Deborah Burgess returns to discuss the evolution of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the 1960s to present day, exploring how what began with the Civil Rights movement has grown into a projected $24.4 billion global industry by 2030.

• History of DEI from the 1960s with affirmative action to today's comprehensive approaches
• Notable milestones including the first Employee Resource Group at Xerox in the 1970s
• Americans with Disabilities Act signed by George H.W. Bush in 1991
• How social movements like Me Too (founded by Tarana Burke) and Black Lives Matter shaped modern DEI
• Current backlash against DEI initiatives and how terminology may evolve while the work continues
• DEI's global growth despite political challenges, with companies recognizing both moral and business imperatives
• The importance of courage in continuing to advocate for equity and inclusion
• White allies' responsibility to have difficult conversations and call in problematic behavior

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What happens when a lifetime of political loyalty no longer feels like enough? Deborah Burgess, scholar and education leader, takes us on a deeply personal journey from dedicated Democrat to politically unaffiliated voter during one of America's most turbulent political eras.

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The decision didn't come easily. After returning from six years in China where she helped build educational opportunities for children with disabilities, Deborah committed herself to Democratic Party activism. She worked tirelessly as a volunteer, house district captain, and eventually secretary, believing in the power of civic engagement. But something changed after watching how Democrats responded—or failed to respond—to aggressive political tactics from the right.

"Democrats are too quiet," Deborah explains with characteristic frankness. "They sit back and let stuff fly." Drawing on her background as a judo champion, she compares the current political climate to a match where "Democrats are getting choked and they're not fighting." This observation comes from someone who's seen the political landscape from multiple angles and continents.

Our conversation explores the realities of voter suppression targeting Black and Brown communities, the alarming parallels between America's current situation and Hungary under Viktor Orbán, and the rise of Christian nationalism. We discuss how traditional Democratic messaging fails to resonate with younger generations and the importance of staying politically engaged even when party affiliation no longer feels right.

Deborah offers practical action items for concerned citizens: familiarize yourself with the Constitution, diversify your information sources, watch corporate media critically, and engage at the local level. Most importantly, she urges listeners to think independently and draw their own conclusions rather than accepting singular narratives.

Ready to rethink what political engagement means in today's America? Listen now, and join us for future conversations with Debra about DEI misconceptions and why more African Americans are considering leaving the US. Subscribe, leave a review, and visit shitwedonttalkaboutpodcast.com for an accessibility transcript and more resources.

About Deborah Burgess:

Deborah has 21 years of university teaching experience including teaching in Beijing, China at the University of Colorado Denver's Global Campus for six years. This was a tremendous experience teaching students courses in Business and Professional Speaking, Public Speaking, and Essential Communication in a Global Society. Additionally Deborah has consulting/training experience working domestically for non-profits, federal, state and private industry in Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Gender and Communication and Appropriate Business Communication in Corporate Settings. Deborah conducted training classes at Beijing Foreign Studies University in China teaching mid-level executives of China Construction Bank and China Southern Airlines skills/tools in the American Mass Media and Communication. Her belief is: “I’m not a teacher, but an awakener.” ~ Robert Frost

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"Nobody listened to our ideas, so we decided to take over the market." That fearless approach is how Cecilia Lihv went from cleaning houses as an immigrant to owning a European men's professional football club.

In this captivating conversation, Cecilia shares her extraordinary journey from the toxicity of Wall Street to becoming one of only five women in Europe who own professional men's soccer teams. When faced with resistance in a nonprofit soccer organization run by ego-driven board members who ignored her innovative proposals, Cecilia didn't just walk away—she built something better. Her youth club in Connecticut grew to nearly 1,000 children before COVID-19 forced a pivotal decision.

Rather than waiting out the pandemic, Cecilia sold everything, moved her children to Costa Rica, and established a professional soccer development center that thrived while American facilities remained closed. That bold move led to purchasing her first professional team and eventually taking ownership of a historic Romanian club dating back to 1921.

As Cecilia navigates the male-dominated European football world, she brings a refreshing perspective that combines business acumen with genuine care for player development. Her insights on gender inequality in sports are particularly powerful, questioning why the successful US women's national team receives a fraction of the resources given to the men's team.

Beyond sports, Cecilia speaks passionately about the immigrant experience, having arrived in America at 18 with two suitcases and worked as a nanny and cleaning lady before building her career. Her story is a masterclass in creating new paths when traditional ones are blocked and refusing to accept limitations placed by others.

Listen now and discover why sometimes the most effective way to break a glass ceiling isn't by shattering it—but by building something entirely new alongside it.

More about Cecilia:

Cecilia Lihv is a pioneering female entrepreneur making bold moves in the male-dominated world of professional football. She is the president and owner of a historic men’s football club in Europe, SoccerViza, where she’s leading a powerful revival both on and off the pitch. With over 25 years of experience building businesses across industries—from retail to real estate—she brings a fearless, results-driven mindset to everything she does.

Beyond the boardroom, she's a proud single mom raising three children, proving every day that strength, strategy, and heart go hand in hand. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and redefining the rules in sports and business.

www.soccerviza.com

SoccerViza Instagram

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