Laurabel Mba Consulting

Today is Black Girl Day Off "Black Girl Day Off" is an empowering concept that encourages Black women to take a break from the relentless demands of everyday life, embracing self-care and mental wellness. In a world where Black women often face unique challenges, societal pressures, and systemic injustices, dedicating a day to rest and rejuvenate is not just a luxury but a necessity. This day is about prioritizing one's own needs, engaging in activities that bring joy, and nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Whether it's indulging in a favorite hobby, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing in solitude, "Black Girl Day Off" serves as a reminder of the importance of self-love and the power of taking time to recharge.

🌍 **Today is World Mental Health Day** 🌍 It's important to remember that **marginalized communities** often face additional barriers in accessing mental health support. Whether due to racism, xenophobia, ableism, or other forms of discrimination, these individuals may struggle to find culturally competent care that addresses their unique needs. Here are some **self-care practices** with a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) perspective that can help: 1. **Acknowledge Your Lived Experience**: Your feelings and experiences are valid, even when society doesn’t fully recognize them.    2. **Build Communities of Care**: Find safe spaces to process emotions without judgment—whether online or in-person with people who understand your experiences. 3. **Set Boundaries**: Protect your mental health by setting boundaries in environments where you experience microaggressions or biases. 4. **Seek Culturally Affirming Therapy**: If possible, find a therapist who understands the cultural nuances of your background. 5. **Deconstruct Internalized Biases**: Reflect on negative societal narratives that may affect how you see yourself and work to unlearn them. 6. **Rest as Resistance**: Taking time to rest and disconnect from oppressive systems can be a radical act of self-care. 7. **Engage in Cultural or Spiritual Practices**: Explore practices that resonate with your identity for healing and belonging. 8. **Advocate for Yourself**: Speak up for your needs in healthcare settings. If necessary, bring someone to advocate with you. 9. **Practice Intersectional Mindfulness**: Reflect on how your multiple identities intersect and shape your experiences in the world. 10. **Celebrate Your Resilience**: Acknowledge the strength it takes to navigate systems not built with your needs in mind. --- While self-care is crucial, **systems and institutions** must also do their part to support marginalized communities. Here are some ways the system can step up: 1. **Increase Access to Culturally Competent Care**: Train mental health providers in cultural competence and hire more professionals from diverse backgrounds. 2. **Reduce Financial Barriers**: Subsidize mental health services and ensure insurance fully covers therapy, especially culturally competent care. 3. **Expand Community-Based Support Networks**: Establish more mental health centers in underserved areas and develop peer-led support programs. 4. **Develop and Fund Specialized Programs**: Create mental health programs tailored to specific groups (e.g., Black, Indigenous, immigrant, LGBTQ+, disabled communities) and acknowledge intersectionality. 5. **Improve Accessibility**: Offer services in multiple languages, provide teletherapy options, and make mental health services accessible to people with disabilities. --- As we observe World Mental Health Day, let’s push for **systemic changes** that ensure everyone—especially those from marginalized communities—has access to the support they deserve.

Just a heads up Folx

When it comes to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), guilt is not the answer. As Dr. Liz Wilson explains in a recent post, guilt often triggers defensiveness, pushing people away from meaningful change rather than toward it. Instead of guilt-driven models, we need to focus on empathy and rehumanizing DEI efforts. At Laurabel Mba Consulting, we believe leading with empathy creates safe spaces for growth and encourages lasting, collective change. In my latest article, I explore: ✔️ Why guilt doesn’t drive inclusion (with insights from Dr. Liz Wilson) ✔️ The power of empathy in DEI ✔️ How to rehumanize DEI efforts for sustainable impact Let’s shift from guilt to empathy and build environments where everyone thrives!

Monday is Orange Shirt Day. This morning, I explained to my child, Theo, why he was wearing an orange shirt. The conversation went like this: Me: "Today we wear orange to remember the kids forced to go to schools and who never came home." Theo: "Mommy, why? Who made them? Why didn’t they come home?" Me: "Some grown-ups made them, and sadly, some got hurt and didn’t make it back." Theo: "That’s not very nice. Do I still get to come home?" Me: "Yes, buddy, you still get to come home." This made me reflect on the parents who sent their children to residential schools, hoping they’d come back, and the fear their kids endured. Many didn’t return. As we wear orange today, let’s remember them. Though residential schools have closed, new systems still separate Indigenous children from their families and communities. If you’re looking for ways to commemorate Truth and Reconciliation Day, check out First Light https://firstlightnl.ca/ for ways to get involved. #OrangeShirtDay #TruthAndReconciliation #EveryChildMatters #IndigenousRights

In an era where diversity and inclusion have become pivotal components of societal progress, organizations find themselves at the forefront of fostering environments that champion equality. One crucial element in achieving this is integrating...

Does your organization apply for government funding? Did you know that DEI metrics and strategies are increasingly critical in funding assessments? Don’t let gaps in your DEI policies hold you back. Reach out to Laurabel Mba Consulting to ensure your organization is fully aligned with current DEI expectations and positioned for success. https://lnkd.in/eN7ZWBQM

Hey there! Building on our recent discussion about racism, let's delve deeper into an essential concept: systemic racism. This term encompasses the broader, often hidden, structures that perpetuate racial inequality. It's crucial to comprehend these...

Diversity goes far beyond a single dimension. There are over 20 different metrics you can consider to cultivate a truly diverse workplace—ranging from race and ethnicity to age, ability, education, and more. Not sure where to begin? Let Laurabel Mba Consulting guide you through building an inclusive and equitable organization, ensuring that every facet of diversity is embraced and celebrated. Reach out today to get started! https://lnkd.in/eN7ZWBQM

As we move into October, we're excited to announce that our founder, Laurabel Mba, will be in Halifax next week! If you or your organization are looking to kickstart DEI and anti-racism initiatives and prefer in-person consultations, now is the perfect time to book a meeting with her. Don’t miss this opportunity to have meaningful conversations and begin your journey toward a more inclusive future. https://lnkd.in/eq4TKJD2