V.Ophelia Rigault Author Bio:
I am a highly accomplished professional with a Master’s degree in Education specializing in Educational Leadership. With over 20+ years of experience in the field of equity, diversity, and inclusion, I am a sought-after Speaker and Trainer. I am also the owner of Real Talk Solutions, a company dedicated to providing training in equity and diversity to inclusive leaders and organizations.
I am passionate about creating communities of belonging, and I am committed to partnering with inclusive leaders and organizations to foster equitable and inclusive work cultures and communities.
Through my engaging keynote speeches, impactful training sessions, community-building initiatives, and media appearances, I actively promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
Having personally experienced exclusion based on gender and race, I bring a deep understanding and empathy to my work. Drawing on my extensive background as a business consultant, entrepreneur, educator, and mindset coach spanning over 20 years, I possess a unique ability to engage diverse groups of people across various sectors.
My expertise lies in facilitating difficult conversations about race, gender, privilege, mental health awareness, and equity. I empower HR managers, business owners, and community leaders to develop their equity-building skills and create spaces where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging.
Approaching my work with empathy, compassion, and encouragement, I am dedicated to forging a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
What inspires you to write?
I am driven by curiosity and a passion for storytelling. I enjoy simplifying complex information into a conversational format, allowing people to explore various aspects of leadership in an accessible manner beyond academia.
Tell us about your writing process.
My writing process is quite conversational. I start by recording my ideas on a device or jotting them down on notepads or sticky notes. Once I have a collection of ideas, I record them orally to help the flow. I then organize my thoughts into a linear format, with each chapter having a clear beginning and end. After outlining the book, I focus on writing one chapter at a time, moving on to the next once it's complete. Editing involves removing any repetitive content, and I always have an accountability partner to keep me on track.
Who are your favorite authors?
Some of my favorite authors include romance novelists like Danielle Steel and Barbara Cartland from my teenage years. In high school, I was captivated by William Shakespeare, and later on, I delved into horror, crime stories, and classics by authors such as Stephen King, John Grisham, Toni Morrison, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, bell hooks, and James Baldwin.
What genres do you write?
I enjoy reading books in genres that align with my work as an equity and diversity educator, such as equity, diversity, and inclusion literature, as well as historical books exploring different cultures and communities. Additionally, I find pleasure in indulging in well-crafted historical romance or mystery novels for a thrilling read, always seeking that satisfying happy ending.
How did you choose the genre(s) you write?
I am drawn to writing about equity and inclusion, exploring themes of belonging within communities and the world. Currently, my focus is on the genre of equity, diversity, and inclusion in my writing.
What three things are on your writing desk at any given moment?
On my writing desk, you'll always find a microphone for instant idea recording, a fidget toy for focus, and my trusty water glass for hydration. And of course, a pen is a must-have for jotting down thoughts.
What hobbies do you have when you need a break from writing?
When I need a break from writing, I enjoy designing on Canva, creating flyers and other creative projects. I also unwind by watching funny movies and videos, indulging in TikTok silliness, and spending quality time dancing and being silly with my niece.
What formats are your books in?
Print
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All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.
