Why Do We Need Inclusivity?

In international development, non-profit organizations often claim inclusivity is a core value. But why does it matter? It is because we consistently work with people from different backgrounds through communication, coordination, and collaboration ("3C"). We deal with some of the most complex problems our society embodies, and they require the 3C among those living in different contexts. Importantly, we learn a lot from our experience. It's the great adaptability and flexibility of human beings, and that's why I encourage my mentees to gain as much hands-on experience as possible without overanalyzing career projections. That is, your specialty comes only from your experience; you can only grow through the things you faced with your five senses. However, it also implies that our perspective is always bound by our own experience, and it sometimes shows up as biases. Think of me starting a new business, an Italian restaurant, because I like pizza and someone told me it's profitable.…