The Equity Gap
Uncovering inequity. Empowering change.
Hosted by diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioner Shahzia Noorally, The Equity Gap is where bold conversations meet transformative action. Through candid interviews with leading experts and thought-provoking solo episodes, Shahzia explores the real-world impact of systemic inequity—centering the lived experiences of equity-deserving individuals and challenging power structures across workplaces and beyond.
From race and gender to neurodiversity and anti-fat bias, each episode tackles hard truths and invites listeners to reimagine what equity really means—on personal, organizational, and societal levels.
Whether you're a DEI professional, a leader ready to use your privilege for good, or someone seeking to deepen your social consciousness, The Equity Gap will educate, unsettle, and inspire.
Join the conversation. Close the gap.
The Equity Gap
Progressive until Palestine - The silence of equity practitioners in an urgent time. A conversation with Chris Hooten, Speaker, Strategist, Writer and Educator
I first came across Chris Hooten on LinkedIn about a month ago when I had so many thoughts swirling in my head around the silence of so many equity and inclusion professionals in my circles of influence with the ongoing genocide in Gaza. A deliberate choice to uphold a sense of comfort in a job that requires you to be truth tellers and deeply uncomfortable to uphold a sense of integrity. Chris’s perspective that they were openly and unapologetically sharing online felt like the truth that so desperately needed to be said, and so I invited them to join me in dialogue in exploring the dire need for integrity in the work of equity and inclusion, especially for white practitioners who hold a deep amount of privilege and access.
Meet Chris:
Chris Hooten (they/them) is a leading speaker, advisor, and advocate for LGBTQ+, neurodivergent and BIPOC affirming cultures and with over ten years in leadership, advocacy, and professional development, Chris has worked alongside incredible organizations like the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden & Glass, Levy Restaurants, POCIS Seattle, and Bastyr University to build equitable and and accessible organizations. They inspire clients to embrace intersectional neurodiversity to remove barriers and promote success for all. They offer a range of services, including workshops, professional development, speaking engagements, and coaching that solves equity challenges. To learn more about their impact, visit chrishootenconsulting.com.
LinkedIn post from Chris that inspired this episode here.
References from the episode:
Norman Finkelstein - https://www.normanfinkelstein.com/
Maintenance Phase podcast: https://www.maintenancephase.com/
The Myth of Normal by Dr. Gabor Mate: https://drgabormate.com/book/the-myth-of-normal/
Israeli government admits to sterilizing Ethiopian Jewish women: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-gave-birth-control-to-ethiopian-jews-without-their-consent-8468800.html
Licensed intro music from NoMo
