Kaylee Misch, CDP

I attribute my success to creativity, adaptability, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Throughout my career, I have remained open to new opportunities — even those I never initially planned to pursue — and have embraced continuous learning at every stage, particularly as I transitioned from education into the corporate world. I believe that listening closely, building authentic relationships, creative thinking, and investing in the success of others have been the most consistent drivers of my professional growth.

I also attribute my success to the genuine kindness and support of the people in my personal and professional life. Going through career change is difficult and the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming, but I consider myself very fortunate to have very supportive people by my side throughout my career journey, encouraging me to take chances and grow. I am so grateful to my husband, my friends, and the amazing co-workers I've had over the years who consistently remind me that success is not something you achieve alone, and that having a trusted network of people in your corner is one of the most valuable things you can have in life.

During a certification course I took, one of the course facilitators said something that I immediately wrote down because it resonated so deeply with me: "It take a lot for us to sit in a place of discomfort, but flowers grow in dirt." I have been through my fair share of discomfort along my career journey - things like making unexpected changes to my career path, having tough conversations or interactions with others, and grappling with feelings of inadequacy even when I knew I was capable. We all go through these things, but this quote speaks so much about why challenging moments are important for our personal growth, and how our outlook and response in the face of difficulty can lead us toward success.

To that point, I am so grateful to have had two mentors who coached me through some of my greatest moments of discomfort and made a significant and lasting influence on my career. The first was my team lead during my first year as an elementary school teacher. She provided constant encouragement, guidance, and support during what was a genuinely challenging transition into education, and her belief in me made an enormous difference. The second was a former manager in the corporate world who trusted me with increasing responsibility, challenged me to grow professionally, and encouraged me to pursue opportunities I might not have considered on my own. Both taught the profound impact that a mentor's trust and encouragement can have and helped me see for myself that I am capable of more than I allowed myself to think I was — and that is something I now strive to offer to others.

My strongest advice to women entering diversity, equity, and inclusion or leadership roles is to build a strong support system and community around themselves. This work can be emotionally demanding and is sometimes misunderstood, so having trusted colleagues and mentors to turn to when things feel heavy is essential. I also encourage them not to let setbacks deflate them — resilience matters deeply in this field. And I remind them that diversity is fundamentally about differences in opinion and perspective; meaningful progress comes through thoughtful conversation, collaboration, and a genuine willingness to engage with viewpoints different from your own.

One of the greatest challenges facing DEI professionals today is helping others understand and appreciate the long-term value of creating cultures of belonging, particularly during a time when this work faces increased scrutiny. There is also a significant emotional weight that practitioners often carry as advocates for inclusion, and that should not be overlooked. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity. Organizations that invest in creating environments where employees feel connected, supported, and empowered are stronger for it — and Business Resource Groups, inclusive leadership development, and authentic employee engagement are powerful tools for building those cultures on a global scale. The opportunity to make a lasting, meaningful impact is very real.

The values that guide me most deeply — both professionally and personally — are inclusion, empathy, authenticity, collaboration, continuous learning, and community. I believe every individual deserves to feel a genuine sense of belonging and that organizations are at their strongest when diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but truly respected. In all of my relationships, personal and professional, I strive to lead with trust, kindness, and mutual respect.