In recent months, new executive orders and political pressure have brought fresh scrutiny to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Some organizations have taken this moment to roll back DEI initiatives, while others have stood firm. For organizations deeply committed to equity, especially those receiving public funding, this moment may feel uncertain, even risky. We all respond to risk differently. And yet the question for mission-driven leaders remains:

How can mission-driven nonprofits/schools respond with both responsibility and integrity?

As a white woman in this work, I’ve been reflecting on how my identity shapes my response to this moment. I often feel the pull to protect – to minimize exposure, reduce risk, and stay safe. That instinct is real. But I’ve been learning to pause and ask: What values am I protecting? Whose safety am I prioritizing?
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Dear EdFuel Community, You may have noticed in our last newsletter that our team has gotten smaller. Like many nonprofit and educational organizations recently, we have had to navigate reduced funding, which ultimately led us to implement a reduction in force last year.

While this is something no organization ever wants to face, it has become an unfortunate reality for many – and as talent leaders, it’s our responsibility to make these decisions in a way that honors both our financial stability and our values. Many of us have seen, or even experienced, examples of how organizations handle moments like this poorly. At EdFuel, we are committed to learning from the experience, sharing what we can, and walking alongside others who may find themselves here too.

Here’s the truth: leading through a reduction in force has been the hardest professional experience of my career – and one of the hardest personal experiences too. The weight of the decision was something I carried with me constantly. It sat with me during early mornings and late nights. It tugged at me in quiet moments with my family. It even took my edges; thankfully, they’ve grown back. [Read More]