Doing the Hard Work with SJ Janjua (they/them)

Queer and Successful

SJ Janjua (they/them) is the founder and consultant of Empowered for Equity Consulting, where they use their passion and expertise in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to help equip others with the tools to create inclusive spaces in schools and workplaces. SJ is a proud queer/transgender/non-binary/biracial person who uses their lived experience to guide their consulting work.
In this conversation, SJ Janjua discusses their journey in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work and the challenges they face as a business owner. They talk about starting their own business, Empowered for Equity, and the hurdles they encountered, including self-doubt and fear. SJ also shares their experiences in DEI work, including the resistance they sometimes face from clients and the emotional toll it can take. They emphasize the importance of community and mentorship in navigating these challenges. The conversation highlights the ongoing need for DEI work and the obstacles that exist in creating inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals. In this conversation, SJ discusses their experience in facilitating workshops and the challenges they face, particularly with white cisgender men. They also touch on the importance of intersectionality and recognizing the contributions of the trans community. The lack of knowledge within the LGBTQ+ community is highlighted, emphasizing the need for education and awareness. The conversation delves into the topics of cultural erasure and colonization, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration. SJ defines success as the impact they can make and the positive change they can inspire. They stress the importance of how participants feel at the end of a workshop, focusing on empowerment and preparedness. Taking action and empowering others is seen as a key aspect of success. The conversation concludes with advice for queer individuals wanting to start a business, emphasizing the importance of taking the first step and surrounding oneself with supportive people.

Takeaways

• Starting a business in DEI work can be challenging, but seeking support from mentors and communities can help overcome self-doubt and fear.
• DEI work is important and necessary, but it can also be emotionally taxing. It is crucial to find ways to take care of oneself and prevent burnout.
• Expanding into different sectors and creating digital products can help reach a wider audience and make DEI work more accessible.
• Inclusive environments are essential for LGBTQ+ individuals, but there can be resistance and fear from clients and organizations. It is important to educate and create safe spaces for conversations.
• Challenges and obstacles in DEI work, such as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and cancelations, highlight the ongoing need for advocacy and education. Facilitating workshops can be challenging, especially when dealing with white cisgender men.
• Intersectionality is important, and the contributions of the trans community should be recognized.
• There is a lack of knowledge within the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the need for education and awareness.
• Cultural erasure and colonization are ongoing issues that need to be addressed.
• Unity and collaboration are essential in creating positive change.
• Success should be defined by the impact one can make.
• The feelings of participants in workshops are important, and empowerment and preparedness should be prioritized.
• Taking action and empowering others is crucial for success.
• Overcoming doubt and affirming one's own success is important.
• Starting a business requires taking the first step and surrounding oneself with supportive people.

Connect on Socials:

• Podcast Instagram/TikTok
  @QueerAndSuccessful
• Hunter's Instagram
  @HuntHousesNC
• SJ's Instagram
  @empoweredforequity

Chec