District Works’ Post

[New Content Drop] Our Own Honorary Founder Dennis Yao Yu Talks About Otherness - Embrace the uniqueness within you. 🌟 The Otherness is a feature, not a bug. Discover how to leverage it for success at https://wix.to/As5RnhW #EmbraceYourUniqueness #ProfessionalGrowth #StandOut #AAPLN #DiversityMatters #AAPI

As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, I'm reminded of the unique journeys and experiences that shape our identities. Growing up in a household with high expectations, I learned the value of hard work and determination from my “tiger mum culture." However, I also discovered the importance of staying true to myself and rebelling against societal norms. Recently, someone labeled me as an "underachiever" for daring to express that I rebelled against the expectations set by my upbringing. But being AAPI means more than conforming to stereotypes or living up to others' expectations—it's about embracing our individuality and celebrating our diverse experiences. In the workplace, diversity of thought and experience is crucial for driving innovation and success. By embracing our unique backgrounds and perspectives, we can create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. So, this AAPI Heritage Month, let's celebrate our heritage by embracing our individuality and encouraging others to do the same. Together, let's create spaces where everyone's voices are heard and respected. #AAPIHeritageMonth #EmbraceIndividuality #CelebrateDiversity 🌺 #RebelWithPurpose🚀 #DEI

It is about collective conversations. We're facing an urgent need for human connection, for a unified approach. However, our current reality sees us more fragmented than ever, drifting away from a collective mindset. It's crucial to reassess our role in society and reshape our collective understanding of humanity. Join the conversation! Did you register to our masterclass? https://lnkd.in/ewx5dd6Y 👈 #collectiveimpact #equityandinclusion #freemasterclass

May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honor the profound cultural heritage and significant contributions of the AAPI community. Despite strides towards inclusivity, AAPI people are still notably underrepresented in the entertainment industry. Here at the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, we are dedicated to changing this narrative through research and advocacy. Our 2021 report, “The Prevalence and Portrayal of Asian and Pacific Islanders across 1,300 Popular Films,” underscores the ongoing challenges: only 5.9% of speaking roles and 3.5% of directorial roles were occupied by AAPI individuals. Additionally, only 44 of these films feature an AAPI lead or co lead. Read the report: https://rb.gy/cr6xsj This AAPI heritage month, we invite you to join us in championing the voices of Asian American and Pacific Islander creatives and push for substantial representation both on and off the screen. Let’s celebrate their contributions, reflect, and advocate for a narrative that includes all voices.

Gallup has been studying employee engagement for the last 20 years and has found that "companies with engaged workforces have higher earnings per share (EPS), and they seem to have recovered from the 2008 recession at a faster rate." It also found that " businesses with a critical mass of engaged employees outperformed their competition." https://lnkd.in/d_dKs36f I had no idea about this connection when I first began looking for a job, but in most of my interviews I asked about employee resource groups. Little did I know that almost all companies have them, but the real questions are : 1. How active are they? 2. How much funding is allocated to them? At Federated Hermes Limited, it has been extremely special to be a member of the race and ethnicity employee network group. It has helped me build relationships beyond the EOS team and pushed me to think about how I can improve engagement and develop a sense of belonging within my team and organization. This year, as part of South Asian Heritage month, I moderated a panel on South Asian immigrant experiences. Thank you Sara, Mushtaq and Yasmin for bringing the panel to life by sharing your experiences! #EmployeeEngagement #SustainableFinance #ResponsibleInvesting #Sustainability #SustainableInvesting

As we close out AAPI Heritage Month, continue to reflect on the unique experiences and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Here are three key takeaways for embracing and honoring this vibrant community from #ConstructionInclusionWeek: 1) Understand the History: The AAPI community has a rich history filled with both triumphs and challenges. From the contributions of Chinese laborers in building the transcontinental railroad to the resilience shown during the Japanese American internment, understanding this history is essential. It allows us to appreciate the perseverance and strength that define the AAPI experience. 2) Amplify Voices: AAPI voices have historically been underrepresented in many sectors, including #construction. Actively seek out and amplify these voices by creating platforms for AAPI professionals to share their stories and expertise. This not only enriches the #constructionindustry but also ensures that diverse perspectives are integrated into our work. 3) Combat Stereotypes and Bias: The AAPI community often faces harmful stereotypes and biases that can impact their professional and personal lives. Commit to challenging these misconceptions through education and open dialogue. Encourage exposure, address unconscious bias, and promote cultural competency within your organization. #AAPIHeritageMonth Let's move beyond surface-level diversity initiatives and foster a genuinely inclusive environment. Learn more during #ConstructionInclusionWeek October 14-18. Register/sponsor today: https://bit.ly/CIW2024

Today, as we celebrate World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, we at Empanda are reminded of the incredible richness that cultural diversity adds to our lives and work. It enhances our creativity and brings us closer together, weaving a stronger, more connected community. At Empanda, we believe that true innovation and growth stem from a foundation of inclusion. By welcoming and celebrating every culture, we ensure that everyone’s voice is not just heard but also cherished. This commitment to diversity is at the heart of what we do and who we are. So, let’s start stepping out and reaching across cultural lines. Try something new, learn about a different culture through music, clothing or language. How do you celebrate cultural diversity in your everyday routines? Do you explore different cuisines, or perhaps the philosophies and traditions that resonate with you? Share your experiences with us. Each step toward understanding and valuing diversity is a step toward a more inclusive, vibrant world. #CulturalDiversityDay #LearnAndGrow #InclusiveSociety

As with most emerging companies, challenges are numerous and progress is precious. It’s easy to lose your way. I wrote the song “The Place We All Belong” to express my thanks to our team at Rali for creating a culture where people are valued, appreciated, and connected to our mission and each other. The song is also a wish. A wish that it might help others create a conversation with their team or organization about what makes your place THE PLACE you all belong. If you have a chance to listen, what comes to mind for you? Do you feel you belong “right here where you are?” Do others? Is it worth a conversation to find ways to create more belonging? Are there things you are doing that are working? https://lnkd.in/ekKJd5V6 #inclusion #belonging

 Let's celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!   🌸 Honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 🌸 As we enter May, let’s celebrate the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and remarkable contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. 🌟 Diversity and Resilience The AAPI community encompasses a vast array of cultures, languages, and histories. From brave immigrants to native peoples, their stories are woven into our nation’s fabric. 🌎 🎉 Celebrating Asians Coming Together (ACT) ACT is an Employee Resource Group that was founded in 1968. ACT creates awareness of Asian contributions, promotes professional development, and enhances an understanding of Asian culture at Xerox. 👏 Trailblazers and Achievers AAPI individuals have made significant strides in various fields. Leaders like Vice President Kamala Harris, Ambassador Katherine Tai, and Dr. Arati Prabhakar have shattered glass ceilings. 🚀 🙌 Addressing Challenges Despite their immense contributions, AAPI communities face challenges. We must stand united against discrimination and ensure dignity and respect for all. 🤝 📈 Advancing Equity and Inclusion This year, we launched the first-ever National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for AAPI Communities.   Embrace diversity, honor resilience, and amplify voices for a brighter future. 🌈 #AAPIHeritageMonth #InclusionMatters #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #AAPICommunity

AAPI Community Breaking Stereotypes 💪 Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are a vibrant and diverse community, contributing to the rich cultural mosaic of America. They hail from a vast region that spans from the bustling cities of East Asia to the serene islands of the Pacific. This group is breaking stereotypes and forging new paths in various sectors: Chloe Zhao has made her mark in Hollywood, becoming the first woman of color to win an Oscar for Best Director for her movie Nomadland, highlighting her unique storytelling perspective. Prabal Gurung brings a fresh voice to the fashion industry, infusing his Nepalese heritage into modern designs that challenge traditional norms. Jeremy Lin has left an indelible mark on sports, transcending the basketball court to address issues of racism and representation. The AAPI community’s journey is one of perseverance, innovation, and celebration. From Chloe Zhao’s cinematic triumphs to Prabal Gurung’s fashion revolutions, and Jeremy Lin’s advocacy in sports, they have all paved the way for a future where diversity is not just accepted but embraced and honored. Their stories are not mere chapters in history but ongoing narratives that inspire and challenge us. They remind us that the American dream is a tapestry woven from threads of many cultures, each strand strengthening and enriching the whole. As the AAPI community continues to grow and thrive, their contributions will undoubtedly shape the fabric of American society for the better, ensuring that the nation’s future is as vibrant and dynamic as the community itself. Their legacy is a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of unity in diversity, and a celebration of the human spirit’s boundless potential. 🌅 Wen Stenger 🏳️🌈 Balaji Thiagarajan TechDigital #AAPIExcellence #AAPIHM #AsianAmericanPacificIslandersHeritageMonth #AAPI #DiversityInAction #Trailblazers #UnityInDiversity #Inspiration #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion