Department of Journalism senior Jada Vasser created the inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager position for The State News as a rebranding idea to promote the practice of diversity in the workplace.

As a recipient of the National Collegiate Journalism’s 2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pacemaker Award for her collaborative podcast, "All Shades of Chocolate," Vasser is familiar with creating a comfortable space for students to feel included and seen.

“I always had a passion for DEI. Being a black woman, it is important to continue to educate people because people see the topic of diversity and do not want to touch it,” said Vasser. “You have to understand the historical aspects of why DEI is important, especially when working in journalism. As a journalist, you have to think inclusively, or you are never going to have a good story. Now is the time to have someone like me showcasing diversity for those at MSU who may not feel recognized.”

On the six-month anniversary of the creation of the DEI manager role, Vasser believes the role has the legs to grow and produce unique opportunities for others to express and implement diverse ideas for years to come.

“I feel with the work I’m doing, I can continue to set the foundation,” she said. “Right now, I am thinking a lot about training and forming guidelines for reports to take with them on their assignments. When I graduate, I hope to leave this position with a model so the next person will not have to do as much work. Even if the position gets changed to a different name, I believe the attributes that I started with will remain.”

As Vasser continued to ascend in a new position, she quickly was able to make connections with her work as a podcast host for All Shades of Chocolate and a journalism student at ComArtSci.

“I believe that I fit into the activist role very well,” Vasser added. “Having a passion for speaking up for the black community and social justice issues makes it easier for me to fit into the DEI role. My podcast does the same thing, but I am doing it on a microphone. Writing my stories communicates the same message in print. All these positions allowed me to speak my truth throughout various forms of media.”

Vasser is working on a few initiatives and an upcoming collaboration with The State News and ComArtSci’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to develop discussion content and reimagine existing initiatives to foster community engagement.

“The more experience you gain in college, the more you will find the things that interest you,” Vasser said. “I’ve learned how to blend everything so that I am not in a position where I do not feel like myself. Being a DEI Manager for The State News best represents who I am. I can be the best version of myself in the newsroom and on my podcast while shaping the type of journalist I want to be after graduation.”

This story originally appeared on the ComArtSci website.