Meet Sunday Helmerich! (they/their)
- Share your why. Why is DEI important to you?
As a white person, I’m inherently afforded access to resources, influence, and higher levels of safety based on my skin color alone. It’s imperative to me to use my inherent power and privilege to educate folks on deep-seated, systemic inequalities with the hope that we use that understanding to build a more equitable world.
As a non-binary and queer person raised in the conservative state of Oklahoma, belonging felt contingent on my ability to suppress my authentic self and conform to my environment. I know how painful it is to experience rejection because of who I am. Working in DEI equips me to co-create environments that prioritize psychological safety and belonging for all – not just those who fit the majority mold.
- Share one identity that is important to you right now.
Gender. Being non-binary is the freedom to exist outside of the rigid structure of gendered-norms. It allows me to approach my gender with a sense of creativity instead of suppression and/or expectation to conform. It’s akin to walking barefoot on a beautiful sandy beach instead of cramming my foot into a shoe two sizes too small.
- What superlative would you win?
- Most likely to try to convince my friends to quit their day jobs and pursue a career in comedy.
- Most likely to take on the role of party host for the first 4 minutes of the zoom meeting.
- Most likely to be convinced by Nani to stay for another round so the party can last a little longer.
- Most likely to absolutely want to see a picture of your dog and/or cat.
- What are you currently reading?
- Best movie or show you’ve watched of late?
The Last of Us (aaaaahhhh!)
- Any interesting or random previous career stops?
I dropped out of college after my sophomore year to spend my twenties as a professional musician/singer-songwriter (to varying degrees of success and many nights sleeping on couches across the U.S.!)
Stay tuned for more opportunities to get to know the entire Courage Collective team!
