BALTIMORE, MD – The Johns Hopkins Athletics and Recreation Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Team is winding down its programming for the 2020-21 academic year and recently sponsored a workshop for student-athletes, coaches, administrators and staff by nationally-known and highly-respected diversity, equity and belonging consultant Nevin Caple.
 
Separate virtual sessions, one for coaches, administrators and staff, and another for student-athletes, were joined by more than 350 members of the department and built on much of the work the DEI Team has led in the last year.  The workshop included a large-group presentation from Caple and smaller break-out rooms where individuals could discuss some of the key points she presented and also discuss how the material aligns with their experience at Johns Hopkins.
 
Caple is the founder of Return on Inclusion, an online learning platform for coaches and administrators to develop inclusive leadership skills.  She has presented at more than 200 colleges and universities to more than 40,000 student-athletes and 10,000 coaches and administrators.  She counts Stanford, Northwestern, Alabama, Colorado and North Carolina among her lengthy list of collegiate clients, while the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Women Leaders in College Sports and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association are just a few of her professional clients.
 
Caple's thought-provoking presentation was well-received and the DEI Team has already begun discussions about an in-person presentation when COVID restrictions are lifted.
 
What They Are Saying About the Nevin Caple workshop at Johns Hopkins
 
Ricky Hernandez – Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
Nevin's perspective on belonging and how it is paramount for individuals to feel as though they belong in order to bring more of themselves to the space was simple yet brilliant!
 
Chid Nnake – Junior, Men's Basketball
The goal from the very beginning is to be introspective.  Nevin's story was so moving for various reasons, and because each reason differed from individual to individual, it was special seeing how different walks of life could unite in one session. I was encouraged to see our largest turnout of the year and by the sharing of so many ideas centering on our relationship with Baltimore. A great way to build momentum at the end of a year, and excited to implement what we talked about with the BSAA and allies throughout the department.
 
Jacob Olkkola – Senior Associate Director of Athletics
We were thrilled to have Nevin work with our staff, coaches, and student-athletes. Her relatable approach spoke directly to the work our department has done over this past year. In particular, it was great to see her connect with our student-athletes in ways that felt like tangible change is achievable.  Nevin's 360-approach to inclusion was enlightening and reaffirming which gave us a lot to think about as our DEI efforts continue into the future.
 
Jane Wells – Senior Woman Administrator / Head Field Hockey Coach
I really enjoyed Nevin's session, there were a lot of great messages that helped expand my thinking on inclusion.  I appreciated how Nevin began with two critical questions - can I be disinterested in being right? Can I be disinterested in thinking of myself as a good person?  I think these two questions set the stage well for identifying where we sit currently in each of our own journeys.  As Nevin pointed out in order to make true progress we have to turn the mirror on ourselves and locate how we are participating in harming others.  I appreciate all that Nevin gave us to think about as a department and look forward to using her insights and suggestions as a roadmap to help us work effectively towards greater diversity and inclusivity in our department.