My DEI Story: Laura Morgan-Kessler

My DEI Story

By Laura Morgan-Kessler, Principal at Carpi & Clay Government Relations

I am a member of the Cherokee Nation. Looking at my red hair, blue eyes, and freckles, this fact is not exactly obvious.  In fact, most people who know me would have no idea about this part of my background. But if I am being honest, I do not really know much about this part of my background either.

Growing up in Southern California, I did not have much of an opportunity to see or learn first-hand about the history or the culture of the Cherokee Nation. I knew that my grandfather grew up in a small town in Oklahoma; I also knew that his mother, my great-grandmother, was one-quarter Cherokee, and that her family had been forced on the Trail of Tears.

In my late 20s, I filed the paperwork to be officially considered “on the rolls.” I did so very reluctantly, but it was incredibly important to my grandfather. It was equally as important to him that when my daughter was born, that I submitted her formal paperwork as well.

I have struggled for most of my adult life with feeling ashamed and embarrassed for not knowing more about the people, the history, and the culture of the Cherokee Nation. I have felt conflicted about claiming to be a part of something that I did not feel like I had a right to do.

It has only been in the last couple of years, largely in part to my participation in the WGR Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee, that I have begun to feel differently about this part of my heritage. Raising my daughter, I have decided that I want her to know about this part of her family, to understand what it means for her, and to be free to embrace this part of her heritage should she choose to do so.

Now at the age 40 with an almost 11-year-old daughter (yikes!), I have finally begun to embrace my Cherokee heritage and actively seek out to learn more. This year, I participated in the Cherokee Nation seed allotment, where you can sign up to receive heirloom Cherokee seeds. My daughter and I will plant them later this spring, and fingers crossed, will be able to have a small part of our Cherokee heritage with us in Northern Virginia. I am now comfortable in saying that my DEI story is still being written, and look forward to growing and learning moving forward.

The WGR “My DEI Story” Blogs are featured monthly, highlighting the story of a DEI Committee Member or supporting ally. These blogs are designed to shine a light on the amazing diversity that exists within our community, and to recognize that EVERYONE has a DEI Story. Interested in having your story featured? Please send an email to dei.wgr@gmail.com.