Meet Bharati Narumahci ’04, the design thinker, social justice warrior, and creator of diversity and inclusion programs currently serving as the Director of Recruitment for Legal Aid NYC.
On how she starts her day
I find these days, working from home, can feel hard to distinguish. I try and start each day with listening to NPR (really to remember what day of the week it is and to feel connected to the world).
I make a large cup of coffee and go over to my vision/design/calendar boards to see what the week will look like. My vision board has my favorite quote from Audre Lord on it — “the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.” It helps me focus when I feel less energized.
On how she stays connected to social justice movements, advocacy, and organizing
I was a social justice activist and organizer before I went to law school. So, my identity is defined by that, rather than by my current profession. I follow the work of different folks I respect, such as Bryan Stevenson, Vince Warren, Angela Davis, Alicia Garza and the Black Futures Lab, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
I also do not limit myself to the legal world. I’m a big fan of activists in the music, writing, and art worlds. They give me lots of inspiration and creativity. Most recently, I’ve been listening to podcasts with Michaela Coel, who wrote the TV shows “Chewing Gum” and “I May Destroy You” (on HBO now). She is brilliant, and it’s insane that she was told she needed help with her writing. I also love and follow Jeff Chang, who wrote “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” and co-founded Colorlines magazine. I love his connections between art and popular culture and his commentaries on race and class.
On how she recharges and resets
Prior to COVID, I boxed about 3-4 times a week. Boxing is an intense sport and requires focus and discipline. I really miss that and have had to find something else to motivate me. So, now I make sure I exercise at home, watch tons of movies, read a new book at least once a week, and stay connected with family and friends.
On creating diverse pipeline programs that merge design thinking and social/racial justice
I first learned about design thinking in the Human Resources context as a way to think about the “candidate experience” during a hiring process. Something in my mind clicked, and I started to learn everything I could about design thinking. I studied the model from Stanford University’s design thinking program. Essentially, design thinking is a process for creative problem-solving, which encourages organizations to focus on the communities they serve. I began to see its implications within hiring, and how we can redesign social institutions and address structural racism, sexism, and homophobia. My work eventually led me to an organization called Creative Reaction Lab, where I began to learn more about equity-centered design.
Equity-Centered Design (ECD) made my heart sing. It takes design thinking and turns it on its head by infusing its principles of equity, humility-building, integrating history and healing practices, addressing power dynamics, and co-creating with the community.
I used ECD to design a training for staff who recruit and hire public interest attorneys. The non-profit world and legal services are often dominated by white attorneys. This lack of diversity has a direct impact on who is hired to serve communities of color. I want us to tackle the power and privilege we have in our work and hiring decisions. We need to rethink how we hire, based on the needs of who we serve — black and brown communities.
On what has stayed with her from her time at CUNY Law
During my first semester at CUNY, a teacher told me that I would have a hard time in the world because of my politics. That first semester was also 9/11, and I experienced several hate crimes, including one in school. I did not want to stay at CUNY and really struggled.
The most transformative time came when I took a class taught by Gail Gray. She was also one of the clinic professors in the Criminal Defense Clinic. She is the reason I didn’t drop out of CUNY. I am lucky to have been mentored by radical Black and LatinX women throughout my life. They have taught me to be true to my integrity and to always fight for the right thing.
Where she gets her design thinking inspiration
I am a big fan of Antoinette Carroll who is at Creative Reaction Lab. I would also encourage folks to follow Stanford University’s School for Social Innovation.
Her advice for anyone who might be interested in working at Legal Aid
Be prepared for your interview, and make sure your cover letter and resume are meticulous! Things feel tough and scary right now, but we need you to be at the top of your game. Be willing to listen, ask questions, and learn.