Cmdr. Emily Shilling:
So, first, let’s say what DEI stands for. That’s diversity, equity and inclusion.
And when you actually say the words you realize what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to create an environment where our service members feel like they belong, that they’re with their battle buddies, that they’re with somebody they can trust and count on when they’re in the foxhole.
When you create an inclusive environment for others, they bring their whole self. If they have to leave some portion of them at home, you’re only getting 80 percent of the individual. When they’re allowed to bring all of themselves, they end up being better service members, and they end up being better leaders.
For myself, when I was able to start showing up to work as my full self, across the board, I got better reviews, I excelled as a leader, and, actually, I ended up promoting to commander with merit reorder to number one as a transgender woman in the U.S. Navy.
