Championing Inclusivity Online and Offline with Dr. Jenny Li

On Breaking Gender Stereotypes:

As a female chiropractor, I regularly encounter societal stereotypes undermining my professional competence. There's a misconception that women in my field are less capable, fueled by the fact that chiropractic is predominantly male-dominated. This bias, coupled with locker room talk and occasional misogyny, created challenges in fostering camaraderie and mutual respect among colleagues.

It's not about one gender being inherently better than the other in chiropractic care. Both male and female chiropractors can excel in their field. However, some individuals may feel more comfortable seeking care from a female chiropractor due to personal preferences or specific needs. For example, some patients may feel more at ease discussing sensitive issues with a female practitioner. Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a chiropractor, regardless of gender, who is knowledgeable, experienced, and able to meet individual healthcare needs.

Regrettably, my former company lacked the necessary support systems, despite the majority of support staff and back-end administrators being women. Feeling excluded from the support network prompted me to consider starting my own practice. If inclusion wasn't extended to me, I resolved to create a space where inclusion was priority.

SHOP DR JENNY'S DRESS

On Creating a Supportive Environment:

For female chiropractors to thrive, being able to offer flexible work hours acknowledges and accommodates the diverse needs and responsibilities they may have, such as childcare and family commitments. Secondly, fostering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusivity creates an environment where female chiropractors feel respected and empowered. Collaboration and mentorship opportunities further enhance their professional growth and success.

Additionally, providing professional development opportunities tailored to the specific needs of female chiropractors is crucial. This includes access to continuing education, leadership training, and networking events. Implementing family-friendly policies, such as parental leave and childcare assistance, further supports female chiropractors in balancing their careers and personal lives. Ensuring equal opportunities for advancement and leadership roles within the organization promotes gender equality and inclusivity in decision-making processes.

Inclusive workplaces not only empower women but also benefit society as a whole. By prioritizing inclusivity and equal representation, communities become stronger and fairer. Active engagement with communities through outreach programs and involvement in local healthcare initiatives further reinforces the importance of inclusivity in fostering a supportive and equitable society.

SHOP DR JENNY'S TOP  SHOP DR JENNY'S PANTS

On Creating Workplace Diversity:

In my company, I've grown tired of the notion that one's performance should be judged based on factors like gender or religion. Thus, fostering inclusion has become a top priority. Regardless of sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or disabilities, what matters most is the ability to effectively carry out tasks. We highly value the contributions of every employee, emphasizing merit over irrelevant personal attributes.

Within our practice, we embrace religious diversity wholeheartedly. Our Muslim female staff members are not only permitted but encouraged to wear hijab and perform their daily prayers without any restrictions. Respecting all religious practices, we strive to cultivate an environment where employees feel not only accepted but also empowered to express their identities comfortably in the workplace.

Notably, feedback from our staff underscores the significance of our support for religious freedom. Muslim colleagues have expressed genuine appreciation for the freedom to observe hijab and perform their prayers without hindrance. They've shared instances from previous workplaces where such practices were discouraged or even prohibited. However, while we prioritize inclusivity, tackling unconscious bias remains a challenge as we endeavor to ensure fair representation in our company. Despite this, our commitment remains steadfast: to hire individuals based on merit and suitability for each role, regardless of any irrelevant factors.

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On Starting Youtube:

My channel is dedicated to celebrating diversity and sharing stories from people of all backgrounds. I firmly believe that everyone has a unique and remarkable story to tell. Through my YouTube channel, I provide a platform for everyday individuals to share their experiences and narratives, showcasing the beauty and richness of human diversity.

I believe that without my channel, I wouldn't have the opportunity to engage in such incredible conversations with individuals from vastly diverse backgrounds. Whether it's everyday people or multimillionaires, artists or stay-at-home moms, I welcome everyone to share their stories. Witnessing the resilience and strength within each person I meet fuels my passion to keep doing what I do.

Inspiring inclusion involves actively promoting and embracing diversity, equity, and belonging in all aspects of life, whether it’s in the workplace, schools, communities, or society as a whole. This can be achieved through awareness, education, empathy, and intentional efforts to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

Jenny’s Style

For a busy lifestyle, comfort is key without compromising style. I choose stylish yet comfortable staples like high-waisted trousers paired with a flowy blouse, or a versatile wrap dress. I like chic vibrant colours and then layer them with statement accessories. Sneakers or stylish flats are my go-to choice most days for comfort and flair.

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Photos c/o Augustine Yuen

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This series is part of our International Women’s Month where we talk to amazing women who tackle professional and personal life fearlessly while living, as intended. Aligning with this year's theme #inspireinclusion, we are thrilled to share the stories of women who have inspired inclusion in different aspects of their life to forge a better world for other women.

This year, As Intended is supporting Daughters Of Tomorrow (DOT) to raise donations to enhance their impact towards social mobility for families of women in the DOT community. 

Daughters of Tomorrow is a registered charity organization with IPC status in Singapore whose mission is to facilitate livelihood opportunities for underprivileged women, and support them in achieving financial independence and social mobility for their families. 

The lack of childminding support can be one of the biggest factors preventing a woman from being gainfully employed. Singapore Tote Board will match dollar for dollar for donations made and Tax Deduction Receipts (TDR) will also be issued for donations above $10. You may like to learn more, and choose to donate directly to: https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/ai-for-dot-IWD-2024