Ayers Saint Gross’ Post

I was absolutely honored to be able to contribute to Eptura's most recent blog about the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging in the workplace. This is such an important topic to consider, especially during 🌈 Pride Month 🌈 . Thrilled to get to work for a company that prioritizes inclusion and diversity--check out the article below!

Top tips for championing inclusivity during Pride month...and beyond! 🌈 Be an ally, learn about LGBTQIA+ issues to enhance your understanding and support of the community. 🌈 Examine and challenge your own biases to cultivate a more inclusive mindset. 🌈 Confront discriminatory language or behaviours, promoting respect and acceptance. 🌈 Utilise inclusive language and pronouns to foster a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. 🌈 Listen to LGBTQIA+ experiences and concerns with empathy and without judgement. 🌈 Advocate for policies and practices that promote equality and protect against discrimination. LGBTQIA+ inclusion should take place 365 days of the year. This is why Lifetime Group has its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy in place to make sure we’re always considering the rights and needs of the LGBTQIA+ community when decisions are being made, and to avoid any kind of ‘performative allyship’.

As we celebrate this vibrant and empowering month, it’s important to remember the significance of pride and the impact it has on so many. Visibility & Representation: Pride Month provides a platform for LGBTQIA+ individuals to be seen and heard. Representation matters, and seeing diverse identities celebrated helps to normalize and validate the experiences of LGBTQIA+ people. Community & Support: Pride events and activities foster a sense of community and belonging. They offer a safe space for people to connect, share their stories, and support one another. Advocacy & Education: Pride month is an opportunity to educate others and advocate for equal rights. It highlights the ongoing struggles and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community, paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting society. Self-Expression & Authenticity: Being able to be yourself without fear of judgement or discrimination is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Inspiration & Empowerment: Seeing others live authentically and proud can inspire and empower individuals to embrace their own identities. Continue to support and uplift one another. Not just during Pride month, but all year round. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe and free to be themselves 🌈🏳️⚧️

WHAT DO YOU DO? 😡 Don't let ageist comments bring you down, today we want to equip you with the knowledge to take a stand and educate others about the importance of respect and inclusion. Swipe right to learn our Diversity Alliance ® tips on what to do when you hear an ageist comment ↪️ 💡 Remember, we have the power to change perceptions and create a more inclusive society. ✨ Comment below if you had inclusive training to spread the message of respect and inclusivity! #ShatterAgeistComments #RespectAndInclusion #AgeismAwareness

We talk about inclusion a lot - inclusion strategies, inclusion barriers, inclusive practice. These efforts have real impacts for children, even when they're subtle or go unnoticed. This beautiful graphic from Diversity Kids maps out what inclusion can look and feel like through the eyes of a child. It's a great reminder that what you're doing is making a difference! 💪 Know a fellow inclusion superstar who needs a reminder of their impact? Tag them below! 💚

🗓️ June is one of my favourite months of the year 6️⃣ 🌈 While I read posts celebrating Pride Month, I realize is also the 13th anniversary of the Ruggie’s “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. “🔖 The intersection of both occasions is clear: business have a vital role towards the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people. And businesses are built by the people! As I reflect on my journey towards an LGBTQIA+ ally, here are some steps I have taken: ➡️ I took time to educate myself on language use or historical events such as the Stonewall riots. ➡️ I tried to ask and listen before stating. Because only members of the community can say what feels right - or wrong. ➡️ I worked to challenge and unlearn the biases ingrained in my upbringing. ➡️ I started to speak out against exclusive statements or microagressions. Today beyond my corporate role, I continue on my learning journey. 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈Because the basics are in the Human Rights Declaration: all human beings are equal. #pridemonth #humanrights

Check out these valuable insights on inclusion in the workplace from one of my Brand Strategy clients, Coach Dora. I'm working with her on a long-term roll-out of: • Visual Identity Design • Brand Voice and Value Positioning • Social Media Marketing • Web Design (CoachDoraMendez.com) If you would like to book a FREE strategy conversation for your business, click Here: http://bit.ly/4c6O73G #branding #brandstrategy #visualidentity

Blueprint for Change: Making LGBTQIA+ inclusivity part of your brand’s DNA NDA talks to brands, agencies, civil society and industry bodies to discuss the practical steps organisations must take today to deliver true inclusivity. https://ow.ly/YHbv50PBuWh

🌟 Join Us for Black Inclusion Week May 13th - 19th! 🌟 Black Inclusion Week is taking place from May 13th to 19th - https://lnkd.in/eWQQDWEj This week-long event is dedicated to celebrating Black excellence, fostering dialogue, and driving meaningful change towards a more inclusive workplace, communities and society. Why Black Inclusion Week Matters:   Black voices, experiences, and contributions are integral to the fabric of organisations, businesses and broader communities. However, systemic barriers and inequalities persist, hindering the full realisation of diversity, equity and inclusion. Commitment:   During Black Inclusion Week, we should all reaffirm our personal commitment to fostering a culture of belonging where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We recognise the importance of amplifying Black voices, advocating for equity, equality and dismantling barriers to racism and opportunities. What to Expect:   Throughout the week, they will be hosting a series of engaging events, discussions, and workshops focused on various aspects of Black inclusion, including: ·     Panel discussions featuring Black leaders and influencers sharing their insights and experiences. ·     Workshops on allyship and creating inclusive spaces. ·     Celebration of Black people in society. ·     Networking opportunities to connect with colleagues and allies passionate about diversity and inclusion. Get Involved: We invite all employees to actively participate in Black Inclusion Week by attending events, joining conversations, and championing diversity and inclusion in their daily interactions. Together, we can create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential. Stay Connected:   Be sure to follow Black Inclusion Week on LinkedIn for updates and announcements throughout Black Inclusion Week. Let's make this a transformative week of learning, reflection, and action as we strive together to build a more inclusive future for the next generation of our Black communities. #BlackInclusionWeek #DiversityandInclusion #InclusiveWorkplace #Belonging #Equality #registernow

This month, your MPI-CC DEI team brings you Tip Tuesday! Every Tuesday, we'll provide a DEI-related tip you can apply to your workplace. Here's today's tip topic: Culturally Inclusive Event Planning. Tip: When organizing events in November, recognize and incorporate elements from the diverse cultural observances of the month. For instance, plan menus that include Native American dishes during Native American Heritage Month or offer a moment of silence on Transgender Day of Remembrance. Ensure that the significance of these inclusions is communicated respectfully to attendees.