Diversity, equity, and inclusion are some of the most pressing and least understood leadership issues of our time. As demographics within North America change, public gardens will be challenged to engage an audience with greater diversity in age, ability, race/ethnicity, gender, and more! While many gardens have taken strides to engage diverse audiences, public gardens are still lacking in diverse leadership. What does it really mean to be diverse, equitable, and inclusive? Why is this an uncomfortable discussion topic? This session explores key concepts, current research, and best practices for diversity, equity, and inclusion within public gardens with a focus on racial diversity in public garden leadership.
Presenters: T. Qiu, Longwood Gardens, Inc., Kennett Square, Pennsylvania;
M. Mack, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Arizona; C. Feldman, University
of California Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, Davis, California; A. Skaer,
Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver, Colorado
