EP 108: Clearing the Path: Cinnamon Clark on Turning Inclusion into Action
(Veterans/Military Appreciation Month Series)
In honor of Military Appreciation Month, this episode celebrates service, transition, and purpose-driven leadership through a conversation that bridges military, corporate, and public service spaces.
Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Cinnamon Clark — a U.S. Navy veteran, Chief Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer at the California Department of Justice, and Chair of the San Diego Citizens’ Equal Opportunity Commission — to explore what it really takes to make inclusion actionable.
From maintaining aircraft in the Navy to leading equity initiatives for global corporations to shaping equity policies for one of the largest justice departments in the country, Cinnamon’s story demonstrates how leadership, courage, and curiosity can open doors not only for oneself but for everyone who follows.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
✅ What “Inclusion as a Verb” Looks Like
Cinnamon shares how inclusion happens through daily choices — the way we ask, listen, and lead — and why it’s everyone’s responsibility, not just a DEI department’s.
✅ From “Only” to “Opening Doors”
One of the first women integrated into shipboard squadrons, Cinnamon turned isolation into advocacy — clearing pathways for others, including the first enlisted woman to complete Naval Special Warfare training.
✅ Equity vs. Equality — The Boots Story
She illustrates the difference between equality and equity with a memorable lesson from her military days: same-sized boots don’t mean the same fit.
✅ Intersectionality as Leadership
Why every leader needs to understand intersectionality as a competency — the ability to pause, ask questions, and see the full context before reacting or judging.
✅ Transitioning from Military to Corporate to Civic Leadership
Cinnamon walks through her evolution from aviation electrician to global DEI advisor and state executive, offering insights for professionals navigating their own career pivots.
✅ The Power of Curiosity and Self-Belief
Her message for emerging professionals: stay curious, say yes to opportunities that stretch you, and never measure your success against someone else’s timeline.
✅ Food, Culture, and Connection
How something as simple as sharing a meal — becomes a bridge for belonging.
About the Guest
Cinnamon Clark is a retired Chief Petty Officer with over 20 years in the U.S. Navy. She has since become a respected diversity and inclusion leader, serving as Chief Diversity Inclusion and Belonging Officer at the California Department of Justice and Chair of the San Diego CEOC.
Her career spans military service, corporate consulting with McLean & Company, and state leadership — all centered on embedding equity into systems, structures, and culture.
🔗 Connect with Cinnamon on LinkedIn
About the Host
Dr. Lola Adeyemo is a workplace inclusion strategist, author, and CEO of EQImindset, where she helps organizations build communities of belonging through strategy, storytelling, and systems change.
💬 Connect on LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Adeyemo
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✨ Your story matters. Keep thriving in your intersections.
— Dr. Lola Adeyemo