ULI Minnesota’s Post

Embracing diversity is at the core of our values as we make strides toward a healthier, more equitable future. In honor of Black History Month, learn how Navitus fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace. https://lnkd.in/gazuwUbb

In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, this week’s spotlight is on our amazing grantee, LeadersUp! LeadersUp aims to change the narrative around the racial wealth gap by collaborating with companies and organizations to create equal opportunities for young diverse talent in America, and designs services to tackle systemic barriers faced by young professionals of color. Among their many impactful initiatives, some of their powerful work includes: • Breaking barriers to access opportunity – LeadersUp’s cross-sectoral Bay Area partnership was forged to ignite local employers, and generate transformative career pathways for young men of color and employers. • Accelerating fair chance hiring – The USC Sol Price Center for Social Innovation partnered with LeadersUp to launch the #AcceleratingFairChance Project, addressing unemployment among young people who have been involved in the justice system by identifying employer-led solutions. • Engaging in strategic partnerships – LeadersUp has partnered with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity to establish a coalition of employers committed to hiring system-impacted individuals and demonstrating their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through their recruitment and retention practices. Learn more about LeadersUp and how you can support them today at leadersup.org.

Curious about what colleges are saying about my presentation? Check out this video from Rutgers University’s Diversity and Inclusion initiative and Ms. Siatta Davis. Want to bring this impactful experience to your organization? Book me at CadenTeaches.com!

Curious about what colleges are saying about my presentation? Check out this video from Rutgers University’s Diversity and Inclusion initiative and Ms. Siatta Davis. Want to bring this impactful experience to your organization? Book me at CadenTeaches.com!

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the 12th annual Corporate Equity & Inclusion Roundtable (CEIR) conference, Going the Distance: Confronting New Challenges to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Duquesne University, an initiative of the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP). One of the highlights was a heartfelt and energizing speech by the Honorable Ed Gainey, City of Pittsburgh Major. His inspiring words emphasized the crucial need for our city to prioritize and actively work toward increasing equity, inclusion, and diversity in all aspects of our community. Mayor Gainey's passionate message set the tone for a transformative event focused on creating positive change in our region. The incredible day-long event brought together brilliant minds and influential leaders from our region. The engaging program featured a variety of formats, including intimate fireside chats, thought-provoking presentations, a captivating keynote speaker by Audra Bohannon, impactful videos, and interactive exercises that kept attendees engaged and inspired throughout the day. Here are some of the key takeaways that resonated with me: 📣 Embrace discomfort and step out of your comfort zone 📣 Always bring your best self to the table 📣 Diversity, equity, and inclusion are non-negotiable principles 📣 Foster an inclusive environment through honest performance feedback 📣 Don't let fear hinder progress 📣 Collaborate and climb together, rather than compete 📣 Speak up, speak out, and take action to create meaningful change I left the conference feeling heard, seen, and compelled to share my story to advocate for a more equitable and inclusive Pittsburgh. It is our collective responsibility to make our city livable for ALL! Now is the time for us to be bold, fearless, and authentic in our efforts to build a stronger, more vibrant, and more inclusive community. We must confront challenges head-on, have difficult conversations, and take decisive action to ensure that everyone in our region has the opportunity to thrive. I invite you to join me in this essential work. Let’s chat! www.mccg.info/contact #diversity #equity #inclusion #Pittsburgh #community #leadership #collaboration #empowerment

Book me for your next speaking engagement! One of the topics I speak about is, "Keeping DEI Top of Mind." What’s the greatest challenge to diversity and inclusion? Find out through this interactive presentation. You’ll learn how to help team members use their voices as catalysts for understanding and change so that they, and your organization, reach their full potential. You’ll learn the importance of systems thinking as you develop impactful recommendations to push your organizations to do better. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gwmNRuaX.

Book me for your next speaking engagement! One of the topics I speak about is, "Keeping DEI Top of Mind." What’s the greatest challenge to diversity and inclusion? Find out through this interactive presentation. You’ll learn how to help team members use their voices as catalysts for understanding and change so that they, and your organization, reach their full potential. You’ll learn the importance of systems thinking as you develop impactful recommendations to push your organizations to do better. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gwmNRuaX.

Today, as we honor Juneteenth, we recognize our nation's progress and — perhaps more importantly — the work still ahead. It's been four years since the largest civil rights protests in U.S. history, and three since this date was declared a federal holiday by President Joe Biden. Yet, despite many companies offering Juneteenth as a day off and continued disparities in the workforce (and beyond), #DEI efforts are increasingly sidelined in the corporate world, and DEI leaders are often the first to face job cuts as companies rethink their budgets and the spotlight moves away from what they once claimed were critical priorities. Now is not the time to reduce our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. Instead, it’s THE moment to double down on our commitment to creating equitable workplaces. As DEI Leadership Institute CEO Maria Putnam said at our 2023 Annual Conference, “We aim to create a more conscious, engaged, and active DEI community through the cultivation and sharing of ideas, as well as creating spaces of belonging. This mission has never been more important.” That message still resonates deeply today. At the DEI Leadership Institute, we see this as a unique opportunity to unite under a common mission and drive meaningful change. Let’s ensure that our efforts to build inclusive communities continue with vigor and determination. #Juneteenth #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Leadership #Community

Honoring Philly Pride While Pride in Philly (like everywhere) is about identity, I like to think that we are all stronger when we build on our varied identities together. I’m always thinking about business, so for me, Pride Week is a reminder that no matter what anyone’s orientation may be, the mix and acceptance of all our differences becomes a competitive strength. As companies, we know that diversity expands our understanding and acceptance. Together, we gain better insights into the world and the markets we serve, benefit from a wider range of ideas and opinions, experience greater creativity, and become more accomplished and successful as problem solvers and competitive businesses. As I’ve read about Philly Pride Week, I’ve come across these inspirational thoughts I’d like to share. Feel free to pass them on: "Inclusive and diverse companies, by nature, are more successful because they reflect the communities they serve and benefit from a wider range of perspectives." – Tim Cook "Diversity drives innovation; when we limit who can contribute, we in turn limit the problems we can solve." – Telle Whitney "Inclusivity means not ‘just we’re allowed to be there,’ but we are valued. I’ve always said: smart teams will do amazing things, but truly diverse teams will do impossible things." – Claudia Brind-Woody

The top end of the IWD experience in Minneapolis will include a conversation on what it means to break bad habits. In hiring, in business and in our inability - both men and women - to sponsor and support one another. Our panelists will act in part as voices of the audience. Still, we'll ask any and all present to engage. > To discuss. > To consider. What bias might you have when it comes to selecting the hiring pool, making a choice or delivering an offer? As a Business Development and Account Management leader with Fulcrum Consulting, Danny Belkin will share his perspective. And then we'll discuss. What's working? What's not? How might we strip the process of bias in a meaningful way and one that gets to the inspiration of greater inclusion> No easy task. No one person's work. See you then and there! IWD: March 7th / Mosaic Venue / Minneapolis