Diversity Deep Dive

012. COVID-19 Impact on the Asian American Community

According to the World Health Organization, as of April 2020, the novel coronavirus has infected more than two million people in 213 countries. Worldwide there have been reports of anti-Asian discrimination. According to the Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council, the United States has seen a 17% increase in discriminatory behavior since the onset of the global pandemic. The behavior ranged from harassment, childhood bullying, being barred from establishments, to verbal and physical attacks. At the cornerstone of diversity and inclusion are respect, civility, compassion, understanding, and empathy toward all humanity. Diversity defines how we describe our unique characteristics and differences. Inclusion is how well we are embraced and welcomed. Belonging transcends both diversity and inclusion; it is a sense of being able to unmask and be who we truly are in the workplace and all spaces we occupy without labels, stereotypes, fear, or feeling uncomfortable.

010: Women Veterans - Finding Success after Service

Successful inclusion efforts ensure that all groups, regardless of demographic differences, are acknowledged, welcomed, and respected in the workplace. Veterans represent a large community of often untapped talent. According to a recent Miltary.com article, women veterans are more likely to struggle with their identity when they transition to civilian service than men.* Finding success after service can be filled with challenges and struggles. Employers can work to create a community that supports success after service for transitioning veterans. In the words of U.S. Veteran and Senator Tammy Duckworth, “We owe it to all our veterans to make sure they have a chance to achieve the American Dream, just like the rest of us.”

009: Building an Inclusive Workplace for LGBTQ Workers

Diversity and inclusion are built on the cornerstone of respect and acceptance. Yet, according to a recent study by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, almost 50% of LGBTQ workers remain closeted in the workplace.* It’s a time to ask are we creating safe spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves into the workplace. In the words of author, Steve Maraboli, “How would your life be different if you stopped making negative judgmental assumptions about people you encounter? Let today be the day you look for the good in everyone you meet and respect their journey.”

003: Inequities & Missed Opportunities for Diversity & Inclusion

Established almost 20 years ago, DiversityInc continues to be the “Gold Standard” for companies who want to be recognized for their D&I efforts. As a trailblazer in diversity media and analytics, DiversityInc has earned the reputation as a credible source for rating premium companies on their diversity and inclusion-management programs. DiversityInc deploys a rigorous, objective, step-by-step empirically driven evaluation to globally recognized corporations each year with over 1800 corporations participating last year. A recent survey demonstrates that many of the employers on this list consistently outperform the Dow Jones Industrial Average, in many instances year over year.

008. Moving Beyond Diversity & Inclusion to Belonging

Diversity encompasses specific individual demographics and traits; whereas inclusion centers on how well we embrace, accept, and remove barriers to give everyone an equal chance at success. In today’s workforce many people desire more than diversity and inclusion, they are searching for belonging. According to a recent LinkedIn survey* of 6,000 global professionals, it indicated that the following actions lead to a culture of belonging: 1) being recognized for accomplishments - 59% 2) having opportunities to express opinions freely – 51%, and 3) feeling that their contributions in meetings are valued – 50%. Yet, why do some employers fall short by focusing on one or two aspects of diversity? True inclusion happens at the intersection of diversity and belonging. In the words of the late Kofi Anan, “We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.”

007: Beyond Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging: Embracing the Uniqueness within Everyone

Most organizational diversity and inclusion efforts lead with the following two goals: 
1. How can we build a more diverse and inclusive organization? 
2. How can we ensure that the individuals within the organization feel encouraged to be present and fully engaged as their whole selves? 
While these focus areas are important to diversity and inclusion initiatives, there are other aspects of building a diverse and inclusive workforce that are equally important to consider. Even the most well-intentioned goals to make an organization more diverse and inclusive can at times result in a one-dimensional effect. 

A report published by the Harvard Business Review* demonstrates the importance of a two-dimensional focus on diversity and inclusion. The report goes on to site that organizations that are focused on diversity relative to tangible characteristics that you can see as well as diversity influenced by life experiences lead to improved profits and innovation by as much as 45%.

006: Global Citizenship & Cultural Connections

The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to impact the world by 2030.* SDG goal number 5 is focused on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Today our guest, Mariela Romero, is inspiring women and girls every day in her role as the Regional Community Empowerment Director for Univision Communications as well as the anchor and host of Conexión Fin de Semana.

Mariela has received 23 Emmy Awards from the Academy of Television Arts – South East region – and was named by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce one of the 50 most influential Latinos. In 2019 she was awarded the Olga C. de Goizueta Award by The Latin American Association. Mariela holds a degree in Journalism from Universidad Católica Argentina as well as a degree in Social Communications from Universidad de Belgrano. She also studied TV Broadcasting and Production in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is a native of Caracas, Venezuela. She is a proud mother to her 19 year son Mateo. On top of her impressive accomplishments; she is diligently engaged within her community to educate and encourage women across all cultures and embodies true global citizenship.

005: Being a more Inclusion Minded Leader

According to a Pew Research study, 45% of those surveyed viewed diverse perspectives and equality as top reasons to improve workplace diversity. A comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategy helps businesses extend their reach and impact in the talent market, fuel innovation and drive better business outcomes.

002: Breaking Glass for Women in Tech

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women comprise 50% of the total workforce but only 24% are employed in STEM-related roles. The future of work is heavily technology-centered. It is critical for companies to focus on greater gender diversity and help break barriers for women to pursue careers in technology.

001: Latinx Leaders Dispelling Stereotypes

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry sectors Latinos work in are predominantly construction – 27%, agriculture –23%, and hospitality – 22%. Yet what is often not highlighted are the Latinx professionals working every day to impact diversity and inclusion by dispelling stereotypes and breaking barriers.