Sadie Jones’ Post

It is quite interesting to find out how different people have different values and beliefs about socio-ecological challenges. The more conversations you engage in, the more you realize the importance of inclusion and creation of awareness in our communities. We can make our voices and ideas about better management of our environment, in various platforms. That would enhance sustainable development and make our societies fairer.

They say an impactful person is "an individual who inspires and influences others through their actions, words, and deeds, and their impact is felt both in the present and the future." Given that definition, Melissa Johnson (Mel) is impacting and shaping the future of the Caribbean as she focuses on challenging, developing, and driving social impact programs for society's most vulnerable. Mel reminds me daily that as a leader/driver of technological advancement and economic development, I must not ignore the "unintentional" impact of these developments on specific individuals (i.e., | the voiceless group, the individuals that are typically silenced or minimized) in the name of "the greater good." She challenges me to consider the "societal costs" that may be "unintentional" but must be explored and accounted for to ensure sustainable development. I look forward to supporting Mel's lifelong commitment to advocating for the voiceless - (especially kids - labeled to be on the spectrum and lack a proper support system); her ultimate goal is to ensure they all have a voice in their developmental path; can contribute to society the way they want; and break barriers once given the proper support and environment." This resonates with me - because in 1990, I was "misdiagnosed" and a school-administrator was about to put limits on what I would achieve - then my adopted family disrupted that thinking - they challenged, invested, carefully crafted developmental tools and familiarized me on how to honor my unique learning style - today, I thrive in any environment - because I understood my distinctive adaptive learning style, refined my creative thinking process to break down complexities to its core (fundamental building block) and that empowers me to embrace other team members uniqueness. This has proven valuable while managing numerous organizational crises during my career, as well as how I choose to communicate and my temperament when engaging certain personalities. Additionally, the exposure to Mel's body of work across the Caribbean has made me decide to work at purpose-driven or intrapreneurial-driven brands that pivot to purpose. Mel (AKA William's Mom), I honor you for constantly challenging my critical thinking skills to be more holistic, not passive, and inclusive. I continue to observe how you reframe the learning environment and policy development in the Caribbean for all "kids!" Keep INSPIRING & creating the future Happy Women's Future Month!

Join us on March 27 from 4-5 ET / 1-2 PT as we hear from Inclusion Council members and experts for community, fellowship and learning! Register here: https://lnkd.in/ejXJVBew They'll explore questions like: 🗣️ What are the labor challenges the forest and wood products sector is facing? 🗣️What do we know about labor in the sector? 🗣️What is being done to address these challenges and lay the groundwork for a sustainable sector?

I am often asked, "How do you do what you do Kat? Isn't it hard talking to people about race and racism every day? Doesn't it ever drain you?" My response at the end of another working week is, "I love talking about race and sometimes it's hard albeit right now, I have so much positive energy!" This week, the Courageous Conversations about Race I have been in, have led to book publishing ideas; initiating racially conscious ideation processes in the advertising industry; vulnerable truth-sharing with friends, whānau and colleagues, and deeply informed PhD writing. This is what racially just and inclusive progress at a personal and professional level can look like. Talking about creating a more racially equitable Aotearoa NZ under Te Tiriti o Waitangi need not be draining. Let's kōrero should this post spark you and/or your organisation's interest. Let's live the partnership for real, for real. ✌🏽

IT'S A MONDAY, TEAM! -and a great way to start the week is to note that; - Children have the right to participate in decision-making processes affecting their environment - Young people are already leading environmental initiatives and activism worldwide - Empowering children as environmental leaders can foster creativity, innovation, and long-term commitment - Children's perspectives and voices can raise awareness and influence policy changes - Intergenerational collaboration and mentorship are crucial for supporting young environmental leaders Take a step to raising a young leader today! As SHADEF says “Children can lead today!”

Today, on International Youth Day, we celebrate the energy, creativity, and potential of young people around the world. As a passionate advocate for climate action and youth empowerment, I believe that empowering the next generation with the skills and knowledge to tackle global challenges is essential for building a better future. Young people have the vision, innovation, and determination to lead the charge toward a more sustainable and equitable world. Whether through education, advocacy, or community engagement, each of us has a role to play in fostering the growth and development of youth as changemakers. On this day, let's commit to supporting youth-led initiatives, amplifying their voices, and investing in their future. To all the young leaders out there: Keep pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and making your mark on the world. The future is in your hands, and together, we can create lasting, positive change. Young Leaders Organization 💚

Respect shouldn’t have a rank! Everyone is worthy of it … The cleaner, often working behind the scenes, contributes tirelessly with their hands, heart, and unwavering dedication. Their efforts are the foundation upon which many of our daily comforts and conveniences rest. They teach us the importance of humility, resilience, and the intrinsic value of hard work. On the other hand, the PhD represents the pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and progress. Their deep dives into complex subjects push the boundaries of what we know and understand, paving the way for new discoveries and advancements that benefit all of humanity. While their paths may seem worlds apart, both the caretaker or cleaner and the PhD enrich our lives in invaluable ways. Respecting every individual, regardless of their role, acknowledges our shared humanity and fosters a culture of mutual appreciation. It’s in recognizing and valuing these contributions that we build stronger, more inclusive communities, because in the end we all need each other! respect is not just a courtesy—it’s a cornerstone of our shared human experience. today let’s honor every individual's journey, regardless of rank, and remember we are all only human! #RespectForAll #Inclusion #Diversity #MutualRespect #ValueEveryContribution #Community #Humanity #WorkplaceCulture #CelebrateDiversity #LinkedInCommunity #Irinapugliese

Did you know that in some communities there is a link between a history of racial segregation and the temperatures felt by residents today? Check out this toolkit around Earth Day (April 22) and its connections to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The future of #diversityandinclusion conversations will include whether or not projects need a human or not.

Today is #InternationalWomensDay! Learn more about this year's #InspireInclusion theme and how to get involved at https://lnkd.in/dGX7T8X