“Being inclusive is a life-long endeavor.” - Dr. Sarai Koo

2023 DEI Convention:

In August 2023, Dr. Sarai Koo, Chief Visionary and IDEAS Officer and former SVP of DEI, a distinguished figure in the realm of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA), received the prestigious DEI Influencer Award at the DEI National Convention. This accolade signifies a key achievement in her career, spotlighting her long-standing commitment to promoting inclusivity and equitable opportunities across various sectors.

Dr. Sarai Koo embarked on her DEI journey early in her career by addressing critical disparities and underrepresentation in education. She recognized that underrepresented groups, particularly first-generation students, faced inequitable challenges in graduating from high school, entering and completing college, and pursuing careers that matched their passions.

Driven to mitigate these issues, Dr. Koo emerged as a forefront advocate for DEI initiatives and for cultivating inclusive environments. Her contributions include pioneering research, conducting diversity training workshops, and providing strategic counsel to organizations on fostering inclusive environments.

Her endeavors have profoundly influenced the awareness and implementation of DEI policies, establishing her as a pivotal figure in the field. Dr. Sarai Koo’s comprehensive approach tackles not just the manifestations of inequality but its underlying causes. She has played a critical role in devising programs that support underrepresented groups, guaranteeing equitable and inclusive opportunities for achievement.

The DEI Influencer Award at the DEI National Convention celebrates not merely Dr. Sarai Koo's personal triumph but also the collective progress in the pursuit of a more equitable and inclusive society.

Dr. Sarai Koo’s relentless dedication to DEI initiatives serves as an inspiration, encouraging others to partake in building a community where IDEA values are embraced. Her narrative stands as a symbol of hope and a clarion call for both individuals and organizations to engage actively in crafting a more inclusive future.

Some notable research articles

College Access Through Youth-Led Afterschool Programming

The Effects of a Holistic College Access Camp on First-Gen Students: A Small Group Program Evaluation Using the Reliable Change Index

Naming and Un-Naming a Research Study “Participatory

Minority within a Minority Paradox: Asian Experiences in Latino Schools & Communities