Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) has always been the tent-pole to our mission and vision of Saga Education. We aspire to remain at the cutting edge of educational innovation and impact. Meet our DEIB committee members and discover how they integrate DEIB into their personal lives and nurture a sense of belonging at all levels of our organization.
Margeaux McClelland (she/her/hers)
Art Director
What DEIB topics or issues are you most passionate about, and why are they important?
As a half-Filipino, Asian and Pacific Islander inclusion and celebration mean a lot to me! However, I am even more interested in DEIB’s work surrounding topics that are off my radar – there is a lot I can learn by being involved.
In a few sentences, explain why Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) are important to you personally.
I am a biracial woman in an interracial marriage. I have many friends and relatives from varied ethnic backgrounds and identities, many of whom are neurodivergent. The mission of the DEIB to promote awareness and community for diversity is near to my heart, as most of my loved ones would fall into one or more marginalized groups.
Are you engaged in DEIB initiatives outside of Saga? If so, please share a bit about your external involvement.
I am part of a POC artist collective. We support each other’s artistic journeys and careers, spend time together, and help each other out through difficult challenges. Every day, my life is blessed by them!
What goals do you hope to achieve through your work in DEIB, both at Saga and beyond?
My DEIB goals include improving empathy, understanding, and communication. I want to live a richer life and work more effectively by becoming more acquainted with lesser-known topics. I want to build friendships and community where it wasn’t previously possible due to my own limited understanding of people. Working with DEIB inside Saga will help me nurture those connections everywhere!
Is there someone or something that inspired you to become involved in DEIB efforts? If yes, please share.
After reviewing my work performance from the previous year, I decided that I could put more effort into interacting with and learning about people outside of my usual circle. I want to put more energy into stretching myself and gaining a fuller understanding of my neighbors and the world.
What challenges have you encountered or observed in the field of DEIB, and what solutions do you propose or support?
The answer is always ignorance – both in myself and in others. When we don’t know what we don’t know and don’t open our minds enough to care, that’s when callous actions are likely to occur. We combat ignorance with education and callousness with sincerity and patience. The first step to broader inclusion is awareness!
What advice or encouragement would you offer to your colleagues at Saga who want to get more involved in DEIB work?
You can always attend DEIB events or get involved in their meetings, but there are more opportunities if you look for them. Try having a work lunch with someone you don’t know or arrange to work with someone outside your typical circle. You’ll learn a lot! Outside of the workday, there are many volunteer opportunities in your community, and each one will bring you together with a surprisingly diverse and passionate group of people. Take a chance and sign up for a local volunteer event!
How do you see DEIB efforts making a difference at Saga Education, and what would you like to see in the future?
My peers love the DEIB events! When I see their engaged faces during meetings, I know the DEIB is doing important work. People see the DEIB’s efforts and are encouraged by it. It’s a great reminder that we live in a world where people care about you.
Read our three-year DEIB Strategic Plan on how we will use these work components to accelerate educational equity through the proven power of high-impact tutoring.
