Tasha Lard Addresses Systemic Barriers for Minorities in Predominantly White Spaces at CBJ Diversity Summit

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa—The room was filled with anticipation as Tasha Lard, the keynote speaker at the CBJ Diversity Summit and Past President of South of 6 SSMID took the stage to deliver a thought-provoking address on the realities faced by minorities navigating predominantly white spaces. Her speech, equal parts candid and compelling, left no stone unturned as she tackled systemic barriers with both humor and heartfelt urgency.

Drawing on vivid metaphors, Lard set the tone early, describing the experience of being invited to a party only to be told to enter through the back door. “Standing there, after all your hard work and investment, you’re an afterthought, sidelined despite your significant contribution. How do you feel?” she asked the audience, leaving them to wrestle with the weight of her words.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: More Than a Buzzword

Lard challenged the audience to rethink their understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), dismantling common misconceptions. “DEI isn’t just about picking your token Black person or delivering endless PowerPoint presentations,” she declared.

“It’s about respect, understanding, and trust. It’s about building environments where we all thrive.”

Her remarks struck a chord with attendees, many of whom are leaders in business, nonprofit organizations, and community development. Lard emphasized the importance of genuine commitment over performative actions, warning against tokenism. “Tokenism is like throwing one vegetable on a plate of fries and calling it a balanced diet,” she quipped, drawing knowing laughter from the crowd.

Addressing the “Isms”: Sexism, Racism, and Colorism

A central theme of Lard’s keynote was the multifaceted barriers faced by minorities, particularly in predominantly white spaces. She broke these down into the “isms” that continue to pervade workplaces and communities:

• Sexism: Lard described the familiar experience of women’s voices being overlooked or credited to male colleagues. “How many times have you been in a meeting, made a point, and watched a man repeat exactly what you said louder and get all the credit?” she asked, prompting nods of recognition across the room.
• Racism: She framed systemic racism as “that uninvited guest that keeps showing up to the party,” underscoring its pervasive effects on marginalized communities. Lard called for action, not just condemnation, urging leaders to advocate for equitable access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
• Colorism: Within the broader context of racism, Lard shone a light on the often-overlooked issue of colorism, likening it to a game where “nobody told you there was even a game being played.” Her candid exploration of the privileges afforded to lighter-skinned individuals and the disparities faced by darker-skinned individuals added nuance to the conversation.

The Weight of Representation

Lard’s speech also reflected on the broader cultural and political struggles of minorities in predominantly white spaces. She pointed to the challenges faced by Black women, including the visible and vocal discomfort surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. “We watched Kamala face all the ‘isms’ in such a short period of time,” she noted. For many, Harris’s journey symbolized the persistent barriers to representation and acceptance.

A Call to Action: Building Genuine Inclusion

Lard’s address concluded with a powerful call to action for the business and nonprofit leaders in attendance. She urged them to go beyond performative gestures, advocating for systemic change and meaningful inclusion.

“Diversity is about acknowledging our differences, understanding them, valuing them, and working to build an environment where we all thrive,” she said. She encouraged the audience to support one another and channel their frustrations into focused energy to break down barriers.

The speech ended with an uplifting reminder of resilience. “Every moment of joy is like wearing bright colors to a meeting where everyone is dressed in beige,” Lard said. “Let’s move forward together, stronger, more determined—but also wiser about where we invest our energy.”

A Standing Ovation

Lard’s keynote was met with a standing ovation, her words resonating deeply with an audience tasked with carrying her message forward. As attendees left the room, there was a palpable sense that her insights had sparked important conversations and inspired action.