Mars’ Post

In the world we want tomorrow, what we do today matters. Proud to be part of the top 10 Associates who are #Flipping The Status Quo# in diverse ways. I couldn’t have done this all alone and I appreciate my colleagues, teammates and external partners who have all been part of this amazing journey. #Together we Flip The Status Quo# Be the change you want to see# #ProudlyMars# #Tomorrowstartstoday# 

Happy Wednesday! I hope you have had a fantastic week. I’m enjoying the day thus far, and it got me thinking. I have never really been good at doing what I was told to do. As odd as it may sound, I always needed to know the purpose of my efforts. What was the intention? What impact was I creating? Why? The main reason is that I enjoy being of value and doing things that matter. In my exploration, before starting Inclusion on the Slopes, I recognized that so much information, tools, and resources could make a difference to the inclusion conversation that wasn’t getting out to the masses. Within my research, I reviewed topics that executive leaders needed for the future, and it was inclusion. If I get clients to focus on inclusion, we can receive diversity, equity, and justice as a by-product (I’ll share more details about how in tomorrow’s post). Wherever there are people, there are opportunities for inclusion! Looking at the world through an inclusive lens, we see more inclusive opportunities everywhere we turn! I share with my clients often that we can not move backward and forward simultaneously. Let us move forward together. It is pretty inspiring, in my opinion. Enjoy! #joyofinclusion #inclusionexpansion #inclusionalldayerryday #inclusionontheslopes #SWORDInclusionSystem #PhaseThreeOpportunityPlanning

Happy Tuesday! Coming to the end of Jan 2024, I am wrapping up monthly highlights. I continue to recognize why I am doing what I am doing. When I started Inclusion on the Slopes, I had no idea what it would become. I just knew that it was something that called me. When you know something, you know it. You can not help but to live it. It pulls at you or calls you towards it even when you may want to walk away from it. Even this past month, I remembered why inclusion is so joyful and enriching. When we gain perspectives we wouldn’t have, it is monumental as to what we can achieve. I even did a bit of an activity with myself in which I answered the question, why does inclusion matter? I made a notation for about a week where I saw inclusion show up in my life. Here are a few of the highlights from my review. Inclusion assists me by minimizing stress and anxiety, increasing my performance, expanding my perspective, opening my world to new possibilities, and allowing me to do what I do well. I won’t say that fostering inclusion is easy. Yet, when we equip ourselves with the tools to navigate it, we want more inclusivity to enhance our experience and results. I am in love with the inclusion journey and the value it brings into my life. I smile every time I think about it. Have a wonderful day! #inclusionontheslopes #inclusionexpansion #joyofinclusion #SWORDInclusionSystem #PhaseTwoWhy

🌟 Empowering Allyship Workshop Success! Thanks EY for supporting your teams! 🌟 I am thrilled to share the wonderful experience of facilitating an Allyship Workshop for @Earnest & Young!🚀✨ My colleague Anne Vosatka and I co-lead an experience diving into the critical importance of fostering a culture of inclusivity and allyship within the workplace, while also offering its importance to families on their journey to supporting their Queer loved ones. It was truly inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and commitment of the participants to create positive change with their engagement. Key Highlights: 🌈 Explored the significance of allyship in promoting diversity and inclusion. 🔍 Discussed ways to recognize unconscious biases 🤝 Shared strategies to actively support others through learning, listening and speaking respectfully. 🗣 Invited folks to create behavioral charters and agreements to encourage a culture of communication and understanding. The energy and eagerness displayed by the participants underscored the commitment of EY to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity and empowers everyone to thrive. Special thanks to Lindsay Swanson for being such a critical force in creating spaces and of inclusion and community at EY. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful initiative and commend EY for their dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for #2SLGBTQIA+ folks. Let's continue to champion allyship and create workplaces where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated! 🌐💙 #Allyship #Inclusion #DiversityandInclusion #LeadershipDevelopment #CorporateTraining

🌍 Embracing Diversity: Global Diversity Awareness Month 🌍 In October, we celebrate not only the vibrant hues of fall but also the rich tapestry of cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds that make up our global community. At Kendal at Ithaca, our Quaker values guide us to recognize and honor the inherent worth of every individual. 💛🌐 🌈 Global Diversity Awareness Month is a reminder that unity lies in embracing our differences. As we journey together, let's learn from one another's experiences, break down barriers, and cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. 🗝️ Quaker values teach us to seek the Light within each person, regardless of their background. This means celebrating our unique stories and challenging biases. By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also create a world where justice, equality, and understanding prevail. 🌟 This month, let's commit to learning about cultures beyond our own, listening to voices that often go unheard, and championing inclusivity in all that we do. By fostering an environment of respect, empathy, and curiosity, we pave the way for a brighter and more harmonious future. 🔗 Together, let's celebrate our unity in diversity. Share in the comments below what diversity means to you and how you plan to promote a more inclusive world this month and beyond. #DiversityAwareness #QuakerValues #InclusionMatters #UnityInDiversity #KendalAtIthaca #GlobalCommunity

Ensono is proud to introduce the Allyship Program, an initiative that underscores our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This 4-week journey is a step towards reinforcing our corporate culture, where every individual’s voice is valued and heard. By completing the program, participants will be certified as Ally coaches, poised to influence and guide our global DEI initiatives. This is Ensono’s culture in action—championing inclusivity at every level. How does your company promote inclusion? Comment below! #Allyship #DiversityandInclusion #EnsonoCulture #DEI #MakeBetterHappen

Ensono is proud to introduce the Allyship Program, an initiative that underscores our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This 4-week journey is a step towards reinforcing our corporate culture, where every individual’s voice is valued and heard. By completing the program, participants will be certified as Ally coaches, poised to influence and guide our global DEI initiatives. This is Ensono’s culture in action—championing inclusivity at every level. How does your company promote inclusion? Comment below! #Allyship #DiversityandInclusion #EnsonoCulture #DEI #MakeBetterHappen

Ensono is proud to introduce the Allyship Program, an initiative that underscores our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This 4-week journey is a step towards reinforcing our corporate culture, where every individual’s voice is valued and heard. By completing the program, participants will be certified as Ally coaches, poised to influence and guide our global DEI initiatives. This is Ensono’s culture in action—championing inclusivity at every level. How does your company promote inclusion? Comment below! #Allyship #DiversityandInclusion #EnsonoCulture #DEI #MakeBetterHappen

Proximo is so very pleased to announce it was the recipient of this year’s National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Supplier of the Year Award presented on the final day of the 2023 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference. You can watch Proximo CEO David Ricciardi accept the award below. In his words, “We, my fellow diverse suppliers, are not looking for handouts and giveaways, we don’t want them nor expect them, we just want opportunities, the opportunity to be seen, as we are, and get a shot to show what we can do. And while we’re at it, we’ll create jobs, employ people, provide them with health care, put their kids through school, help them save for retirement, just like every other company out there. There is nothing wrong with that. Nothing woke. It’s just the American Dream.” https://lnkd.in/ec58hVY2 #SupplierDiversity #DataAnalytics #DataStrategy #DataGovernance

Wow, what a year it has been! Inclusion Compass is celebrating its first anniversary, and I can hardly believe all that we’ve achieved together: • 6+ Advisory Projects Completed • 15+ Client Engagements • 95% Client Satisfaction Rate • 5 New Partnerships • 14+ Training Workshops Delivered • 3 Social Impact Collaborations As a woman-founded micro-organization, our mission to foster fair and inclusive workspaces for everyone has always been our guiding light. Confession time… Starting this journey was anything but easy. Six years ago, a dear friend looked me straight in the eyes and said he saw a brilliant entrepreneur in me. Me? I laughed awkwardly. I was a corporate citizen, destined for volunteer work or, at most, academia post-retirement. Fast forward to 2022, and despite loving my job, my colleagues, and the recognition I received, something felt off. The burden of armored leadership weighed heavily on me, prompting a deep introspection about my life’s purpose. Accepting the barriers and limitations I had imposed on myself was tough. It didn’t happen overnight. Slowly, I convinced myself to give it a shot. This would be my experimental lab, my foray into social entrepreneurship. I reached out to trusted friends. Some advised me to stay within my corporate comfort zone, fearing the risks. Others suggested crafting a well-designed strategy. A precious few listened, reminding me of my strengths, past achievements, and their unwavering belief in my vision. And so, I leaped. I dared to trust my inner leader and shed the heavy armor of corporate security. Today, looking back on a year filled with projects, collaborations, and client engagements, I’m profoundly grateful I took that risk. I owe this journey to my incredible colleagues, clients, partners, and stakeholders who challenged norms and biases alongside me. Thank you all for believing in my capabilities and commitment. Here’s to growing our dreams and impact together in the years to come! #SocialEntrepreneurship #DaretoLead