On this episode of the RAISE podcast, Brent chats with Gregory Perrin, Associate Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations at St. Edward's University. He is also joined by a special guest, EverTrue’s own Jessica Frey, for a conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Gregory is an accomplished fundraiser who is also an actor, artist, and a former ROTC member. He has fundraising efforts and teams in the arts world for the Houston Grand Opera; in the healthcare world for the AIDS Foundation; and in higher education at UT Austin and now at St. Edward's. One constant throughout his personal and professional life has been his commitment to ensuring that diverse folks thrive in their environments through the support of equitable policies and inclusive and welcoming teams. As Gregory reminds us, when we feel like we belong somewhere, we blossom. Gregory and Jessica share their insights on the daily work that’s needed to uphold DEI in our circles; how important it is to unravel the systemic racism that is embedded in the foundation of many hundred-year-old colleges and universities; and how newer companies have a chance at building a different kind of foundation, one that is inclusive and diverse from the get-go. Thank you, Gregory, for sharing your wisdom with us.About GregoryGregory is a dynamic leader, fundraiser and artist with 30 years of experience in nonprofits, higher education, community engagement and performing arts. Currently he is the Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX.Gregory serves on the Mid America Arts Alliance board, and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) US/Canada Regional Council; and the advisory council for the Armstrong Community Music School. He has both undergraduate and graduate degrees in theatre from the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts at University of Houston. He is married to Lamonica Guillory Perrin and they have one adult son.