The SCBWI-WWA has a new advisory committee position, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator. Ellie Peterson is our new point person for all issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Let’s learn a bit about Ellie and this important role in our local chapter.
Q: So, Ellie, please introduce yourself.
Ellie Peterson: I’m your new (and first) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion coordinator! I’m also a picture book author, illustrator, and science educator living in Kirkland. I’ve been a member of SCBWI for the last four years.
Q: What does this role encompass?
Ellie Peterson: It’s a new role for our chapter and only a few other SCBWI chapters in the nation have one. My main objectives are to encourage membership by, support for, and retention of writers and illustrators from marginalized groups. To that end, I’ll be working with Advisory Committee (AdCom) to identify barriers to membership, evaluate existing diversity initiatives and develop new ones, and coordinate diversity education for AdCom and general membership..
Q: Hmm, sounds like a lot of work. Why on earth would you take this role?
Ellie Peterson: Let’s start with why I’m NOT in this role. I am not your DEI coordinator because I think I’ve achieved some state of ultra-social consciousness compared to everyone else. I’ll be the first to admit I have a lot to learn in this area. A LOT. But I am incredibly passionate about SCBWI’s mission: to support the creation and availability of quality children’s books around the world. To accomplish this we need books that represent ALL children and ALL experiences. And to create diverse book with authenticity and sensitivity, we need creators who have lived the experiences of their characters.
Q: Sounds like you know what it’s like to feel unrepresented in children’s lit?
Ellie Peterson: You’re very perceptive. Yes, as a biracial child, I did not grow up seeing books that featured children like myself. Much as I loved Beverly Cleary and Roald Dahl, I knew Ramona and Matilda did not look like me. I knew they did not understand what it was like to live with parents from two different cultures, and to never see yourself quite as a part of either. It made me value my experience less and yearn to be part of a culture I’m not. I think we can do better and it starts with supporting writers and artists from marginalized groups.
Well, you sound like a really interesting person. How can we connect?Check out my work at elliepetersonart.com, follow me on Instagram (@ellie_pete) or Twitter (@elliepeterson), or come say hi to me at a monthly meeting!