Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down and chat with WLD member, Patricia Kinney. Patricia is the Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at IU McKinney. We are excited to honor Patricia and get to know her a little better!
You are the Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion. For someone who is not familiar with what that is, can you provide a brief summary of your job?
IU McKinney was one of the first law schools to have a similar position at a dean level. In my role, I oversee the law school’s efforts in DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion). I include access and belonging when I refer to DEI. I am also responsible for creating new initiatives, our diversity strategic plan including its implementation and I am an additional advocate for students. I also work with our pipeline programs that provide avenues for persons who are historically marginalized and/or underrepresented in the law. This covers a wide range of students and the intersection of their various identities, which could include racial identify, gender identity, LGBTQIA+, students living with a disability, first generation college or law students, just to name a few.
What are the pipeline programs?
IU McKinney has two different pipeline programs: Summer Law and Leadership Academy and the Pathway to the Law Program. Our goal is to provide opportunities for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to learn about the legal profession and its viability as a career path. Summer Law & Leadership Academy is a one-week summer program, which will take place virtually this summer. The Pathway to the Law is a two-year program that consists of four online courses the students take for credit, networking, mentorship and law school application assistance.
How did you get involved in DEI work?
It has been my life’s work. I am used to being the only person that looks like me in the room and I was a first-generation law student. I operate through a DEI lens, both personally and professionally. My goal to help create brave spaces and access so that people can show up as their authentic selves.
How can lawyers practicing, whether in the private or public sector, create an inclusive workspace?
We perceive the world through the lens of our lived experiences and tend to make inferences based on the framework of what is “normal” for us. Be curious and open-minded to learning about yourself and others and question the status quo.
What is something people misunderstand about DEI work?
Sometimes people think I only do work for one demographic, which is not the case. And there are people who tend to think some of the issues, such as implicit bias can be trained away. This work is all-encompassing and fluid. I refer to the work as “heart” work because it really starts with the individual and is part of ongoing professional and personal development.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my daughter and all of our pets, watching tv, traveling, and staying active. I recently started taking courses towards a yoga instructor certification.
What is good piece of advice you have heard recently?
During COVID, someone told me “go where your energy takes you” and I think this very relevant for life and work. Especially as women, we need to lift each other up, encourage each other and remind each other that it is not just ok to take a step back to recharge, but it is imperative. The to-do list is never-ending, and it will always be there. A lot of us are balancing a lot and we tend to put high expectations on ourselves. If our bodies, mentally or physically, are telling us to take a break, we need to listen to it. The to-dos will be there when we return. For me, I find that when I go where my energy takes me, taking a moment, I return refreshed to chip away at the tasks. We must take care of ourselves so that we can be effective.
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