EarnIn’s Post

At Fortrea, we're committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. We kicked off Pride celebrations with a powerful discussion on intersectionality within the LGBTQIA+ community. Hosted by our PRIDE, PULSE, and WEN Global Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), the forum explored the often-uncomfortable topic of what it means to be both Black and LGBTQIA+. By having open and honest conversations about these experiences, we aim to: • Build understanding: We believe fostering empathy across identities strengthens our community. • Create a safer platform: When we discuss challenging topics, we can create a more inclusive space for all. • Develop strong allyship: True allyship requires understanding the unique experiences of others. We're grateful to our guest speaker, Paige J. Gardner, PhD, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Success, College of Education at Seattle University, along with the employees who shared their lived experiences. Their stories will inspire further conversations and a more inclusive workplace for everyone. https://lnkd.in/g4Tva-4s #PrideMonth #Intersectionality #DiversityandInclusion #Fortrea

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 🌈🏳️⚧️

Happy Friday! I was snapping some selfies with the pooches for Inclusion Week and ended up with this gem! A warm hello to my new connections—welcome aboard! I hope you enjoy my Friday dog pics and, of course, some (hopefully interesting) recruitment insights along the way. 😊 #HappyFriday #InclusionWeek #WelcomeNewConnections #DogDays #RecruitmentLife #StayConnected"

Happy Diversity Month! What can you do today to help everyone feel valued and included? Little gestures can go a long way! #DiversityMonth #CelebrateDiversity #InclusionMatters #DiversityIsStrength #EmbraceDiversity #youCan #settheTONE

Despite our best efforts, we can get allyship wrong. So wrong. But I was relieved when I was told, “It’s okay to make mistakes. Just keep asking us questions if you want to understand.” We were at a safe space gathering, as part of our work as Imaginable Impact. I had admitted to being unclear about how to do good by the LBGTQIA+ community as we moved deeper into our DEI work. I look at Pride Month content and stories, and I see a lot of rainbows. A lot of of celebrations. But not a lot of conversations. So what is allyship? Or what is it NOT? ❌Tokenism ❌  Featuring LGBTQIA+ individuals in Pride campaigns or as the designated queer representative, but not in broader campaigns, policy making spaces, or actual leadership positions ❌Seasonal Support ❌ What happens after Pride month? Real allies make consistent effort to push for change and progress all year long ❌Performative Gestures ❌ Sure, it’s nice to add a banner or provide a Pride version of your company logo, but if there is no substantive work that helps members in the community, this is all for show ❌Cheap Talk ❌ “I’m pro-LGBT because I know someone” is not allyship. Without efforts at true empathy through conversation, advocacy, and education – for yourself and others – then it’s all empty words. Meanwhile, there are so many other ways to stand up as a real ally. My commitment is to speak louder for the LGBTQIA+ community and work harder to amplify their voices. Because I cannot talk #inclusion if it is not inclusion for all. I asked some community members to get us started. Paulie Durig, CHyp, Bam T., Camille Q. Ramos, MMC, and Nonito Cabrera Jr. gave actionable steps on allyship that matters. They have more to say, naturally, so I encourage you to build on this conversation. In fact, talk to your friends, co-workers, neighbors, classmates, siblings. Everyone. And listen. Ask questions. Pay attention. Happy Pride! Let’s keep each other safe, and promote dignity for all. 

It is Pride month again! One thing I learnt this year was that the Q in LGBTQIA+ could as well be Questioning for an Ally. The journey from a bystander to an ally is not an Immediate transition. There are questions, debates, self doubt and survival instincts that kick in especially when it is time to take a stand or voice an opinion. Standing up for someone else is not easy! It takes practice. You may be at one of these many places: 1. From the LGBTQIA+ community dreading what this month is going to bring in the name of allyship 2. An active ally, walking on a thin line between fake pandering corporates and the real deal 3. A seasonal Ally who remembers having pledged to do more than add a rainbow to your display pic every Pride month 4. A new Ally, highly inspired to start a new journey. 5. A bystander wondering what the fuss is all about Wherever you are, you have my empathy. Because everyone is trying! Take one empathetic action this month that moves you closer to being an Active Ally and closer to creating an inclusive environment! Chandra Duraiswamy thanks for getting the ball rolling! #ArchesInTheRainbow

Although I am in the early years of my professional career, I cannot express enough gratitude to work at such an amazing, inclusive, and open-minded place like About Fresh. I cannot imagine working at a more inclusive workplace, filled with allies and big colorful hearts. I am feeling extra filled with pride during this pride month, as my partner Steph and I celebrate another year out & proud in our personal and professional lives. While many people are not as fortunate as I am in this area, I hope people take moments this month to reflect and think about how they can be more inclusive or more of an active ally to all people in the LGBTQIA+ (and beyond!) community. Here are some ways to become a stronger ally:  1. Educate yourself - find out the history and current struggles of people in this community  2. Don’t assume you know what someone needs - you know what they say about assuming! 3. Practice active listening - try to digest the information before creating a response  4. Ditch putting people into boxes - boxes are out, and spectrums are in! 5. Recognize your privilege - use that power for GOOD!

Today I had a great meeting and it made me think about how to represent my LGBTQIA community 🌈 ⭐️ If you’re LGBTQIA and assessing who to work for next, you’ll be assessing if the company is a safe space for you. Safe for you to be yourself. Safe for you to live authentically (if it’s your desire) A company that treats all people with respect A company who is a true ally to your people. If you’re LGBTQIA, in the past, you probably have to do this on a hunch. You might sus out the office and look around and the people for clues You might just read the warmth that radiates from your could-be manager Maybe you turn to Glassdoor. It doesn’t have to be this way. From the very first conversation, a recruiter/hiring manager is able to let you know it’s ok, That this is a safe space That you, can be you. How? Talk about the company, and all it’s initiatives, what employee resource groups exist and what great work you’re doing. Don’t wait for someone to have to tell you that they’re part of the community because most won’t. Tell everyone what you care and stand for. Do this and you might just get the best authentic conversation from someone who feels safe in your presence. Someone who might just do the best work of their careers. #lgbtqiacommunity #deib #safespace

Every June since I was a young adult, Pride Month has been a time for me to pause, reflect, advocate, celebrate, and, most importantly, learn. This year holds special significance. As the business owner of Collectively Neurodiverse, I have the incredible opportunity to celebrate Pride Month in a way that fully aligns with my core values and represents the neurodivergent community, free from external constraints and focused on fostering inclusion and authenticity. I initially wanted to use my weekly posts to educate on the intersectionality of neurodiversity and Pride Month. This week, however, I want to deliver a more personal post. My dedication to inclusion stems from the people who have impacted my life thus far. Growing up in environments where LGBTQIA+ identities weren't readily embraced, I found a contrasting world in the performing arts—a space that celebrated diversity and individuality. This initial conflict catalyzed personal growth, teaching me to challenge biases and understand others' experiences. To this day, I am incredibly grateful for the people I have met, the relationships I have built, and the lessons I have learned to grow as an ally. Reflecting this Pride Month on specific moments and interactions and being a part of the performing arts community showed me firsthand what is achievable in a genuinely inclusive setting. As masters of building bridges, performers depict human stories from the stage to transcend audiences through connection and empathy. Yet, it's the work they do backstage that makes this happen. Performers collaborate tirelessly, each valued for their unique talents. They often learn from each other more deeply, understanding what each individual needs to help ensure they hit their marks, sing a phrase just right, or deliver a line most impactfully. I aim to create that type of impact through Collectively Neurodiverse, fostering that same sense of belonging and empowerment at companies through our services. We'll celebrate individual strengths and help create an environment where everyone can thrive. Want to learn more? Book a Discovery Call to see how Collectively Neurodiverse can partner with your organization to build a more neurodiverse and inclusive culture: https://lnkd.in/eJ8CKnYb #WeeklyNeuroinclusion #PrideMonth #Inclusion #Neurodiversity #CollectivelyNeurodiverse #CND 

How can you be a better Ally? Check out these great tips from Equality Careers! Don't forget to like/follow Equality Careers if you haven't already! #allyship #activelistening #inclusivity #EqualityCareers