Equity at EPIC
We believe ethnography demands a focus on equity. Ethnographers strive to understand people’s worlds on their own terms, and shape organizations, products, and services that are tools for them to build the lives they envision. To do this, we must address the ways we are connected to diverse, global communities through systems that benefit some and disadvantage others.Programs
Get Involved
Equity Council
Developing programs, policy, and organizational capacity for equity.
Programs
EPIC FELLOWSHIP
Help us fund another fellowship cohort! This important program has leveraged the expertise and networks of the EPIC community to provide mentorship and scholarships for annual cohorts of fellows. To continue the program, we need your help.
In 2024, we are able to accept only 5% of applicants. EPIC is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization, and the need for equity programs far exceeds available resources and capacity.
Our goal is that everyone in the EPIC community makes a contribution according to their ability:
SCHOLARSHIPS
EPIC offers scholarships for courses, our annual conference, and membership. The availability of scholarships depends on funding. Scholarship requests for courses and membership are considered on a rolling basis throughout the year. Annual conference scholarship information is available on the event registration page; find a link to the current conference year here.
- To request a discount for an EPIC Course, please complete this form.
- To request a discount for EPIC Membership, please email membership@epicpeople.org.
- To request a discount for our Annual Conference, find instructions on the event registration page. A link to the current conference year can be found here.
If you have questions, we’re here to answer them! info@epicpeople.org
Equity Council
The goals of the EPIC Equity Council are to advance equity within our community and create collaborative spaces for EPIC people to embed equity within their work. The council is bringing greater strategic direction to ad hoc initiatives, and works with EPIC’s executive director and board to develop programs and policies, build organizational capacity, and direct the use of funding from sponsors and individuals.
Shakima is the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at AnswerLab, where she leads the DE&I and talent acquisition functions. She has over 15 years of corporate experience in human resources, strategy, and operations. She is passionate about using research to foster a deeper understanding of company culture and organizational needs while creating spaces where people feel a true sense of belonging. Shakima is co-founder of the EPIC Equity Council, an EPIC board member, and has presented at EPIC conferences and events.
Lauren is an ethnographer and qualitative researcher who is currently a Senior User Researcher at Cisco. She has worked at Crown Equipment Corporation, Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, University of Latvia, and other organizations, and served on the board of the Museum Education Roundtable. Lauren is a believer in community building and has been an active member of the EPIC community. She holds a PhD in anthropology from the University of Washington.
Frank is an anthropologist, design researcher, and strategic designer. He has worked in major financial institutions, TECH companies, startups, and consultancies, and taught at Parsons School of Design and Princeton. A long-time EPIC member, he has served on conference committees and co-chaired the PechaKucha committee. As a New Orleanian and the first-generation son of Latin immigrants, the place of race, migration, memory, and local history are core. Frank holds a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Chicago.
Get Involved
Valuing and investing in equity takes all of us. We invite you to participate in programs, donate money, and contribute time and wisdom.
1. Participate in Programs
If you have experienced barriers to inclusion and are interested in initiatives or discounts that support your (or others’) participation in the EPIC community, we invite you to reach out to these folks:
- With questions or comments about the EPIC Fellowship program, please email Shakima Jackson-Martinez: equity@epicpeople.org
- Information about scholarships and how to request on is located above on this page.
- If you have questions about the accessibility of EPIC events or resources, please email Greg Weinstein and Kate Mesh: accessibility@epicpeople.org
- If you have questions or comments about anything else equity related, please email info@epicpeople.org and we will find the right person to connect with you!
2. Make a Financial Contribution
We invite you to make a donation, in any amount, according to your ability. 100% of your donation directly supports scholarships and our fellowship program.
3. Leverage Organizational Support
Maximize your impact! We honor organizational contributors as Equity Partners and offer valuable benefits in recognition of their support. Packages are available for partnerships and sole proprietorships as well as large organizations. Contact Shakima to find out more about Equity Partnership: equity@epicpeople.org
4. Contribute Time and Wisdom
Everything EPIC does is powered by members and volunteers. Please contact us to contribute time, wisdom, and good old “elbow grease” to our equity programs! We’d love your help with training, mentoring, fundraising, project management, and outreach: volunteer@epicpeople.org