Debbie Millman’s ongoing project “What Matters,” an effort to understand the interior life of artists, designers, and creative thinkers, is now in its third year. Each respondent is invited to answer ten identical questions and submit a nonprofessional photograph.
Diana Wilkens has a wide and vast knowledge in program development, leadership accountability and growth, development and strategy and education, training initiatives. In her professional career, Diana fought on the front lines for Marriage Equality and GENDA in New York, teaches college level literature and writing, is a team member of Social Justice Initiatives, LLC., works full time at Center for Safety & Change, advocating for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other crimes and is currently writing a memoir.
Pronouns: she/they
What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
I think the thing I like doing the most is being creative and sharing that love for language with the world and creating change. I have worked my entire life in social justice advocacy and to see movements flourish and stand up to injustices is invigorating.
What is the first memory you have of being creative?
When I was 16, I went to my first poetry reading and I remember feeling at home. There was an out queer woman, Seren Divine, (now a dear friend) reading a poem about loving women and I was just floored – and knew right away “this is where I belonged”. After that reading, I went home and wrote in a journal for the first time – a poem about a girl I had a crush on… I indeed was and am a poet.
What is your biggest regret?
I think one of my biggest regrets is not understanding the death of my sister until a few years ago. I am currently writing a memoir, and in this process of writing and digging – things are surfacing and this is a BIG one! I think regret is an interesting word because I think the process of this understanding was not regretful but I do think that not being able to have the cognitive ability to process due to age, is something I will always wonder about in regard to if I did have that ability would I have felt any more seen.
How have you gotten over heartbreak?
Oof! How much time do we have!? Being a poet, I have generally wallowed in heartbreak – taking to the page and the pen for solace and comfort. Listening to music, long walks near water, a good happy hour with best friends, and over time, deep internal processing. Heartbreak makes us, in the end, cherish the moments that we have had and the ones that make us who we are through the heartbreak and hurt and process and joy.
What makes you cry?
I am one of those people that doesn’t cry often – I think because somewhere along the way I got numb to loss and difficulty. For me to cry, I must be completely broken, frustrated and feeling like there is nowhere to go.
How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
Oh, it is never ending to me. I think pride and joy can be reminiscent and reminding.
Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
I believe in reincarnation and energy; I have felt presence, and guidance, and vibrational energy from passings. I think each person gives back to the world in some way after they have left this physical one. I think it is beautiful and intentional in all the ways it is meant to be and one’s that we will never be able to define but will always feel if and when we do.
What do you hate most about yourself?
I do not think I hate anything about myself. This is a hard question!
What do you love most about yourself?
I love my compassion for others, my openness and my heart wearing sleeve. I love my ability to create and make space and my unending emotions and love.
What is your absolute favorite meal?
Tacos, hands down! And a margarita or beer!
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