Echoes of Growth: Esu Ma’at
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Esu Ma'at's life is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, passion, and the unyielding pursuit of purpose. Born in Dayton, Ohio, on January 25, 1971, Esu's early years were marked by profound trauma, a challenge that shaped the trajectory of his life. However, it was not the pain of his past that defined him; it was his ability to rise above it, transcending adversity to find purpose and success. His story is a symphony of triumph over hardship, guided by the beat of love, growth, and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Growing up in an environment rich with culture and excellence, Esu's life took a transformative turn when he moved to New York City with his father, a world-renowned jazz pianist, and his stepmother, the Head of Acquisitions for the Schomburg Library for Research in Black Culture. Surrounded by the rhythm of jazz and the profound influence of Black culture, Esu’s childhood was one of both privilege and struggle. He fondly remembers sitting in the back of jazz clubs, proudly proclaiming, "That’s my dad," while being immersed in the legacy of cultural excellence. His early years were a blend of pain and inspiration, ultimately fueling his desire to create change and impact the world around him.
Esu’s educational journey was shaped by the same resilience that defined his early life. He attended North Carolina Central University for two years before earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Fairleigh Dickinson University. But it was his passion for sports and management that led him to Columbia University, where he completed a Master of Science in sports management. His academic achievements were not just about earning degrees; they were about shaping a vision for the future, one where he could blend his personal and professional passions to create lasting change.
Today, Esu serves as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the Orlando Magic, where he integrates DE&I strategies into the organization’s business goals. His work focuses on attracting and retaining diverse talent, enhancing organizational culture, and driving equity and belonging. Under his leadership, the team has earned multiple accolades, including the prestigious 2022 SPORTY Award for Sponsorship Activation of the Year. Esu’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond his professional role, as he also teaches a Supervised DEI Research Project at Columbia University.
Esu’s impact is not confined to his professional life. He is deeply committed to his community, serving on the advisory board of the All-In Diversity Project, a London-based non-profit focused on DEI indexing. As a member of various boards, including the Coalition for the Homeless and Central Florida Community Arts, Esu continues to advocate for systemic change, striving to uplift those whose voices are often silenced. His commitment to service is rooted in a personal philosophy that values love, peace, freedom, and growth.
I live every day in pursuit of worthy goals, dreams, and aspirations that bring happiness, inspire the world around me, make my family proud, and honor God.
While his achievements are numerous, Esu’s journey has not been without its challenges. The loss of his father and the difficulty of navigating a challenging divorce were significant obstacles that threatened to derail his progress. However, instead of succumbing to these difficulties, Esu used them as opportunities for self-discovery and growth. The strength he found within himself during these dark times became the foundation of his leadership and his ability to inspire others to overcome their own struggles.
One of Esu’s greatest passions is the performing arts, an interest that was sparked in his youth and continues to shape his life today. From studying opera in high school to playing tennis at the Harlem Junior Tennis Program, Esu’s love for the arts and sports has been a constant thread throughout his life. His dedication to tennis led him to become the Director of High-Performance Tennis Development for 16 years, and he was honored with induction into the New York City Parks Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport.
Esu’s story is not just about professional success or accolades; it’s about living a life of purpose. He defines success not by external achievements but by the balance he maintains between his mental, physical, and spiritual health. His personal philosophy revolves around the belief that happiness is a choice and that gratitude is the key to elevating one’s life. “Gratitude equals attitude, attitude equals altitude,” he often says, emphasizing the power of positivity and the importance of fostering connections that uplift and inspire.
At the heart of Esu’s philosophy is his belief in the power of love, empathy, and connection. He recognizes that beneath the surface, we are more alike than different. In a world often divided by cynicism and sarcasm, Esu advocates for choosing empathy and passion as the true superpowers that can heal and unite. Through his work and his life, he strives to create a more joyful and harmonious world, one where individuals are empowered to live authentically and pursue their dreams.
Esu’s life is a beacon of hope for those who face adversity. From his traumatic childhood to his rise as a leader in DE&I, his story is one of overcoming, growing, and thriving. He is not just a man of accomplishments; he is a man of purpose, guided by a deep belief in the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As he continues to inspire and lead, Esu Ma’at’s legacy will be defined not just by the impact he’s made but by the lives he’s touched and the love he’s shared along the way.
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