Villalobos and Falcon begin the conversation by diving into the ways in which different generations can learn from and work with one another to create a powerful new force as we look to improve diversity and inclusion in the community and the workplace. 

The conversation begins by looking toward the past. Falcon, known for her work and activism in the Latino community, reminds us of the important role history plays in our efforts to move forward with diversity and inclusion (9:22). 

Citing historical movements from nearly five decades ago, Falcon notes that history is repeating itself. “We’re still fighting the very same issues,” she explains (10:08). She goes on to connect these issues to the divisiveness and concerns surrounding this year’s presidential election (10:33). 

These issues and concerns have led to historic levels of voter turnout, especially among minority populations. Falcon notes, now more than ever, “people want to have their votes counted. People want to have a voice” (11:26). 

When it comes to mobilizing the diverse vote, Villalobos and Falcon discuss the changes in the approach to this year’s election campaigning. To best relate to community members, whether for political or other reasons, we have to be willing to “meet people where they are,” Falcon explains (13:15). 

Falcon goes on to highlight an imperative lesson from this year’s election and campaigning process: the need for leaders to relate to others, whether it be voters, employees, or remembers of the community. Falcon notes, “it’s about really having that trust and relationship” (13:38). 

Falcon concludes by encouraging younger generations, who have often been deemed “apathetic” in political and communal efforts,  to connect with family and community members to build a plan around getting involved in taking action, such as voting (15:26). Falcon calls on places of community, like churches and schools, to mediate community education and voice when it comes to local issues and initiatives (17:44). 

Reed jumps in to segue into talking about passing the diversity and inclusion baton from one group of leaders to the next generation.  In comparing the current approach to diversity and inclusion to a relay race, Reed discusses how “each generation is responsible for running their leg of the race,” bringing in Sampson as a voice of the millennial generation (22:08). 

Sampson notes how different perspectives and desires are from generation to generation. Younger generations are learning from their observations of those before them, she points out, explaining the millennial distaste for the ‘go, go, go’ mentality (23:09).

Connecting back to the relay race metaphor, Sampson touches upon how younger generations, while desiring similar outcomes in terms of diversity and inclusion, don’t want to run the race the same way as those before them. “We need to be able to take it and run how we take it and run,” she says (24:33). 

She continues by noting a smooth transition of leadership between generations can come about when there is a total understanding of these differences (24:49). She reminds us that when the race is won, regardless of how each generation chooses to run it, we’re all winners. 

Sampson notes how each generation has witnessed different lifestyle norms, creating a gap in understanding one another. However, she highlights how adopting her generation’s appreciation of relaxation and mindfulness can help everyone by creating the space and time needed to align and move forward in the right direction (27:38). As Sampson points out, adjustments in approach to mental health will benefit past, present and future generations (29:27). 

As she begins to wrap the conversation up, Villalobos reminds us that whether it be about race, gender or generational diversity and inclusion, we are running a marathon, not a sprint. “We have to play the long game,” she adds (30:12).