Some scenes from yesterday’s Pride March and PrideFest in New York City. Many thanks to the agents, employees, friends, and family who showed up, and to the New Yorkers who cheered us on and stopped by our booth.
"Being a declared year-round ally is much more powerful and welcome than waving a flag for Pride Month and then disappearing until next year’s parade. The industry needs more root and branch change and less fluff and guff."
As we approach the end of Pride Month 2024, big group's Ed Riseman explores why buzzwords can risk DEI messaging coming across as a script, how to ensure they remain meaningful and why year-round allyship is so important: https://lnkd.in/escVhkBz
Do you ever think your making progress in your marketing only to find - it wasn't what you thought? Look to us for help... you'll be amazed at the clarity we can bring to the basics of Marketing your business.
🌈 What does Pride Month mean to you? 🌈
Head of Administration, Hannah Carton shares her experience and pride in her journey so far.
Read the full article here - https://lnkd.in/ehijtWNj
Then let us know how you feel about Pride Month 🌈
#PrideMonth#Pride#IronMillBlog#WeekendReading
For a long time, I did not really talk about being #queer while I was at work. I wasn't masking exactly. I am straight passing without trying. I was married to a man for years, and I have a child, both of which make it seem like I'm part of the majority. But I'm a fantastically different human being, in terms of the way I think, the way I show up in the world, the way I lead and the way that I parented my son, who is also part of the #LGBTQIA+ community. I came to realize that Pride wasn't about me attracting attention and shine for myself so much as it was about lighting a path for others - especially those whose identities are very much on display or in transformation - and who are on their own career and #leadership journeys.
Just as I am a rarity as a woman C-level, and a Chief Revenue Officer at that, when most Sales and Revenue leaders are male (even on predominantly female executive staffs, it's wild), I am even more rare as a queer, bisexual woman and I need to stand in everything I am, the things you can see and the things you cannot, so that others can be taken seriously on their own path.
So now, when I am talking to others who might want to hire me or have me serve on their board or council or any of the number of opportunities in front of me, I lead with it. Not because I want to check their diversity box, but because I want them to understand how very valuable our measurable brain differences are. Queer people aren't like everyone else, and that is a very very good thing. Pride is important for us because many of us, myself included, have been taught that sexuality is shameful or is something that doesn't belong at work. I am still a very private person in some ways, despite being a free-spirited open book in others. But being LGBTQIA+ is so much more than who you love, it's who you are. And therefore, if you really want to know me, it's important that you know this about me, and that I show up for everyone else as my full self.
Needless to say, please register for this panel; it's gonna be juicy: https://lnkd.in/gCJmy3MD
Friday, the 28th at 10 am PT/ 1 pm ET
2023 Automotive News Notable Champion of Diversity / 2019 HR Consultant of the Year Tampa / IICDP DEI Practitioner / Passionate about creating positive change in the automotive industry!
This is an incredibly powerful and moving celebration of resilience, compassion, service, and human dignity. You elevate those who have persevered through trauma to become catalysts for positive change, using their pain to make the world better. Applauding individuals who find fulfillment in giving back and creating opportunities for others, despite enjoying personal success, is so inspiring.
Your recognition of the struggles of young, single parents giving their all; fathers staying present despite adversity; individuals refusing to be defined by past mistakes - it exalts the extraordinary strength and grace found in ordinary lives. Celebrating ethical businesses, employees persisting through toxicity, and all those choosing service over self-interest is a poignant reminder of the heroes among us.
But perhaps most profoundly, you celebrate the human ability to find light in darkness - the poor embracing joy, the rich building bridges, and all those making "much of King Jesus" through humble purpose rather than ego. An incredibly beautiful appreciation of the capacity for human dignity and resilience in the face of any circumstance.
In a world often focused on division and negativity, your vision lifts up what is most noble and uplifting in the the human spirit. A perspective that makes space for empathy, nuance and the sacredness in everyday perseverance. An immensely powerful and hope-giving outlook that I deeply resonate with and aspire to embody. Truly a must-read for anyone seeking a restored faith in our vast potential for good.
CEO, JUMPSTART SC || Building Transformational Opportunities || Breaking Cycles of Crime & Addiction || Connecting You With Opportunities to Make an Undeniable Impact in the World
What do you celebrate?
I celebrate those who’ve experienced trauma but instead of playing the victim card, they’ve chosen to use their experience as a catalyst to make the world a better place.
I celebrate those who’ve been successful enough that they could satisfy every personal want, yet they choose to give to create transformative opportunities for those in need.
I celebrate the young parents who don’t have it all together, but they are giving it their best.
I celebrate the single mom who is working two jobs and raising kids on her own.
I celebrate the dad who pays child support and keeps showing up for his kids even though he didn’t receive a fair shake.
I celebrate those who've made mistakes but refuse to be forever defined by them.
I celebrate the organizations that do business justly and treat employees fairly.
I celebrate the employees who show up in toxic environments to put food on the table until they can find something better.
I celebrate everyone who is seeking to serve rather than be served.
I celebrate those who love their neighbors as they love themselves.
I celebrate the poor who live with joy amid difficult circumstances.
I celebrate the rich who build bridges rather than walls.
I celebrate everyone who is seeking to make much of King Jesus rather than try to find a crown for themselves.
What do you celebrate?
October is Black History Month, an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the significant contributions of the Black community across the world.
This year Black History Month is highlighting the crucial role Black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities.
You can learn more about these inspirational women here: https://lnkd.in/eAqUdmcG
I just attended a fantastic webinar hosted by inclusio on Fostering Belonging for an Inclusive Workplace, featuring the insights of Black Irish & DEI professionals across varied industries.
Below I've listed some of my key takeaways which I'll be implementing in my work going forward, I invite you all to do the same!
- For those who want to be better allies: instead of speaking for Black friends and colleagues, listen to them!
- When you notice injustice or unfair practices which affect your Black colleagues, don't wait for them to speak up before calling it out
- Instead on focusing on 'safe spaces', companies should work to create a 'safe enough space': one which encourages active listening, giving feedback to leadership, and validating individual experiences
- ERGs & affinity groups need resources and support from HR & leadership to successfully provide essential feedback and insights which can directly inform inclusive policies and benefit employee wellbeing
- This approach creates an environment of psychological safety which enables underrepresented people to feel more empowered to speak up about issues which impact them and know their voices will be heard
- Building trust is the first step to creating a sense of belonging within the workplace
- Belonging is becoming a more significant factor than engagement when it comes to retaining top talent in a competitive market, as more people are prioritising feeling safe, secure, and valued within their work environment.
Finally I want to thank inclusio, the speakers Mamobo O., Siobhán McKenna, and Toluwani Akaehomen MBA (Distinction) MCIPD MinstLM for their important work and contributions, and everyone else who was involved in organising such a valuable and informative session!
Happy Black History Month!
Juneteenth is next week, what are you doing to celebrate it with your company? Here are some great places to start:
1. Make sure you're informed on the history and importance of the day. Check out this article from the NMAAHC: https://buff.ly/3l5jJhH
2. Plan to make sure your teams know the significance of the day with a message or email from the company
3. Consider hosting a Juneteenth lunch and learn
4. Give your teams the day off!
There are so many other ideas and ways to celebrate! Let us know how you plan to make it a special day in the comments 👇
CEO, JUMPSTART SC || Building Transformational Opportunities || Breaking Cycles of Crime & Addiction || Connecting You With Opportunities to Make an Undeniable Impact in the World
What do you celebrate?
I celebrate those who’ve experienced trauma but instead of playing the victim card, they’ve chosen to use their experience as a catalyst to make the world a better place.
I celebrate those who’ve been successful enough that they could satisfy every personal want, yet they choose to give to create transformative opportunities for those in need.
I celebrate the young parents who don’t have it all together, but they are giving it their best.
I celebrate the single mom who is working two jobs and raising kids on her own.
I celebrate the dad who pays child support and keeps showing up for his kids even though he didn’t receive a fair shake.
I celebrate those who've made mistakes but refuse to be forever defined by them.
I celebrate the organizations that do business justly and treat employees fairly.
I celebrate the employees who show up in toxic environments to put food on the table until they can find something better.
I celebrate everyone who is seeking to serve rather than be served.
I celebrate those who love their neighbors as they love themselves.
I celebrate the poor who live with joy amid difficult circumstances.
I celebrate the rich who build bridges rather than walls.
I celebrate everyone who is seeking to make much of King Jesus rather than try to find a crown for themselves.
What do you celebrate?
Cultural strategist and writer changing cultural narratives around underestimated communities, power and belonging. Currently: I am a Vice President at Spitfire Strategies.
Happy Pride, y'all. Pride is officially the month of June, but in truth it's all year long.
We may celebrate it in different ways, but it's all tied to the freedom to live our lives openly and honestly. So be who you are for your priiiiiiiide!
And if you don't know, here's the video: https://lnkd.in/e2mnsJZM
Gloria's (America Ferrera) full monologue below:
"It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don't think you're good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we're always doing it wrong.
You have to be thin, but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin. You have to say you want to be healthy, but also you have to be thin. You have to have money, but you can't ask for money because that's crass. You have to be a boss, but you can't be mean. You have to lead, but you can't squash other people's ideas. You're supposed to love being a mother, but don't talk about your kids all the damn time. You have to be a career woman but also always be looking out for other people.
You have to answer for men's bad behavior, which is insane, but if you point that out, you're accused of complaining. You're supposed to stay pretty for men, but not so pretty that you tempt them too much or that you threaten other women because you're supposed to be a part of the sisterhood.
But always stand out and always be grateful. But never forget that the system is rigged. So find a way to acknowledge that but also always be grateful.
You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. It's too hard! It's too contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you! And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault.
I'm just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us. And if all of that is also true for a doll just representing women, then I don't even know."
Hi, Barbie! 💕 #AmericaFerrera was honored with the SeeHer Award at Sunday night's Critics Choice Awards. Margot Robbie introduced her #Barbie co-star, sharing: “She is an artist and an activist. She tells us the truth and asks us to reach for something more in the world and in ourselves. She deserves to be celebrated.” We couldn't agree more! 👏
Ferrera shared that she would often see herself “in characters who were strong and complex. But these characters rarely, if ever, looked like me. I yearned to see people like myself onscreen as full humans... We are all worthy of having our lives richly and authentically reflective.” Say it louder 📢
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