Stig Asmussen’s Post

Join the Tennessee Diversity Consortium lead by my business partner, Robert Lawrence Wilson for their upcoming webinar, "The New Boogeyman? How to Sustain your Organization's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Efforts in the Current Political Environment."   The 2020 Racial Reckoning is three years passed. The inevitable backlash that comes with accelerated social progress is going full steam. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts are being demonized, weaponized, and exploited for political gain. How do we navigate these rough waters? How do we ensure, despite these headwinds, we are positioning our organizations to grow and accomplish our missions? In an increasingly diverse talent and consumer market, what does it mean to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging? Join us for this important webinar as we explore the path forward for DEIAB on November 1, 2023, from 11:30 - 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 11:30 AM in Central Time Click below to register, https://lnkd.in/euFJPdAr

On the path towards creating a more equitable community and world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. I do. I think my efforts don’t make a difference; significant change requires grand gestures or monumental efforts. But I’m wrong. And if we all thought that way, we would never move forward. Start Small, Impact Big: Each of us has the power to affect change, no matter how small our actions might seem. It’s about taking accountability and making the necessary changes within our own spheres of influence. Every Step Counts: When we commit to these small acts consistently, they add up. These cumulative efforts build the momentum needed for larger societal change. Your Role, and Mine, Are Crucial: Speak up in a meeting to ensure diverse voices are heard, challenge long-held beliefs, actively seek feedback from underrepresented groups, mentor colleagues from different backgrounds, or adjust language to be more inclusive. The equitable community we aspire to is only achieved when we all participate and contribute. #SmallActsBigImpact #EquityInAction #EverydayCourage #InclusiveLeadership

The Dismantle DEI Act, introduced by Sen. J.D. Vance and supported by influential conservative groups such as Heritage Action for America, Citizens for Renewing America, Claremont Institute Center for the American Way of Life, and the Manhattan Institute, seeks to strip federal agencies, contractors, and educational institutions of their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The bill aims to eliminate DEI training, abolish the roles of Chief Diversity Officers and DEI Offices in federal departments, and prevent federal contractors and federal grants from funding DEI initiatives, among other measures. Proponents argue that these programs promote division and ideological conformity, but this perspective fails to recognize the vital role DEI efforts play in fostering a fairer, more inclusive society. https://lnkd.in/gme3wehy

My latest article for the University of Toronto Mississauga: on the threatened future of DEI in the United States, how this compares to Canada, and how these developments will impact the higher education sector. It was a joy to work on this insightful Q&A with #UTM alumnus Yusuf Z. Zakir (many thanks, again!).

Responsibility to not only lead, but elevate By Andre Arbelaez On behalf of the HC3-Hispanic C-Suite Corporate Council , I congratulate every man and woman on the Latino Leaders Magazine list to acknowledge the incredible accomplishment as leaders, not only in their company, not only in their industry, but as leaders in Corporate America. We are leaders that happen to be of Hispanic Heritage. It is our professional and social responsibility to not only lead, but create a pathway for others in our companies, our organizations, and our community.  That objective should be clear to every executive on the list as we celebrate them, we must also be accountable as it eventually leads a pathway for our children, our legacy, our future. The Hispanic C-Suite Corporate Council (HC3) is the premier organization for Hispanic Leaders in Corporate America. Our mission via the Push Up Pull Up theme is to increase the number of successful Hispanic executives by delivering value to their development, leadership, and philanthropic endeavors thereby strengthening their companies, organizations, and communities.  Our mantra “Advocacy, Accountability, Appreciation” will help elevate executives, ensure they value their identity, and recognize their greatness. As of 2023, the Hispanic community has 20 Fortune 500 Hispanic CEO’s, and our goal is to assist in the elevation of the total to match our national population percentage, which is now at a targeted 100 CEO’s. The HC3 partnership with Latino Leaders Magazine is an important element and one of many partnerships to make our community even more strong, have a more powerful voice, and have many more earned seats at the table.  Let’s celebrate our duality of being 100% American and 100% Hispanic. Congratulations Again, Andre Arbelaez President and CEO Hispanic C-Suite Corporate Council www.hc3global.com Read our complete C-Suite 2023 List here: https://lnkd.in/guKaziPc #LatinoLeadersMagazine #LatinoLeaders #CSuite #HC3 #AndreArbelaez #CEO #President #HispanicCSuiteCorporateCouncil #Fortune500 #CorporateAmerica #Community #Advocacy #Accountability #Appreciation

In today’s ever-evolving educational and professional landscape, the pursuit of excellence compels us to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). These institutions are not just sources of knowledge but also hubs of brilliance, nurturing exceptional intellectual networks that transcend boundaries. At people3, Inc., we recognize the transformative power of partnerships. That’s why we’ve meticulously curated an extensive directory of HBCUs and HSIs across the United States, designed to enhance and broaden your organization’s talent pool. Head on over to https://lnkd.in/dbUWjpe8 to download the HBCUs and HSIs list and discover how HSIs and HBCUs can be the catalyst for your organization's growth, and join us in celebrating the enduring legacy of HBCUs and HSIs as we work together to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse workforce. #people3 #DEI #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #HBCUs #HSIs #InlcusionStrategy

MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) status benefits businesses by: 1. Access to Contracts: It enables eligibility for contracts set aside for minority-owned businesses. 2. Networking and Business Growth: It offers opportunities to connect with potential clients and mentors. 3. Financial Support: Some agencies and organizations may provide financial assistance. 4. Recognition and Credibility: Enhances your business's reputation and credibility. 5. Market Expansion: Provides access to markets seeking diversity. 6. Competitive Advantage: Differentiates your business in competitive bidding situations. 7. Compliance: Ensures adherence to specific regulations or requirements, depending on the region or industry. #ZonesLLC #MBE #supplieroftheyear

The Vital Importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are not some nefarious "left-wing" plot, as critics like Chris Rufo would have us believe. Rather, they represent a vital effort to build more just, equitable and high-performing organizations and communities. The evidence in support of DEI is overwhelming and irrefutable.Numerous studies have shown that diverse teams and inclusive workplaces foster greater innovation, creativity and problem-solving. Employees in inclusive environments report higher job satisfaction, engagement and feelings of belonging. And organizations that prioritize DEI consistently outperform their peers on key metrics like profitability and market share.Confronting Misinformation and Scapegoating Yet Rufo and others peddle a dangerous narrative that paints DEI as a form of "racialism" and "discrimination." This is nothing more than inflammatory misinformation designed to score political points and sow division. It is a cynical attempt to scapegoat efforts to create a more just and equitable society.We cannot allow such blatant falsehoods and propaganda to go unchallenged. DEI is not about discriminating against anyone, but about ensuring everyone has a fair shot at success regardless of their background. It's about tearing down the systemic barriers that have long excluded marginalized groups from full participation.A Call to Action The stakes are too high to remain silent in the face of such misinformation. We must forcefully rebut these attacks on DEI and champion the immense benefits of building diverse, equitable and inclusive institutions. The future of our organizations, our communities and our country depend on it.It's time to stand up and be counted. The "red line" that Rufo refers to is not the bottom, but the heights of justice, progress and human potential that we can reach by fully embracing the transformative power of DEI. This is a moral imperative we cannot afford to ignore. Effenus Henderson

ICCCA - The Fast and Furious: The Raise of DEI Officers in IL Community Colleges Since 2020 institutions around the country have been instituting DEI officers to affirm commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. Several Illinois community colleges have created similar roles and have had various structures and duties as outlined in their institutions. This panel discussion will focus on the experiences of these officers, their work, engagement, and challenges in becoming fixtures of their organizations. Participants will learn about these experiences as well as gain strategies and insights as to how to best partner with individuals in these roles.

Meet Yusuf Zakir, an influential #UofT alum making waves in the U.S. as a champion for diversity and inclusion. In a recent Q&A, Zakir shares his impassioned advocacy for a fairer, more inclusive society: https://bit.ly/3WcYay5