How to Build a Career in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Work feat. Jaya Saxena

Jaya Saxena’s Background

Jaya Saxena’s background is shaped by her personal lived experiences, which have influenced her perspective on various issues. She emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary education and experiential learning. Jaya completed a nine-month program that involved multiple internships, providing her with a diverse range of experiences. Despite the challenges she faced, she found meaning in her work and recognized its significance. Jaya's background and mindset were further influenced by her mother's illness, which had a profound impact on her. She believes in being open to opportunities and possibilities, allowing one's career to evolve organically.

"So I often begin by telling people a little bit about my personal background, because I do believe our personal lived experiences shape the way we view the world," shares Jaya Saxena on You Are A Lawyer.

Jaya's believes in the importance of personal experiences in shaping one's perspective. She recognizes the value of sharing her background to provide context for her views and experiences. Jaya's understanding of the impact of personal background on one's worldview informs her approach to her work in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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Why Law School

Jaya attended law school because of her personal background and experiences. She believes that our personal lived experiences shape the way we view the world, and she wanted to use her experiences to make a meaningful impact. Additionally, Jaya appreciated the interdisciplinary nature of law school, which allowed her to develop both quantitative skills and a broader understanding of various subjects.

"So in addition to the heavy emphasis on quantitative skills, it was also interdisciplinary, which is something that I very much appreciate, especially now looking back on," reflects Jaya Saxena on You Are a Lawyer.

Furthermore, Jaya's father's influence played a role in her decision to pursue law school. Coming from a family and culture that highly valued education and hard work, Jaya was inspired by her father, who was an engineer. She saw law school as an opportunity to continue the tradition of pursuing advanced education and making a difference. This familial influence, combined with her desire to create positive change, led Jaya to choose law school as her path.

What Can You Do with a Law Degree

With a law degree, there are various career paths that one can pursue. In the podcast episode, Jaya discusses her journey from practicing law to becoming a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professional. She highlights the importance of being open to opportunities and possibilities, as well as the ability to make a meaningful impact in different fields.

"So I do think oftentimes it's, I'm going to go to law school and do X or do Y. And, you know, if we're open to opportunity and to possibilities, oftentimes our career will take us in a different direction," explains Jaya Saxena, on this episode of You Are a Lawyer.

One option for law graduates is to explore the field of DEI, working towards creating inclusive environments and promoting diversity within organizations. Jaya's experience in DEI at a law firm showcases the potential for lawyers to contribute to positive change in the workplace. Additionally, a law degree can provide a strong foundation for roles in policy-making, advocacy, and social justice. The skills acquired through legal education, such as critical thinking, research, and analysis, can be applied to various sectors and issues, allowing individuals to make a difference in areas they are passionate about.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Jaya's work as a DEI leader is characterized by her commitment to creating meaningful change and her ability to navigate complex systems. Throughout the podcast episode, Jaya discusses her experiences in various roles, from working in a law firm to leading diversity and inclusion efforts at a law school. She emphasizes the importance of taking an interdisciplinary approach and collaborating with different departments to address a variety of issues. Jaya's dedication to broadening the talent pipeline and supporting historically underrepresented or marginalized students demonstrates her passion for creating inclusive environments.

“I also really enjoy seeing or experiencing how this work can have a direct impact on someone's lived experience in this sense, in this context, in the workplace,” shares Jaya Saxena on You Are a Lawyer.

Jaya's work extends beyond organizational boundaries. She recognizes the significance of considering DEI in a global context and actively seeks opportunities to explore how global organizations can drive change. Her ability to ask critical questions and ensure a firm's commitment to DEI before joining demonstrates her intentionality in choosing organizations that align with her values. Jaya's approach to DEI work is holistic, recognizing that it involves rebuilding systems and structures, and she emphasizes the importance of being part of conversations and driving change. Her advice to frustrated practitioners or law students is to seek different perspectives, engage in self-reflection, and have conversations with individuals in fields that sound fascinating. Jaya's work as a DEI leader exemplifies her dedication to creating inclusive environments and driving meaningful change.