Growing up and being educated in a small rural community in the 60s and 70s without much diversity, the consideration of race and ethnicity wasn't top of mind. Receiving my first teaching position in a Tlinget First Nations community taught me harsh lessons on culture and perspective. I was one of many white female educators who had learned the technical lessons of teaching and learning with little or no formal experience in the cultural relevance of instruction. I knew about the relevance of considering cultural perspectives in urban and rural environments, and my foundation in diversity, equity, and inclusion was built through future experiences in the village, future teaching and administrative roles, and graduate education. Having spent close to 20 years in the Middle East, I have had the opportunity to experience multiculturalism as a way of life and have learned to recognize the assets brought to bear when everyone is considered and included in the conversation.