Cradles to Crayons Massachusetts’ Post

Happy Pride month to all! During this month it's important to remember this is not just a month about parades and parties, it's a month to celebrate how far we've come as a community and recognize how far we still have to go to ensure inclusion and safety for all LGBTQIA persons globally! I came out later in life after years of shame, enduring the horrors of conversion therapy, participating in the ex-gay movement, and living inauthentically. Yet, thankfully, I found the way out of all that and have been able to live authentically and proud of all of who I am. I'm grateful I work in an organization like Boston Consulting Group (BCG) that not only supports me but celebrates me. This has been life-changing! There are three things that I believe are crucial for LGBTQIA persons (and everyone really) to thrive: 1. Work on yourself and the journey to full acceptance of all of who you are - do this first! This can take many forms, but I recommend therapy and/or support groups to get started. 2. Close second, find a community of people, even if small, that you can be open and honest with, that allows you to show up as yourself and seek support in your journey, and cheers you on along the way. 3. Lastly, put yourself in spaces where you are celebrated instead of just tolerated. Match the spaces you're in and the tables you sit at with the deep intrinsic value you have - accept nothing less than full respect. This applies to social groups, family, work, communities, etc. And know that there are so many of us that may be ahead of you on this journey who are willing and able to step in to support you in each of the above. Reach out so you don't have to do this alone!

In celebration of Pride Month, we want to share how important it is to be an ally to the 2SLGBTQI community and champion diversity in the workplace. Recently, we hosted a great discussion with some of our employees about what it means to be an ally and how we can support a culture of understanding, belonging, inclusivity, and allyship. Here are some insights that came from the discussion: ➡️ Actively listen and learn about the whole person. How they identify is only one part of who they are so take the time to get to know them. ➡️ Take the time to build your knowledge and awareness about people who are different from you. ➡️ Take the time to acknowledge your biases and how they may be affecting your actions. ➡️ Stand up and address situations when others are saying things that aren’t supportive of others. ➡️ Be brave and have the confidence to support your peers On behalf of eSentire, Happy Pride! 🏳️🌈

Apparently DEI must Die. What if this is true? 🤔 Too many people rely on Flags, Food & Fun and call it DEI. • Flags 🚩 Celebrating cultural calendar events once a year. Not celebrating people from those cultures for the rest of the year. • Food 🥘 Recognising cultural groups through their “acceptable” food. Not recognising cultural groups through their “acceptable” work. • Fun 🥳 Creating room for under represented groups to have parties. Not creating room for under represented groups to have career success. Flags, Food and Fun is Tokenism pretending to be Diversity. This is when a person’s identity is welcome but their competence and experience is not. I haven’t mentioned the shaming and guilt tactics that are standard practice. What if these practices were left in the past. Maybe there would be room for Evidence Based Inclusion practices to build the future. I’m cheering you on for 2024! Follow me if you want ongoing encouragement about Evidence Based Inclusion practices.

🌟 Celebrating Black Heritage Month at Residence Inn by Marriott Greenville @ Carolina Point ! 🌟 Throughout this incredible month of February, we've had the privilege of recognizing and honoring the rich tapestry of Black history, culture, and achievements. At Hospitality America diversity and inclusion are not just words; they are embedded in our culture, and Black Heritage Month has been a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from embracing our differences. 🤎 Our #blackhistorymonth recognition featured inspiring stories from an employee, highlighting their achievements, contributions, and the unique perspectives they bring from their family hertiage. 📚 Learning & Development: We've had #blackheritage trivia during morning huddles and discussions every Monday morning to foster a deeper understanding of Black history, racial equity, and the importance of unity. Education is key to breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive workplace. 🎨 Cultural Celebrations: We created hands of all colors with the world as a background and asked our team to right on the hand how they would foster change in the world. Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. 🙌 Future Commitments: As we say farewell to Black Heritage Month, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion remains unwavering. We will continue to learn, grow, and take meaningful actions to ensure a workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. 🌍 Embracing Diversity, Empowering Unity: At Hospitality America, we believe that diversity is our strength, and unity is our power. Let's carry the spirit of Black Heritage Month forward, creating a workplace where everyone feels not only accepted but truly celebrated. #BlackHeritageMonth #DiversityandInclusion #InclusiveWorkplace #EmpowerTogether #wearepeach #community

As we kick-off Black History Month, I’m filled with pride and admiration for the incredible contributions that Black individuals have made throughout history. This is a time for us all to reflect on the struggles, triumphs and indomitable spirit that has helped to shape the world we live in today. As a Black CEO, I stand on the shoulders of those who have paved the way before me. It’s important that we take the time to recognize and celebrate the many achievements of Black leaders, innovators, and change-makers—not just this month, but every day.  At IKEA, our commitment to diversity and inclusion isn’t just a checkbox. We’re committed to uplifting racialized voices and creating a workplace culture that embraces diversity in all its forms. We aim to normalize representation in all areas of our business, especially at the leadership level. But as we celebrate the movements we’ve made; we must also acknowledge the work that still needs to be done. Together, we can continue to break down barriers, challenge biases, and build a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to grow and thrive. To the next generation of leaders, dreamers, and trailblazers – your potential has no limits! Let’s continue to inspire, mentor, and uplift each other as we work towards a world where every single voice is not only heard but celebrated, today and every day. #IKEA #IKEACanada #BlackHistoryMonth #EmpoweringChange #Diversity #Inclusion  

Here's a short blog that I've written for Cordis Bright as part of Pride Month.

My Journey as Head Girl and the Unseen Significance As I reflect on my journey, becoming the Head Girl was a pivotal moment in my life that I didn't fully grasp at the time. This significance was particularly pronounced as I grew up in an area where the population was mainly white, with low numbers of ethnic minority communities. It was a realisation of the choices made by individuals in the white British teaching staff who saw beyond stereotypes and embraced diversity. Being chosen for such a role was not just a personal achievement; it was a step towards breaking barriers and challenging norms in an environment where diversity was not the norm. Looking back, I recognise the importance of those who advocated for me, both within the teaching staff and the broader management team. One notable aspect of this journey was the support and congratulations I received from the members of the Sikh and wider ethnic minority communities. Their recognition marked a significant first for the community, highlighting the impact of diversity in leadership positions. Over two decades later, it's disheartening to acknowledge that such occurrences in organisation's remain rare. However, the responsibility to represent and advocate for diversity falls on everyone. The Head Girl role was not just about personal growth; it was about setting a precedent for inclusivity and equal opportunities. As we navigate the present, it's essential to continue fostering an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds are not only given opportunities but are also encouraged to take on leadership roles. The lessons learned from my experience as Head Girl emphasises the need for ongoing efforts to break down barriers and create a more inclusive society. My journey continues to teach me that representation matters, and the choices made by individuals in positions of influence can have a lasting impact on communities. It is important to collectively strive for a future where diversity is celebrated, and opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of background. 📛

T-minus 29 days 🗓️ If one of your organizational goals is to move the needle on your DEI efforts, it is important to be aware that Black History Month is just a short 29 days away! 🚀 Recognizing #BlackHistoryMonth and honoring the contributions of Black people from all periods of US history is just one way to demonstrate a commitment to driving awareness and support for diversity, equity, and inclusion within your workplace. 🌍✊ But we also know that keeping track of important cultural milestones can be challenging, especially for smaller organizations without a robust, multidisciplinary HR team. 🤹♂️ And once Black History Month is over, guess what…it’s Women’s History Month…and then Mental Health Awareness Month, then Pride Month…and the list goes on and on. 📆🌈. In creating an inclusive culture, it is important to recognize these significant cultural initiatives. 🤝 But we get that having good intentions does not always deliver on meaningful results, because there are only so many hours in the day. If you don't have anything planned, it's not too late to join our event on February 1st, where we will be hosting Sertrice Shipley (DEI expert) where together, we'll explore the intersections of Black History Month and DEI. You'll gain valuable insights into the challenges and successes of DEI initiatives, and discover practical ways to foster allyship in the workplace. From discussing the importance of recognizing individual experiences and envisioning the future of DEI, this event promises a meaningful conversation around important topics that shape the landscape of inclusive workplaces. If you'd like to join us, or are looking for guidance on how to commemorate this month and the ones that follow, feel free to reach out directly! Together, let's make your organizational culture more inclusive and supportive. #CulturalAwareness #Inclusion #Diversity #InclusionMatters #Belonging