BerlinRosen’s Post

Happy Juneteenth, everyone! ✊🏾❤️🖤💚 Representation within the Retail Real Estate field matters. Today, as we observe Juneteenth, let's reflect on the significance of this day in our history. Racism and oppression may not be easy topics to discuss, but acknowledging our past is crucial to forging a brighter future for all of us. To all my peers in the industry, here are some tips on being active allies to BI-POC communities: 📍 Support local black/minority owned business! Some of my personal favorites in the DMV/Baltimore region include businesses like Papi Cuisine, The Breakfast Club, Milk & Honey, and Potomac Cookie Co. 🍽️ FYI - Black Restaurant Week in DC begins July 14th-28th! 😉 🏛️ Learn about African American history at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC. ⭐ Advocate for diversity by considering predominantly black markets for retail offerings and site selection. Don't let biases hinder deals; these communities are eager for more diverse food and retail options. I know personally, because I’ve worked and lived in these markets. I hear the requests firsthand and on a regular basis. 🌍 Broaden your horizons by exploring places with larger black populations. Immerse yourself in different cultures to gain a deeper understanding. I recently visited Cartagena, Colombia 🇨🇴 in March. I was absolutely enamored by all of the spectacular architecture, vibrant art, and beautiful people that I saw. We often forget that there are black communities that exist outside of the United States, and share a similar history as AAs. I visited the Village of Palenque ✊🏾 and learned the history of one of the first revolutionary towns in the Americas, where many Afro-Colombian slaves escaped to Freedom. It was certainly an experience I’ll never forget. Last but certainly not least — 🫶🏾 Show empathy and demonstrate active allyship. Let's continue working towards a more inclusive and equal future. Acknowledge the progress we’ve made, but remember, there's still much more work to be done. Let's celebrate diversity, learn from our past, and strive for a better tomorrow together. #Juneteenth #RepresentationMatters #DiversityandInclusion #RetailRealEstate #CommercialRealEstate #BlackLivesMatter

National Hispanic Heritage Month provides the opportunity to both celebrate the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans, and promote inclusion, a value we practice year-round that helps ensure everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. Learn from Dana de Soto, Program Manager at Exos, on the importance of this year's theme: 𝙇𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙤𝙨: 𝘿𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖.

Doing it right!

🖤 Black History Month 🖤 At the start of Black History Month we're taking time to celebrate our employee-led impact group Let's Talk About Heritage and the work they do to ensure Funding Circle remains an inclusive place to work. Rio Suwanda, chair of Let's Talk About Heritage, explains: "Let's Talk About Heritage is more than just a community group. It's a movement that bridges the past with the present, ensuring that our rich cultural tales and traditions don't fade away. "In the hustle and bustle of modern life, our group strives to keep the essence of our heritage alive. We do this through a myriad of events, storytelling sessions and workshops, all while juggling our everyday responsibilities. "This October, as we delve deeper into the stories that make us who we are, we invite everyone to join us in this enriching journey. Let's celebrate, reflect, and connect through our shared and diverse histories." 💥 Let's Talk About Heritage is one of five Circler-led groups, who are major driving forces for positive change across our business. We want our company to be as diverse as the small businesses and investors we serve. We recognise the power and value in building a diverse team, where people's skills and personalities complement each other and reflect the customers we are here to help. Different perspectives lead to better outcomes and we see the positive impact of this in our teams every day. 📸 Recently, Let's Talk About Heritage hosted Funding Circle's first-ever Culture Fest, celebrating the different cultures and heritages of Funding Circle's employees. #BlackHistoryMonth #DEI #CompanyCulture

🌟 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

June is a month filled with celebrations and recognition, but it often feels like the focus on PRIDE overshadows other significant observances, particularly Caribbean Heritage Month. As someone of Caribbean descent, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate the rich cultures and contributions of people from the Caribbean. For me, It’s frustrating to see the overwhelming support for PRIDE while Caribbean Heritage Month—and the issues of racial inequality and inequity—receives less attention. This is not to say that PRIDE shouldn't be recognized—it absolutely has its place. However, the challenges faced by Black and Brown communities, including those of Caribbean descent, are deeply ingrained and pervasive, requiring much more visibility and support. Being Black or Brown in America involves navigating a landscape of bias and systemic inequality that is often more visible and more complex. As we move through June, let's ensure that we are also amplifying the voices and experiences of people of Caribbean descent and committing to the ongoing fight for racial justice and equity. I am all for each having its rightful shine but not at the expense of another.

National Hispanic Heritage Month provides the opportunity to both celebrate the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans, and promote inclusion, a value we practice year-round that helps ensure everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. Learn from Robert Fernandez-Vinas, Vice President, Coaching Operations at Exos, on the importance of this year's theme: 𝙇𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙤𝙨: 𝘿𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖.

National Hispanic Heritage Month provides the opportunity to both celebrate the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans, and promote inclusion, a value we practice year-round that helps ensure everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. Learn from Robert Fernandez-Vinas, Vice President, Coaching Operations at Exos, on the importance of this year's theme: 𝙇𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙤𝙨: 𝘿𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖.

As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let's honor the trailblazers, heroes, and leaders who have left an indelible mark on our nation. These statistics remind us that Hispanic Americans have not only enriched our culture, history, and achievements but have also played a vital role in safeguarding our nation's freedom.

The Legal Marketing Association recently put the spotlight on our friend Jessica Aries, CEO of By Aries for #HispanicHeritageMonth. If you attended #LMAMW23, you may have seen Jessica give the third run of her presentation, "AI in Law Firm Marketing: How to Do More with Less." Learn more about Jessica and what her heritage means to her: https://bit.ly/48C6DQL. #LMAMidwest #MidwestMojo #LMAMkt