Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee

Destination Imagination is an equitable and inclusive organization, affirming our core values of respect, collaboration, stewardship, perseverance, and integrity. In January 2021, we formed an internal DEIB committee, including members of the DI staff and all major stakeholder groups (Board of Trustees, Affiliate Directors, Alumni, Operational Volunteers). Meet the members below and learn more about what they are working on our DEIB page.

Renee Rainville

International Consultant, Destination Imagination
Pronouns: She/Her
Committee Role: Chair

Why are you excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination?
Opening awareness between people is a passion that drives me to bridge cultures and shine light on misconceptions, mine included. I am excited to be part of an organization that is on a path of increased awareness around DEIB.

Michele Tuck-Ponder, Esq.

CEO (Chief Executive Officer), Destination Imagination
Pronouns: She/Her
Committee Role: Ex Oficio Member

Why are you excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination?
It is DI’s organizational Mission to Ignite the power of ALL youth to be the creative and collaborative leaders of tomorrow. Our work in DEIB is directly related to the realization of that vision. I believe that ensuring that every young person who can benefit from participating in any DI program is able to do so is critical to the success of our organization. I know that diversity enhances every organization, and DI is no exception. The potential is enormous and very exciting!!

Kris Beisel

Director of Educational Alliances and Training, Destination Imagination
Pronouns: She/Her
Committee Role: Member

Why are you excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination?
I believe that all students should have access to student-led educational opportunities and I want to do everything we can to make those opportunities open to everyone.

Kelley Akins

Teacher at Canutillo Independent School District
Pronouns: She/Her
Committee Role: Member

Why are you excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination?
I believe that all students AND adults have a place in Destination Imagination. I have seen the amazing things that DI can do for all participants and I want to make sure that DI continues the work to make everyone feel like they are a part of this incredible organization. As someone who studies equity in high school classrooms, it is a priority in my everyday life to ensure that classrooms are accessible and equitable for racially, ethnically, culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse students. I am excited to work with a team who sees this vision as a part of an organization that has been such an important part of my life for so long. Being a part of the DEIB Committee presents an incredible opportunity to continue and strengthen the work of committee members that have come before me.

Shammy Coello Jairala

A Strategic Project Director, Conference Speaker, Educator and Activist
Pronouns: She/Her
Committee Role: Member

Why are you excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination?

The DEIB Committee at Destination Imagination aligns perfectly with my passion for cultivating inclusivity in spaces where diverse perspectives thrive. With a background in Project Management, STEAM education, and advocacy for equity through learning environments, I understand the transformative power of embracing and empowering diversity, empathy, and equality.

DEIB at DI resonates deeply with my values. I am excited to contribute to strategies that empower individuals from all backgrounds to participate, grow, and lead within this community, embodying the change I want to see in the world. Opportunities for all will be driven by education and innovation.

Cherylyn Santos

Projects -and Sr. HR
Pronouns: She/Her
Committee Role: Member

Why are you excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination?
I’m excited about working with a DEIB Committee because it represents an opportunity to foster meaningful change and create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
This is important to me as I am in a foreign country (Qatar) wherein I have met and worked with people, talents from different parts of the world and with different background and culture.
The prospect of collaborating with diverse voices to address systemic barriers and promote equity is incredibly motivating. I’m passionate about helping individuals feel valued and heard, and I believe that a strong focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging can enhance not only individual well-being but also overall organizational culture. The chance to engage in thoughtful discussions, develop impactful initiatives, and contribute to a shared vision of inclusivity is what truly excites me about this work. Seeing the positive effects of these efforts on communities and individuals is immensely rewarding.
I believe that I will be an added value to the team as I have diverse experience and have been exposed to different culture, people behavior and projects that enhance the embrace for diversity, like in Qatar.

Rebekah Garriock

Virtual Administrative Coordinator, INNoVA
Pronouns: She/Her
Committee Role: Member

Why are you excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination?
To help make DI more diverse and inclusive.

Andrew Herridge, PhD

Assistant Professor at University of Southern Mississippi
Pronouns: He/Him
Committee Role: Member

Why are you excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination?
As an alum, I am excited to have the opportunity to give back to the organization. I am deeply passionate about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging because it aligns with my core belief that every individual deserves equal opportunities to thrive, regardless of their background. Destination Imagination’s commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration through inclusivity excites me because it empowers people to leverage diverse perspectives and experiences in innovative ways. I believe that by championing DEIB, we create environments where individuals feel valued and can bring their authentic selves, enhancing team dynamics and problem-solving.

Morgan Kryzanek

Medical technician/assistant
Pronouns: She/Her
Committee Role: Member

Why are you excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination?
I am excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination because the program has been a cornerstone of my personal growth, providing me with a sense of belonging and community when financial limitations prevented me from participating in other activities. DI’s emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity shaped my values and fueled my passion for ensuring that every child feels welcomed and empowered to thrive. My work as a volunteer, appraiser, and challenge master has allowed me to see firsthand the transformative power of DI in creating spaces where diversity and unique perspectives are celebrated. As a member of the DEI Committee, I am eager to expand access to DI’s programming on an international scale, ensuring that more students—regardless of their background—can find the same sense of acceptance and opportunity that I experienced. By championing DEIB initiatives, I hope to help DI continue to foster a global community where creativity transcends barriers and all participants feel valued.

Engr. Urooj Seemeen

CEO Co-Founder E-Services & Technologies, Affiliate DIrector DI Pakistan, International Representative DI Board of Trustee
Pronouns: She/Her
Committee Role: Vice-Chair

Why are you excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination?
I am a mother of two kids. As a mother, I have faced barriers in professional environments. I think that the main reason is stereotypes and biases: Some colleagues and clients unconsciously hold stereotypes about mothers, such as the belief that we are less committed to our work or less capable of handling demanding job responsibilities. These biases make it more difficult for mothers to advance in their career or be taken seriously as a professional. I am an advocate of Moms and I believe that; Moms can do anything!. I am so thrilled to be a part of DEIB! It’s like having a big supportive family. The group provides a sense of community, support, advocacy and representation for all.

Carrie Hefner

UIL, ESL, GT, DI Director – GT/DI teacher
Pronouns: She/Her
Committee Role: Member

Why are you excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination?
I am just ready to make a difference in the lives of kids and adults. I want to help this world be more accepting and more inclusive of all people. Our kids are so different than we were growing up and this world has to bend to them. They are not going to bend to it. It is our job to be their ambassadors and smooth the way.

Katherin Marie Crossling

Litigation Attorney at Heidell, Pittoni, Murphy, & Bach, LLP
Pronouns: She/Her
Committee Role: Member

Why are you excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination?
Eight years ago I wanted to find 4 to 5 other students who might want to form a team for my son so I asked the school if they would put a flyer and backpacks and allow me to host an informal info night. The school had 600 students in total. Over 150 students turned up. Half were not native English speaking. I realized then that this program fascinated kids from all different walks of life with a wide range of abilities and interests. Regrettably, we could not find enough team managers. And we were not able to recruit Spanish dominant team managers. The teams that were formed had luxury of time, parents with flexible jobs and schedules, and enough financial security that made the fees doable. I have never forgotten that night or the students we could not accomodate. I saw the achievement gap staring directly at me. It has been eight years since then and there is still no sustainable inclusive program in my district. I have a good understanding of the barriers that we haven’t overcome. I am looking forward to sharing what I am seeing and brainstorming how to tackle these access issues with others.

Erica Begun-Veenstra

Educational Experiences Coordinator at Destination Imagination
Pronouns: She/Her
Committee Role: Member

Why are you excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination?
I’m a passionate alumna who believes in the mission and vision of Destination Imagination and wants everyone to be able to experience what DI can do. DI teaches mutual respect and acceptance of others through teamwork and competition. But, there’s always room to improve, and to continue to learn to do better and be better. I hold a doctorate in Anthropology from the University of Iowa and taught in higher education for nearly a decade before joining the DI staff, and I’m thrilled to be able to bring my lived experience and my educational background to the DEIB committee. I’m also very excited to bring DEIB work back to the Educational Experiences team as we continue to strive to ensure our materials are accessible and approachable by as diverse an audience as possible, so that we can continue to serve our community, our mission, and our vision in a broad and meaningful way.

Clistia Smith

Director of Philanthropic Advancement, Strategy & Infrastructure
Pronouns: She/Her
Committee Role: Member

Why are you excited about DEIB work at Destination Imagination?
I am a dedicated advocate at Destination Imagination, where I work to create a better future for all young people. Embracing a personal commitment to holistic education, I strive to align and enhance our mission with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Managing complex health and neurological conditions within my family has reinforced my drive to foster an environment that promotes creativity and collaboration. Influenced by my experiences as a Black woman from the South, I am focused on closing gaps in education, health, and both technology and digital equity. This dedication fuels my efforts to develop strategies that not only raise funds but also enhance engagement across diverse communities, paving the way for a more inclusive future in education.