OZ Architecture’s Post

Leadership isn't just about giving orders; it's about listening, learning, and lifting each other up. 🙌 Especially in the LGBTQIA+ community, where every voice matters. 🗣️💜 Your role? If you choose, To be a beacon of hope and a builder of bridges. 🌉✨ Want to dive deeper into creating spaces where everyone feels at home? 🏠💖 Check out 'OUT OF SPACE' for some game-changing insights! 📖✊ #InclusiveLeadership #SafeSpaces #LGBTQIAAdvocacy #JulioCRoman "Safe spaces can no longer be bound and limited to physical locations, but they must be found and created in each of us, allowing us to transcend the limitations of walls, rooms, and buildings"

Me at 30+ 🎉 ✅ Amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices ✅ Building inclusive communities ✅ Leading with pride and purpose 🌟 10 years can change everything. Don’t give up. 🌟 Real talk, friends – leadership in community organizing is no joke, especially for us in the LGBTQIA+ family. 🏳️🌈 It's about lifting each other up and making sure everyone's heard even when it goes against the grain that serves YOU. 📢 Wanna make a difference and change the world? Let's chat! Let's create spaces where we all belong. 💬 #LGBTQLeadership #InclusiveCulture #SafeSpaces #JulioCRoman "Safe spaces can no longer be bound and limited to physical locations, but they must be found and created in each of us, allowing us to transcend the limitations of walls, rooms, and buildings"

Sharing this helpful and thought provoking framework for helping us reflect on different aspects of diversity in the context of our practice - the Zones of Practice. Thank you to Rosy Hawksley who told me about it. There are three versions relating to (in particular order): 1. Neurodiversity-affirming practice (Kerry Murphy, 2023) 2. LGBTQIA+ affirming practice (RCSLT & UK SLT Pride Network, 2023) 3. Becoming an anti-racist (Andrew Ibrahim, 2020) I understand that the Zones of Practice framework originally emerged in response to the BLM movement. You can find all three versions via this link: https://lnkd.in/eQzS8qZt

Today marks a truly humbling moment in my career – I am beyond grateful to be the recipient of the Denver Hutt Rising Star Award. Established in 2016, this award is not just a recognition but a symbol of the spirit that Denver so passionately embodied – a spirit of relentless innovation, engagement, and collaboration in the real estate industry. Denver Hutt, in her short but impactful tenure at MIBOR taught us that making a difference isn’t tied to the length of one’s career, but to the depth of one’s passion and commitment. Her mantra, “If not now, when?” is a powerful reminder that we don’t need to wait for a “right time” to make a significant impact. As a National Association of REALTORS® member I’ve strived to align my work with my core values of PEOPLE, QUALITY, SERVICE, and INNOVATION. This award is not just for me, but for everyone who has been part of my journey – clients, colleagues, mentors, and the vibrant LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance community. Together, we’re not just buying and selling homes; we’re building relationships , nurturing dreams and creating a better tomorrow for those around us. Let’s continue to build together, innovate, and transform lives through real estate. Here’s to many more years of learning, growing, and making a positive impact – together! #RisingStar #RealEstateExcellence #DenverHuttLegacy #CommunityBuilding #LockstepRealty #exprealty

Being an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community isn't just a label - it's an action. It's a choice to show up, support, and uplift. Here are some ways you can put allyship into practice: - Walk with us in a parade or protest - Shop at LGBTQIA+ owned businesses - Read educational materials to learn more about the community - Uplift others by giving them a boost, holding them up, or being a supportive voice Remember, allyship is a verb - it requires action and dedication. By taking these steps, you can help create a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone. If you're looking for a workplace that values diversity and inclusion, consider joining our team! Fill out your information here to explore employment opportunities: https://lnkd.in/gXzfg-zJ #SPECTRAFORCE #pridemonth #allyship

As I continue to do the 21 DAY Racial Equity Challenge in honour of #BlackHistoryMonth to improve in my own journey of learning and unlearning, one of the articles I came across was this one on 39 Types of Diversity in the Workplace. https://lnkd.in/etYwQUjc. ⬇ Yesterday, we were asked to help develop policies to support an RFP process where the client can become a preferred vendor (while problematic and totally performative to quickly throw together some policies for an RFP, that's not the point of the post...right now.) 😉 The questions on policies were all related to diversity defined by the following: Indigenous peoples, youth, women, LGBTQ2S, recent immigrants, veterans, peoples with disabilities, and people with experiences of homelessness in the community. What I found fascinating was two things: - Black people were not specifically identified in the questionnaire (which, if I hadn't been on this journey through Black History Month, I'm not sure I would have noticed. - There are 39 ways an organization could have more inclusive diversity policies, but diversity had to fit within their definition (which clearly isn't as inclusive as one would think) It feels like our apathy (as in, "we have to draw a line somewhere!") is the exact reason why we still have systemic issues in the first place. Simply, in our efforts to be inclusive, we are STILL missing critical understanding of diversity. That said, is it possible for organizations to ensure that every group, is not just included but also highlighted when it comes to our policies? Or does the complexity and intersectionality of identities mean we will never get there? I don't have that answer. But I definitely know we can be better. At least, I'm going to try. #blackhistorymonth #diversityandinclusion #biasawareness

Inclusion starts with our everyday interactions. It was such a pleasure to speak at Basildon Borough Council's leadership conference about diversity, inclusion and disability in the workplace. I love being able to bring to life terms which could otherwise so easily be considered as a bit formal, stuffy and textbook. Being able to tell stories and paint vivid pictures in people's minds about the magic of accessibility - those stolen moments of unexpected emotion when something has been made with you in mind; that exhilarating and freeing feeling of being able to break down the barriers to being fully who you are. Feeling seen by others and not just being invited, but being celebrated for your strengths and all you have to offer. My favourite thing to do is to build empathy, helping others to see themselves in my story, because fundamentally, we're not so different. I truly believe that these experiences cut to the heart of what we all crave most in life - the feeling that we matter. #Inclusion #Accessibility #Disability #Diversity #Leadership #Blind #Speaker

🆕Embracing Diversity - Workplace Inclusion for Black People with Disabilities🆕 Join Eve Akinyi Aboka and Stephen Wright February 14th on LinkedIn Live for a transformative workshop that delves into the intersection of race and disability in the workplace. "Embracing Diversity" will be a comprehensive session aimed at creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for Black individuals with disabilities. It will provide empowerment to participants with actionable insights, strategies, and a shared commitment to building workplaces that celebrate diversity. Besides being a learning experience, it's a collaborative journey toward creating more equitable and supportive workplaces. Whether you're an individual seeking insights or a professional aiming to drive organizational change, "Embracing Diversity" will equip you with the knowledge and tools to champion workplace inclusion for Black people with disabilities. Let's build a future where every individual is celebrated and valued in the workplace. Key highlights of the session will be: Understanding Intersectionality - Unpack the concept of intersectionality as it relates to the unique experiences of Black individuals navigating both race and disability in professional settings. Open discussions will provide rich insights. Navigating Barriers - Explore and dissect the barriers faced by Black individuals with disabilities, to create a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities for workplace inclusion. Best Practices in Inclusive Hiring - Learn from examples of inclusive hiring that have positively impacted workplaces and transformed the lives of equity-deserving groups. SEE YOU THERE! #BlackHistoryMonth #DisabilityCommunity #Intersectionality #InclusiveCommunities #InclusiveRecruitment

Did you know that 1 in 5 LGBTQIA+ individuals face negative comments at work, and over a third feel pressure to hide their true selves? (Stonewall) These realities are unacceptable. 🌈✨ This Pride Month, let's celebrate progress while acknowledging the work to be done for LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Inclusive workplaces benefit everyone. Here's how you can be an ally: 🏳️🌈 Speak up: Challenge discrimination and promote acceptance. 🏳️🌈 Educate yourself: Learn about LGBTQIA+ experiences and history. 🏳️🌈 Promote open dialogue: Create safe spaces for honest communication. Let's work together to foster a work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. #PrideMonth

Did you know that inclusive practices leverage and support diversity and diverse perspectives in all individuals? It’s important to recognize what belonging is – and what it isn’t – to understand and recognize how inclusive practices can build a sense of belonging for everyone. During Construction Inclusion Week, we are learning ways to recognize and mitigate unconscious biases and make decisions that are fair to others and not based on stereotypes. #BuildtoImproveLives #ConstructionInclusionWeek