Michaels Energy- an Inc. 5000 Company’s Post

Just completed the Foundations of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) course on Coursera!  Recognizing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is crucial in today's world. Embracing diversity isn't just the right thing to do; it's essential for fostering innovation, creativity, and overall success in any organization. By promoting inclusivity, we can build stronger, more resilient communities and workplaces.  Here's what I gained:   📌 Deepened understanding: Explored DEI principles thoroughly.   📌Contextualized knowledge: Learned about the historical context of DEI movements.   📌Practical skills: Equipped with tools to foster inclusion in various settings.   📌Enhanced creativity: Embraced diverse perspectives for innovation.   📌Contributed to change: Committed to creating a fairer society. Excited to put my learnings into practice! #DEI #Coursera

Considering getting your MBA? The JumpStart Path2MBA prepares undergraduate students and working professionals to engage directly with admissions officers at our MBA program partners. Wharton is synonymous with business excellence. If you’re considering pursuing your MBA at Wharton, you’re considering the best. Read more & respond: https://lnkd.in/gjPJMn3h

As a DEI practitioner, my work is rooted in the principles of equity, inclusion, and justice. But one thing I’ve learned over the years is that this work also demands a commitment to continuous learning—about others and ourselves. Every conversation, every training session, every new piece of research reveals layers of complexity in the human experience. The nuances of identity, privilege, and systemic inequality are vast, and just when you think you’ve somewhat grasped them, another dimension emerges. Another layer is exposed. Your epistemology gets rocked. This is what makes our work both challenging and incredibly rewarding. For me, growth in this field isn’t about reaching a finish line; it’s about constantly evolving. It’s about listening deeply, questioning assumptions, punching upwards, and embracing productive discomfort as a sign that I’m on the right track. The world is changing rapidly, and so too must our approaches to co-creating an equitable world.. I’m grateful for the opportunities to learn from the diverse communities I serve and the brilliant colleagues, clients, friends, and family who challenge me daily. Together, we push the boundaries of what’s possible in creating equitable systems—knowing that our journey is ongoing and that our growth never ends. Let’s keep challenging ourselves, staying curious, and striving for the kind of change that transforms not just policies, but lives. And thank you to Nikki Giovani for the reminder that growth comes from change. #DEI #DiversityEquityInclusion #Antiracism #ContinuousLearning #SocialJustice #ChallengeYourself #NikkiGiovanni

An aptly titled article from the University of Calgary , Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program transforms lives - but truly the benefits don't stop there. By investing in mentorship opportunities, universities and organizations can: 💡Boost retention rates: Mentorship programs have been shown to increase academic retention rates by up to 20% (University of Calgary) 💡Enhance career readiness: Mentorship can lead to increased job readiness, with 75% of mentees reporting improved career prospects (MENTOR National) 💡Foster diversity and inclusion: Mentorship programs can help bridge the gap for underrepresented groups, leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce 💡Drive business growth: Companies with diverse workforces are 35% more likely to outperform their industry median (McKinsey & Company) The ROI of carefully crafted mentorship programs and the impact they can have for marginalized groups makes them a no brainer. By creating these opportunities, we can unlock the full potential of our diverse talent pool! To read more about the amazing stories and experiences of this amazing program check out the article here: https://lnkd.in/e5UeHGAf #MentorshipMatters #DiversityAndInclusion #UniversityImpact

This DEI Certificate equips you with tools for immediate applicaton in both the public and private sectors. Well worth it.

Today, at the end of a #leadership #virtual #bookstudy, Julie Causton and I asked attendees to share something they "used to think" and something they "now know". WOW...check out these powerful #mindset shifts that took place in under 2 hours! 1) “I used to think that people who were resistant to inclusion were being difficult or trying to make things hard. Now I know that they are going through a change process." 2) “I used to think that everyone on my team understood inclusion in the same way. Now, I know we have to spend time defining what we mean by inclusion and what it looks like in practice." 3) “I used to think that students couldn't be included for a full day in a general education class if they couldn't access the curriculum in that environment. I now know that we need to change the way we teach in the general education classroom so that all students can access the curriculum there." 4) “I used to think we needed a continuum of placements. Now I know we need to meet the needs of each child in daily activities in whatever way that presents itself." 5) “I used to think that staff will understand what inclusion is and is best for students, now I know that there is a lot of work to be done to support it including starting with a vision of what it is." 6) “I used to think that everyone knew what inclusion meant but now I know we have to define what inclusion means and define our why." 7) “I used to think that handling a big emotion with an immediate solution was the best approach. Now I know that there is a process." 8) “I used to think the law was enough to get everyone on board with inclusion. Now I know there’s lots of factors for everyone to begin to change mindsets, mine included." 9) “I used to think that inclusion was something that everyone wants to see. Now I know that inclusion needs to be clearly defined, discussed, and actively advocated for." 10) “I used to fear inclusion classrooms would slow learning for non-disabled students. Now I know inclusive classrooms benefit all students, promoting empathy and diverse learning opportunities." Want to see mindset shifts like these related to #inclusion? Join us, Dr. Kristie and Dr. Julie, where passion meets purpose in the quest for educational equity. Our FREE hands-on workshops provide the tools and insights to help you create an inclusive school. Register today and be the champion of change your school needs! https://lnkd.in/gfTAPZ5N We were inspired to try this PD activity after reading a post by LOREN SWANCUTT the other day (TY Loren ♥️). We feel this PD Pro Tip is further inspired by #MayaAngelou who said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”

Delighted to share that I achieved a Distinction for my Diploma in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging with UCD Professional Academy. I initially wanted to upskill in this area because of an observed increase of people in my network identifying as neurodivergent. Inclusive cultures and environments lead to high performance and I wasn't 100% sure how to confidently get this right for everyone. Coming out the other end – I understand there’s a lot I can do to make my work more inclusive to support diversity: ➡ I can show people more than one way to do something when I am training them ➡ I can create audio versions of exercises heavy on text for those who struggle reading or concentrating on words (AI makes that very easy!) ➡ I can get AI (or people) to review my content for how representative it is for the different groups I am teaching and the diversity within it. ➡ I can consistently ask for feedback 💬 ➡ I can support leaders by offering perspectives on DEI in their work As the shape of diversity across our society changes, so does our workforce. Inclusion and diversity work is never done and everyone has a role to play in it. Thanks to the extremely knowledgeable Síle Walsh who shared many perspectives as our tutor and helped me broaden my views on DEI. #DEI #inclusion #diversity #leadership

Impact Society’s HEROS: Building a Culture of Honour Last week’s reflection on Impact Society’s HEROS curriculum emphasized the importance of People Building as a cornerstone of resilience. Being a hero isn’t just about personal success—it’s about how we treat others. By affirming and uplifting those around us, we create a ripple effect of positivity that can break cycles of negativity, helping others reach their full potential. True heroism means using our strength and empathy not just for ourselves but to elevate others. Chapter 7 of the HEROS curriculum focuses on cultivating a Culture of Honour. The call to live a heroic life isn’t about hiding our kindness and loyalty. As HEROS states, “…wear them in a way that others can see.” However, many life experiences don’t nurture honourable behavior. Instead, environments rife with verbal, emotional, and often worse abuse can create feelings of being unloved, unworthy, and inconsequential. Too often, we blame ourselves, failing to recognize that we are not at fault. Anger and bitterness become natural responses to dishonorable treatment, building walls that limit our gifts and abilities. Differentiating Behavior from the Person When expressing kindness and loyalty, it’s crucial to separate a person’s damaging behavior from the individual themselves. Holding onto anger and bitterness only reinforces feelings of self-worthlessness and self-loathing. Nelson Mandela’s words, quoted in HEROS, capture this well: “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” This encapsulates how we harm ourselves when we fail to live a life of honour. Choosing to Live Free Creating a culture of honour as a hero means choosing not to live in anger or bitterness. It’s about giving yourself the gift of freedom, unlocking your gifts and abilities, and freeing yourself from the hold others may have over you. It’s choosing love, peace, and stepping out of the victim mindset. It’s about moving from merely surviving to truly thriving. Leader_Shift… Keep the Change Content used with permission from Impact Society. Learn more at Impact Society. Impact Society’s HEROS curriculum offers evidence-based programs designed to build character, leadership, and emotional intelligence, empowering young people to thrive both personally and professionally.

Navigating the Shifting Sands: Are You Prepared for the Evolving Education Landscape?  The sands of education policy are shifting, driven by technology, globalization, and the ever-changing needs of learners. Are you, as an educator, equipped to navigate this dynamic terrain? Don't get left behind. Invest in your professional development with Aspire Education Academy. Visit our website to explore our Master of Education programs and take the first step towards shaping the future of education. ➡️ [link to website]  #AspireEducationAcademy #MEd #EducationPolicy #EvolvingLandscape #Technology #GlobalCitizenship #Equity #Inclusion #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #FutureofEducation