With each Tending the Hedge feature I’ve shared, I’ve talked a bit about the ethos behind the series, highlighting individuals who share their magic with the world, and who may inspire us to do the same. Today’s magic-maker is most definitely engaged in a practice of “magical stewardship,” living and working with intention within her community, and I am so happy that we were brought together by chance (we both participated in the absolutely fabulous workshop “The Craft of Writing” this spring). Lynise Lassiter offers consulting on diversity, equity, and inclusion for nonprofit organizations, as well as one-on-one coaching opportunities, and I am so pleased to offer this platform for her work!
What are your pronouns and what is your sign?
My pronouns are she and her, and I am a Scorpio.
Are you a witch? If so, what does that word mean to you?
I engage in what some people call “witchy” practices like burning candles with intention, reading tarot and natal charts to assist people on their soul journeys, and using my imagination to create my dreams. Moreover, I recently purchased a wand, because I want to learn more about how to use it as a healing tool. I am a Reiki practitioner, so I would like to uplevel my healing capabilities. With all of that said, though, I do not identify as a witch.I’ve just been drawn to the metaphysical and magical throughout my life. It’s a natural part of who I am.
What drew you to your work? Why is it important?
I am a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant. I aim to help people cocreate more humane learning and work environments with a positive mindset. As I reflect on this important work, I have always been passionate about ensuring people who are perceived to not always fit neatly into their environments figure out how to bloom wherever they are planted. I also aim to inspire leaders at all levels to rethink how they show up for the people they serve within the spheres they have the most influence in. I think my purpose is not so much to change systems, but to think more locally—to get people thinking about what they have some control over in their immediate environments—such as the self. I guide people through the process of how we can show up for others, so the people around us can feel valued, make a positive contribution using their gifts and talents, and feel like they have a meaningful place in the world.
How can others engage with this work and tend the hedge in their own communities?
One way anyone can engage in this work and “tend the hedge” in their own communities is to assess their people network. Who are the people in your network? What do they look like? Where do they live? What are their interests? Do they always seem to share your interests? Where do they “hang out”? Do the people in your network always seem to sharethe same socioeconomic or educational background as you? If you are involved in the community as a volunteer or serving in a senior leadership role, what does the compositional diversity in the organization look like and what do the personal and professional networks of the people in these institutions look like? What do our LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social media connections look like? In short, I always suggest that people intentionally widen their circles. We need to relentlessly ask ourselves tough questions about who we are, how we think, why we think the way we do, and who we know. This kind of shadow work, although often overlooked or minimized, is critical to creating more inclusive communities where people feel like they belong and can make a positive contribution wherever they happen to be.
Did you enjoy this feature? Check out other magic-makers in the Tending the Hedge series!
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