Sedruola Maruska.

I am an Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant.

1 year.

No. I was born and mostly raised in New York City, Queens. When I was in college my dad got a professorship at Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster so coming home meant coming to Massachusetts. A couple of years after getting married, my husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After a lot of reading and research, we realized that air quality was a big trigger for his symptoms. Since we were living in California, next to a highway, we decided it would be best to move. We then got pregnant with our first child so moving near family was a priority. That's when we decided to move closer to my parents. We've been here for over fifteen years.

My company is focused on helping individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses bake in a culture of equity within their lives and businesses. After being diagnosed with cancer in December of 2017 I realized I wasn't living up to my personal best. I soon decided that I wanted to be a coach to other women, but I stayed open to the possibilities. In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd it seemed I'd found my space when I was asked to give a speech at a vigil and it all stemmed from there. I'd started in the direction of helping businesses become more equitable and inclusive, but last summer pushed me to working with individuals too because any industry or corporation is made up of people who create the culture at their workplace.

They'd say that I make information that hard to hear and digest easy to understand. In making it easy to understand I make the discomfort they feel bearable. They'd say that I'm incredibly focused on making sure that change happens and that as many people as possible feel seen, heard and valued at any company or with any individual I work with.

Don't make the same mistakes as those around you, learn from them and make your own mistakes.

I've read a ton of books in the past couple of years and I have so many favorites. Right now, my favorite is Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall

Calendly is my absolute favorite tool right now. It keeps me on track with my podcast and with my Pick-my-brain appointments. I can set my schedule the way I want it and then do so much through Calendly! I'm not sure I could live without it at this point.

Working with a company to help set up a structure for their Employee Resource Group focused on equity, inclusion and diversity in their organization. We're making incredible progress and everyone is on board and doing an amazing job. That makes me feel happy.

If I could go back, I'd go back to when I was twenty seven and I lost my first pregnancy. That's when I believe I let my light go out. I'd go back and tell myself then that it's okay that you messed up, you're still valuable and you still have so much to offer the world. Don't let this kill your vide. Keep shining!

Reading, playing silly video games on my phone, bingeing shows and loving my family.

Most people don't realize that I'm 5'0, even when they meet me in person and I'm sitting down they don't realize my height. I guess that's because my person shines so brightly! LOL