AdventHealth Central Florida’s Post

The face of Central Florida is changing and more than ever, representation is so important. Our latest podcast gets into what's already being done to bridge the gap and help elevate Hispanic leaders and why that is so important to *all* of us. Give it a listen: https://lnkd.in/eNRFmvwm

On this 2nd day of Women's History month, I want to share my story of the power of mindset. When I first joined the Baltimore County Fire Department, I didn't see any ranking officers who looked like me. As a black woman, I knew the odds were stacked against me reaching a leadership position in a male-dominated field. But I also knew that with the right mindset, I could achieve anything. I set my sights on becoming a lieutenant my very 1st day of recruit class, even though no black woman had ever reached that rank in the department's history. I knew it would take unwavering determination, countless extra hours of training, and the resilience to overcome setbacks, haters, and naysayers. But I also knew that my mindset would be the key to unlocking my full potential. I've always been the type to view challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. I sought out mentors, asked for feedback, and deliberately put myself in uncomfortable situations to expand my skills and knowledge. When faced with biases or barriers, I chose to ignore ignorance and focus on my goals rather than get discouraged. Through the power of this mindset, I achieved what some said was impossible. In 2012, I became the first black woman lieutenant in the Baltimore County Fire Department's history. But my mindset was about more than just achieving a personal milestone. I wanted to pave the way for other minorities and women to follow in my footsteps. I wanted to be a visible role model proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible regardless of your background and your environment. Becoming a lieutenant was never the end goal - it was just the beginning. Now as a career changer and business owner I'm still pushing myself to learn and grow every day in service to my community. And I hope my story inspires others to develop a mindset of continual growth to break barriers and achieve their dreams. Adopt a growth mindset that includes belief in yourself, resilience, & vision. Stay focused on your goals, and know that your potential is limitless. If I can do it, you can do it. I believe in you. Mindset✔️ #herstory #baltimoretrailblazer #womenshistorymonth #womeninfire #womenwholead #hometownhero #themindsetsnob

The title of this NYT article says it all! The ad industry thrives on innovation fueled by diversity. Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives crucial for success. Yet, the lack of diversity in agencies, especially for Black talent, remains disheartening. In 2019, I launched Elevate, a leadership program for rising Black women talent. This year, I have had the honor of partnering on a new program focusing on elevating Black men in advertising. However, the industry-wide issue persists - a lack of sponsorship and investment in Black talent. Without sustained commitment, diversity initiatives falter when leaders championing these efforts leave or change roles. The key to lasting change eludes us; progress will remain stagnant without consistent efforts. #Diversity #Innovation #Sponsorship Read more: [Link to the article](https://lnkd.in/eFke2-9b)

“It’s hard to find Black candidates for Executive #healthcare roles”, a recruiter once said to me. My reply: “It’s not. You just aren’t looking…” Nearly 90% of CEOs in the health care industry identify as white, despite 4 out of 10 Americans identifying with a race or ethnic group other than white. But today I had the esteemed honor and pleasure of being in a room FULL of Black innovators, leaders, and trailblazers in healthcare at BlackDoctor.org’s Thought Leadership Summit. Our morning panel discussion on community relationships and #healthequity left me with a few essential takeaways: ✨Community outreach isn’t community engagement. Outreach is transactional, engagement is long-term and bidirectional. Be clear on which one your org is doing. ✨Communities are not monolithic; this includes the Black community. What works for one segment, won’t necessarily work for others. We have to be prepared to meet people where they are. ✨Community isn’t simply defined by ‘institutional partners’. If you’re not connecting with communities on a grassroots level, you’re not really doing community engagement. Shoutout to my fellow panelists & moderator: Ricki Fairley / Michael Curry, Esq./ Jacqueline Ingram, MBA / Terri Jackson P.s.- Black healthcare, public health, biotech, or pharma leaders aren’t hard to find. Much like community engagement, it takes intentional connection and authenticity. It’s only hard to find what you don’t want to see. #healthcareonlinkedin #pharma

This 💩 infuriates me. The mobbing and lack of support is incredible. I see it every day in my coaching practice. The hardest thing for the Black woman being mobbed is that she has zero control over the situation. The mobbing isn't about her or something she isn't doing. It's white supremacy culture flexing and oppressing so it can stay on top. I've come to the conclusion if an org is going to hire a Black woman exec to join a largely white leadership team, they other white execs and the CEO should go through anti-racism and bias training well before she arrives. Those white leaders then need to be coached consistently on how to support that Black exec and interrogate their biases and behaviors -- and the exec needs her own coach who will hold her concerns in confidence. These support systems are non-existent right now. I see a need for this with all women in the global majority but especially Black women execs. CEOs: take note! You're wasting money and destroying women's souls in the process. #ceo #mobbing #executive #supportblackwomen #leadership

This *free* Devex Leader roundtable on Black Leadership in Global Development is bound to be a powerful and insightful conversation. Registration information is below. I hope to see you there!

🎤💡 Black Leadership in Global Development: A Special Roundtable Event for Black History Month 🎤💡 In honor of Black History Month in the US, we're excited to invite you to February's roundtable, featuring a powerful lineup of US-based Black global development leaders. This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand experiences, tackle challenging discussions, and participate in a dialogue focused on inclusivity and representation with a powerhouse group of influencers. 📅 Date: Wednesday, 21 February 2024 ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST 🔥 Free registration to attend 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eRPSg7Rf 🚀 Themes We'll Explore: Systemic Barriers: Understanding the obstacles Black professionals encounter in global development. DEI Dynamics: The impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in the U.S. and beyond and rising backlash. Promoting Equity: Actionable steps for organizations to enhance equity, with real success stories. Navigating Race Complexities: Addressing U.S.-centric views of race in a global context. Empowering Black Leaders: Strategies to elevate Black leadership in the sector. Building Sustainable Communities: The role of Black leadership in fostering global resilience. 🌟 Featuring Esteemed Panelists: Tjada D'Oyen McKenna, CEO, Mercy Corps Loyce P. Pace, Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Aaron S. Williams, Senior Advisor Emeritus, RTI International 📺 How to Watch: Live: Join us via Zoom livestream (link sent post-registration). On-Demand: Can't make the live stream? Register to receive a recording link. 🔥 Though normally for our Pro members, this month's event is FREE to attend. #BlackHistoryMonth #GlobalDevelopment #DiversityInLeadership #Inclusivity #Empowerment

The most overlooked key to successful implementation is Clarity of Thought. Taking the time to delve into the meanings and implications of the mental models we act on and the words we use results in a completely different set of outcomes. This is a quintessential example of why clarity of thought matters when approaching ANY problem or project: "Community outreach isn’t community engagement. Outreach is transactional, engagement is long-term and bidirectional. Be clear on which one your org is doing." #clarity #thought #meaning

Honoring Freedom and Championing Diversity As we commemorate Juneteenth, MNCREW reaffirms our unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This significant day marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward justice and equality for all. At MNCREW, we align with the CREW Network’s dedication to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging. Our global network thrives on diverse voices, which enrich our business connections and drive innovation. We are inspired by the collaborative spirit that breaks down barriers and accelerates growth for our chapters, members, and partners. To learn more about #Juneteenth, or if you’re interested in attending local Minnesota events, check out this list of opportunities below. As with other leadership and allyship opportunities, we recommend that you invite one or more members, work colleagues, or friends to join you! ➡️ Attend one or more of the activities listed on the City of Minneapolis Juneteenth Events and City of Saint Paul’s Juneteenth Events ➡️ Pick up a book on Juneteenth that interests you at one of these #BlackOwned bookstores. Check out: Black Garnet Books, Strive Bookstore, and Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore ➡️ Support local #BlackOwnedBusiness listed on the Minnesota Black-Owned Business. Search: Directory and the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce

Waking up today, our oldest son is now the same age and in the same grade that I was in 23 years ago, on September 11, 2001. It’s a humbling moment to reflect on how much has changed—and how much has stayed the same. On this day of remembrance, I pause to honor the lives lost, the bravery displayed, and the unity we felt as a nation in the face of tragedy. The memories of that day still stir deep emotions, but they also remind me of the importance of empathy and compassion in the world we’re shaping for the next generation. As we continue to grow and learn, it’s important to carry forward the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We live in a world that is more connected than ever before. Our differences—whether in background, culture, or perspective—should be celebrated, for they make us stronger and more resilient. Today, let’s honor those we lost by building a future where every voice is heard, where compassion leads, and where we stand together, united in the hope of a more just and inclusive world.