Dominika is a project manager at ENTER GmbH in Austria, one of the project partner organisations in the DEI4SME project. In her position, she is responsible for several projects with different backgrounds and target groups, all from the educational field. She specialises in project communication/promotion.
Interviewer: What personal and professional experiences or events have motivated you to get involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts?
Dominika: As an EU project manager with experience in communication, web design, and content creation, my motivation for supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts lies in the values of fairness and respect for all individuals that we always try to convey in our work. I have witnessed the power of diverse teams in driving creative, innovative solutions that reflect the needs of specific target audiences. My work environment is multicultural and multinational, and this has profoundly shaped my approach to ensuring every voice is heard and valued. I have a deep appreciation of how important it is to foster inclusive spaces, both in personal and professional areas. DEI is not just an abstract concept; it is very real and present every day. The feeling of being overlooked in environments where diversity is not actively promoted can bring severe challenges for individuals who are experiencing it. I feel happy that we are currently involved in this project and in another very meaningful initiatives that also forsters diversity, in that case directed at younger VET learners.
Interviewer: Who or what has inspired you the most in your commitment to promoting DEI within the organization, and how has that influence shaped your approach?
Dominika: My commitment to DEI within ENTER has been inspired by both the people I have worked with and personal values. I have seen the impact of leaders and colleagues who not only advocate for DEI but also live it through their actions. Within ENTER, I draw inspiration from the efforts we have collectively made to develop inclusive communications and digital solutions, both within the organisations and in our work. This influence shapes my approach by prioritising inclusive design, ensuring content is accessible and relatable to people from all walks of life. Additionally, working alongside individuals who have overcome significant barriers due to inequality has reinforced my commitment to promoting DEI, motivating me to keep working towards more inclusive, equitable practices within our projects.
Interviewer: What core values drive your interest in DEI, and how do these values influence your work and interactions with others in this initiative?
Dominika: The values that motivate me personally most for being active in the DEI field are fairness and empathy. I want to create content and solutions that speak to diverse communities, ensuring our digital platforms are accessible to everyone. I also believe in the power of inclusive leadership, where spaces are created in which diverse perspectives are heard, valued, and integrated into the decision-making process. These values influence how I interact with my colleagues and with external partners, ensuring inclusivity is central to every project we, as an organisation, undertake.
Interviewer: What changes do you hope to see as a result of your DEI work, and what motivates you to strive for these changes?
Dominika: I want to see a more inclusive work culture in general, where everyone is able and feels confident to contribute and share their unique perspectives. A good goal is for DEI to be integrated into our organisational processes and outcomes, from communication strategies to content creation and digital design. I believe that working towards this will not only enhance our workplace environment, but also improve how we connect with each other and create content addressed at the diverse target groups we work with. What motivates me to work towards these changes is the belief that when we support and enable an inclusive environment, it leads to greater creativity, a good working atmosphere, and more meaningful impact in our projects.
Interviewer: How has your involvement in DEI initiatives contributed to your personal and professional growth, and what skills or insights have you gained through this experience?
Dominika: My involvement in DEI initiatives has been a very positive journey, both personally and professionally. I have developed a more nuanced understanding of how systemic inequalities affect individuals. This has enhanced my ability to collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and bring out the best in everyone by acknowledging their unique contributions. Professionally, I have gained valuable insights into how to design more inclusive digital content and communication strategies. Skills in this area, that are useful for project management, such as active listening, conflict resolution, and promoting equity in decision-making, are essential for DEI initiatives and for a sustainable application in daily practices.