealth, including but not limited to the following.
● “Investigation underway into alleged racist bullying at Southwick Regional School."
● “Holyoke students demand action after hearing teachers use a racial slur in class.”
● “Racist remark made during the middle school track meet in Massachusetts.”
● “Students at Western Mass. High School accused of racist bullying”
Now, as an expert in equity work– and operationalizing it with dialogue, understanding, respect, and gentle nudging as a velvet hammer, I’d like to support school districts and organizations with the following objectives to help minimize the use of the N-word; helping students and adults understand the impact of the N-word and its layered complexities.
Pertinent Links about Dr. Jessica Renee Pepple