Who is Isaac Baez?
Isaac Baez (pronounced (B-UY eh z) is a seasoned consultant, skilled facilitator, and founder of Visage Cultural & Diversity Consultation, LLC, with a focus on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. He currently works with organizations such as Hope and Healing Survivor Resources Center and previously with StarkMHAR. Since July 2024, he has been the Assistant Director of Education and Training for Pathways Community HUB Institute. Isaac received his Master's in Public Health from NEOMED and his Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) certificate through the Institute of Diversity Certification. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Public Health at Claremont Graduate University.
Isaac has conducted trainings throughout Stark and Summit Counties, including Cultural and Linguistic Competency, Cultural Humility, Language Access, and LGBTQ+ 101. His passion for working with those in need has been why he pursued a career in Public Health and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. It has also allowed him to work with different groups, such as Akron Pride Festival's Steering Committee as the co-chair of the March, Akron-Canton Latino Committee, Summit County Refugee Task Force, Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV) board, and Plexus LGBT + Allied Chamber of Commerce board. He lives with his spouse, Logan, and two dogs, Charlie and Osito (little bear in Spanish).
Issac Baez’ 2024 TEDxAkron Talk - Coming Soon, after the event!
TEDxAkron Q&A with Isaac
Q: What do you love most about working/living in Akron?
I’ve been living in Akron for about ten years and enjoyed how welcoming the community has been to me. My first experience of kindness from a stranger was when I rode the Metro RTA to work, and the bus driver saw how new I was to the city and the cold. They would pick me up in between stops so I would not have to walk through the snow and would wait for me, even when I was running late. I later found my community and my spouse, which are just a few of the many reasons why I ended up staying in Ohio.
Q: What do you think you’re most known for and what might surprise people about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I am best known for making delicious food, especially Dominican Chili. When I got here, I noticed how much people loved chili, and there were some dishes that were a bit similar, so I made it with a Dominican twist. One thing that people might be surprised to know about me is that I love anime. I got into it when I was an adult. My favorite show is One Piece, and my first was Fairy Tail.
Q: If you didn’t do what you did now, what would you do or how would you spend your time in an alternative universe?
I would probably be a chef or baker and own a coffee shop. I love to cook and bake. Coffee is also one of my absolute favorite drinks, whether it’s cold or hot. I love sharing my Dominican coffee with friends, and I would try to open a coffee shop with Latin coffee to share the culture and warmth through a cup of coffee.
Q: What’s your favorite mantra?
“A minute to learn, a lifetime to master” from the creators of the board game Othello. Even though this is a quote from a game, the concept fits perfectly when it comes to the work of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) because, even though you may learn the concepts of DEIB, it takes a lifetime to get it right. We are always learning.
Q: What is the one thing you’re looking forward to the most as a future TEDx speaker?
I hope my story inspires others to be vulnerable, share their truth, and know they are seen. Belonging to me means being able to connect, and connection happens when we share our stories with others.
Where to find Isaac: