With states like Florida and companies like Walmart dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Jasmine Garland knows that her position is a precious one.

“It breaks my heart that the attackers can’t seem to understand that DEI isn’t meant to be divisive — it’s about uniting us, creating a foundation where we can support one another and pursue happiness together,” Garland said.

As the newly hired impact director at Hotel Revival in Mount Vernon, the 35-year-old is charged with creating diversity efforts at the hotel that both serve the community and are good for business.

She collaborates with local businesses and residents to create opportunities while finding ways to increase the boutique hotel’s presence in Baltimore.

Many of these past initiatives match the hotel with minority-owned businesses for collaborations that have included a pitch competition similar to “Shark Tank” for minority-owned businesses; art instillations by Black artists at the hotel; using the toilet paper created by lor tush, a Black-women company; and partnering with Sole Wash, a minority woman-owned service that provides sneaker cleaning and restorations.

“At the heart of my work is a simple belief: Empowering communities empowers us all. I am passionate about making a difference — one relationship, one project, and one conversation at a time,” she said.

Garland said the current attacks on DEI efforts is unfortunate.

“If we truly are a ‘melting pot,’ embracing diversity is essential for our collective advancement” she said.

Last year, Garland was devastated after being laid off from another job, but called it a turning point. She began focusing on wellness, which she also incorporates into the hotel’s initiatives.

Garland recently spoke to The Baltimore Banner about her new position.

Why is DEI important?

DEI is crucial because it ensures that everyone — no matter their background, identity, or experiences — has a voice and opportunity to thrive. It’s about creating an environment where each person is valued for who they are, not just in relation to the current dominant culture or the culture from which they come. In a truly inclusive community, diverse perspectives aren’t just accepted; they’re celebrated as key to innovation, understanding and growth. DEI allows us to address historical and current imbalances and ensures that all individuals can contribute their unique strengths to the collective success of the organization, community or society. It’s about ensuring that we all rise together and that each person has the chance to succeed.

How do you feel coming into a job that emphasizes highlighting diverse talent?

I feel incredibly blessed to have joined a company that is so deeply committed to caring for the community. When we talk about “diverse talent,” it’s not just about who we hire — though that’s important — it’s also about who we source from, who our partners are, and who in the community can bring unique perspectives, depth and value to the experience of Hotel Revival.

For me, being part of a community of changemakers, connecting with local individuals to understand the needs of our city, providing resources, and planning programs is not only meaningful but also deeply rewarding. Every day, I wake up knowing I can make a difference, and that is both empowering and exciting.

What can we expect to see at Revival this holiday season?

This holiday season started with a bang! We hosted a nonprofit Friendsgiving to celebrate and support the incredible local nonprofits that serve as the backbone of our city. In the coming weeks, we’re also proud to be sponsoring a toy drive in collaboration with the nonprofit Positivity in Baltimore, giving back to those who need it most. On December 18th, we’re hosting another installation of The Remedy, which will be a winter wellness mixer. This will be an opportunity to unwind and recharge after a year of hard work, and a standout feature of this event will be speed coaching sessions with mental health professionals from the city, helping attendees connect with the right provider for their 2025 wellness journey.

In addition, we’ve recently sourced new products from local small businesses for our Corner Store, partnering with 15 unique vendors from diverse communities and identities in Baltimore. By featuring their work in the store, we’re amplifying their voices and supporting their entrepreneurial efforts.

Looking ahead to January, we’ll be hosting The Remedy Retreat, a transformative overnight experience designed to foster personal growth, connection and well-being. This retreat will bring together past Remedy panelists, new thought leaders, and wellness experts for immersive workshops, discussions and relaxation sessions aimed at healing and self-discovery.

What is your vision for Hotel Revival in 2025?

Looking forward, my vision for Hotel Revival in 2025 is to also create an inclusive, dynamic space where diverse communities can come together to learn, grow and share. I envision an environment where we don’t just acknowledge our differences but actively celebrate and seek to understand them.

One of the exciting initiatives we’re launching is “Wednesdays @ Revival” — a dynamic series of events designed to bring people together to learn, grow, connect and have fun. We aspire to become the go-to destination for the community on Wednesday nights. Additionally, we’re introducing Be Well Baltimore, a series of health and wellness activities sponsored by the hotel. This initiative is aimed at encouraging self-care and making wellness resources accessible to all.