Catreese Qualls’ Post

"Inclusion work is a way to create the conditions where people you don’t already know — those who are separated from you by more than one or two degrees — can succeed." #DEI intiatives work, and the necessity to keep funding these efforts is at an all time high. #DiverseErie #diversityequityinclusion #RepresentationMatters #ReadMore https://ow.ly/izbB50Qu0l6

From the desk of Dr. Gerilyn Davis: Happy Wednesday! I continue to wish you nothing but the best for your day! As I have been addressing systems of inclusion this week, I iterate how inclusion sets the foundation for people to be their best selves. When we are at our best, we are more open to planning opportunities; we culminate our small wins that become systematic. Here are some examples. --- OPPORTUNITY FOR EXPRESSION: Expression in a literal sense means to press out. We get out our thoughts and freedom that mitigate depression, oppression, repression, and even suppression, which means to press down. --- OPPORTUNITY FOR CREATIVITY: We gain new energy by unlocking aspects of ourselves we didn’t even know existed. --- OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT: Small wins equate to progress and improvements. Small wins create massive impact over time. When we take stock of the small wins, we build momentum. WOW! Nothing can stop us now! Enjoy the day! #joyofinclusion #inclusionexpansion #smallwins #InclusionontheSlopes #SWORDInclusionSystem #PhaseThreeOpportunityPlanning 

From the desk of Dr. Gerilyn Davis: Happy Wednesday! I am wishing you a wonderful week thus far. I am eager as the year continues to witness the unfolding of more opportunities for inclusion. What I find most compelling about this time of year is that there are so many more opportunities for inclusion all year round. Clients often ask me what is the outcome of the SWORD Inclusion System. I say you. You are the outcome. You can’t enter the process and come out the same. I’ve been conducting and facilitating the process for over a decade, and I am never the same each time. We often focus on the goal. Yet, without the process, there is no path to the goal, for the process answers the how-to. In my dissertation research, I discussed generational theory, in which each new generation brings new ideas, perspectives, and an expanded frame of reference. Thus, there will always be more opportunities for inclusion. When we do make mistakes, which we will, we can repair, reconcile, and revisit for more inclusion. I have failed many times on my inclusion journey, yet as Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100% of the shots you never take”. I’ll continue to fail forward for inclusion. When we expect to make mistakes, we realize as long as we are still alive, we can begin again. Enjoy your day! #inclusionexpansion #inclusionontheslopes #joyofinclusion #SWORDInclusionSystem #PhaseThreeOpportunityPlanning

From the desk of Dr. Gerilyn Davis: Happy Tuesday! I hope you are enjoying this moment in time. Whether good or bad, this exact moment in time is only temporary.  In Phase Two of the SWORD Inclusion, there are moments when we question why we are focusing on fostering inclusion. Here are some perspectives for the brief moment in time. --- NORTH STAR: I had an authentic conversation with a peer who reminded me to hold close to that North Star in these character-building moments. --- HONOR THE MOMENT: If we are angry, great! We use it productively to become more equipped for whatever we face. --- BARRIER LABELS: Within Strengths, there are barrier labels that are the dark side of our strengths. It reminds us of strengths we may be misusing. We will have WTF moments. In these moments, inclusion matters the most. It's time to share the workload. Remember, sharing is caring! Have a great end to the day! #joyofinclusion #inclusionexpansion #inclusionincludesyoutoo #InclusionontheSlopes #SWORDInclusionSystem #PhaseTwoWhy

In the past few years, the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in workplaces and educational institutions has sparked numerous discussions and debates. Before diving into potentially contentious conversations, consider if the other person is mentally mature enough to grasp the benefits of diverse thought and appreciate varied perspectives. If not, simply smile and move on—sometimes, demonstrating the value of DEI is as simple as setting a positive example. Remember, you don’t need to point out flaws; just show a better way. Let’s continue to champion inclusive practices and create environments where everyone thrives. #DiversityMatters #EquityAndInclusion #WorkplaceDiversity #InclusiveLeadership #DiversePerspectives #DEI #PositiveChange #LeadByExample

From the desk of Dr. Gerilyn Davis: Happy Friday! I hope that you are ending your week on an inspiring note. Within the inclusion journey, inspiration often comes from witnessing the relationships we’ve built. Just like anything else, it takes time to build. Thus, in our daily assessment, we witness what we’ve built to inspire us to keep going. It makes the intangible tangible. Here are several factors to consider when building inclusion. --- NOTICE THE NUMERICS: After a while, there begins to be quantifiable outcomes from connections. The metrics build over time. --- NOTICE THE SYSTEMATICS: Continual inclusive efforts begin to become inclusive habits. Then, inclusive systems. --- NOTICE THE DYNAMICS: Growth and development becomes more accessible. Inclusion feels good individually and collectively. Living an inclusive life means living life to its fullest potential. I love it when we frame it this way. Enjoy the weekend! #joyofinclusion #inclusionexpansion #inclusionincludesyoutoo #InclusionontheSlopes #SWORDInclusionSystem #PhaseFiveDailyAssessment

Now, more than ever, people desire to feel seen, heard, and recognized. They want to feel relevant, included, and like they matter. But so many people don’t. They feel invisible, excluded, and overlooked. They wonder if they matter. Last week, I have the opportunity to interview Mita Mallick about the topic of her new book - Reimagine Inclusion. Something she said in our conversation and wrote in her book was this: 💬 “Inclusion doesn’t start at our conference room tables; it starts at our kitchen tables.” It starts in our homes and in our communities. As we celebrate the life and legacy of MLK Jr. today, I think the greatest gift we can give each other is the gift of listening, the gift of our presence. To seek to understand. To do the hard work of looking in the mirror and being willing to learn, grow, and change. To read a book like this one that - through storytelling, wit, and wisdom - shows you how to transform your workplace and yourself. Here’s one thing you can do today to get started: 📱 Reach out to someone that you often overlook and let them know something specific you value about them. Begin with your sphere of influence. Because “inclusion” starts with “I.” ❤️ #inclusion #belonging #unmuteyourself

From the desk of Dr. Gerilyn Davis: Happy Wednesday! I hope you are feeling connected on this fine day. I often love discussing how inclusion is an opportunity to feel inspired and connected.   Seeking inspiration through inclusion is part of the opportunity planning process. When inspired, we stay in our inclusive flow and build momentum collectively. Here is the value of being inspired on our inclusion journey. ---- INFLUENCES BEHAVIORAL SHIFTS: We take compelling action while noticing behavioral changes. ---- FOSTERS CREATIVITY: We receive these ah-ha moments that influence us to be more creative as we expand our lived experiences. ---- FACE FEARS: Inspiration calls us to face fears that may have held us back.    Inclusion is a supported exchange. We support inclusive behaviors, and we receive support through inspiration. Inclusion becomes a calling, and we experience joy all the same. Wow! What a life to live. :-D Enjoy your day! #joyofinclusion #inclusionexpansion #facingfears #InclusionontheSlopes #SWORDInclusionSystem #PhaseThreeOpportunityPlanning

This week at Changing the Chemistry (SCIO) where we underpin 'Diversity of Thought' we have been focusing on #inclusion and this has me thinking about what inclusion means to me? Inclusion for me is about; 🟣 Being included in the conversation 🟣 Being remembered 🟣 Being thought about and included in the decision making. It's about, 🟣 Being non-tolerant of discrimation 🟣 Challenging bias's 🟣 Representation of people from different intersections and lived experiences 🟣 The curiosity for information, education and knowledge outside of ourselves and our communities. It's about, 🟣 Seeing, hearing, and listening to all different types of people to shape, make, and create things. 🟣 Making space for others to excel, mentoring and paying it forward 🟣 Places, spaces and things reflecting diversity and inclusion policies, procedures, and affirmations 🟣 Being transparent about inequalities, prefrentialism and nepotism to facilitate solutions to create ever-changing best practice with visible cultural values 🟣 It's about employing people with lived and life experiences to help generate the solutions for the problems you are trying to solve 🟣 It's about respecting and appreciating difference. #diversityandinclusion #diversityequityandinclusion #Inclusion #diversityofthought -Louise Power 2024-

Happy Wednesday! I am wishing you a wonderful week thus far. I am eager as the year continues to witness the unfolding of more opportunities for inclusion. What I find most compelling about this time of year is that there are so many more opportunities for inclusion all year round. Clients often ask me what is the outcome of the SWORD Inclusion System. I say you. You are the outcome. You can’t enter the process and come out the same. I’ve been conducting and facilitating the process for over a decade, and I am never the same each time. We often focus on the goal. Yet, without the process, there is no path to the goal, for the process answers the how-to. In my dissertation research, I discussed generational theory, in which each new generation brings new ideas, perspectives, and an expanded frame of reference. Thus, there will always be more opportunities for inclusion. When we do make mistakes, which we will, we can repair, reconcile, and revisit for more inclusion. I have failed many times on my inclusion journey, yet as Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100% of the shots you never take”. I’ll continue to fail forward for inclusion. When we expect to make mistakes, we realize as long as we are still alive, we can begin again. Enjoy your day! #inclusionexpansion #inclusionontheslopes #joyofinclusion #SWORDInclusionSystem #PhaseThreeOpportunityPlanning