As #PrideMonth continues, we asked some members of our VOICES (Vaco Orientation and Identity Community Equity Squad) employee resource group if they wanted to reflect on what acceptance looks and feels like to them in the workplace. Check out some of the insights shared by our incredible team members at Vaco: 🌈 “Acceptance in the workplace for me looks like an inclusive and culturally competent resource strategy that recruits persons of all identities and creates spaces, policies, and processes for those persons to thrive. This starts with a leadership model that prioritizes empathy and belonging as a core pillar of success. In my opinion, in the absence of holistic acceptance, respect and accountability are my markers of a successful inclusive environment. Respect and accountability can be achieved through mandatory intentional inclusivity trainings, consistent human resource accountability, and positive reinforcement.” – Fred Horn II, CSM, CSPO 🌈 “Acceptance is showing respect, learning from our differences, creating an environment that breaks down barriers that keep folks from feeling safe to be themselves, and connecting on a human level. I'm proud to work for a company that prioritizes DEI and recognizes that as a key to success.” – Caroline Snowden 🌈 “Acceptance in the workplace, to me, means more than just a nod of acknowledgment or even a seat at the table—it's about intentional, deeply rooted practices that celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in every facet of the organizational culture. Working somewhere that intentionally prioritizes DEI means I can show up as my full self, embracing my queerness and all the differences that make me, me.” - Jordan Ferraresso 🌈 “To me, the true feeling of acceptance in the workplace comes from the "I" in DEI— inclusion. Diversity and equity are incredibly important but does not necessarily require conviction to provide. Inclusion has to come from within our co-workers, and it requires caring and empathy. If it is present, we don't just see it— we feel it. And that is what true acceptance is all about.” - Thomas Evansen, PMP Learn more about VOICES’ history, key events, and future goals here. https://hubs.li/Q02BK0xX0 #Pride | #PrideMonth | #DEI | #LGBTQIA | #employeeresourcegroup
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Today is diversity day ! At The WORKwise Company, we often use the diversity model of Lee Gardenswartz and Anita Rowe. It is a comprehensive model which defines the various dimensions of diversity, dividing them into 4 layers: Personality — for example openness, conscientiousness. Internal Dimensions — like age, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, ethnicity, race. External Dimensions — such as geographic location, income, recreational habits, religion, educational background, work experience, appearance, parental status, marital status. Organizational Dimensions — like functional level, work content field, division/department/unit/group, seniority, work location, union affiliation, management status. All of us have been in a situation in which we found themselves under-represented (at best) or discriminated against (at worst) in at least one of these attributes. The fight for inclusion is a universal fight. We all have a reason to fight it and a role to play in it! #diversity #inclusion #people
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Learning Designer at Zapier | Automation | Trainer | Facilitator | DE&I Driver | HTML & CSS | 100% Food-Motivated and Tea-Fueled
🌈💡As the year wraps up, I've been reflecting on the transformative power of community, especially within the workplace. Being a part of PRIZM (Zapier's LGBTQIA+ employee resource group) as both a member and as a leader has been so powerful for me. This isn't just a feel-good sentiment, it's backed by research. A study by Catalyst (2020) found that employees who participate in ERGs feel more included, engaged, and have a higher job satisfaction.📚 One of the highlights was our recent live class via Zoom with TeamClass. 🔦🎨 We celebrating the end of 2023 with a Year-End Prizm Social: Shadow Lamp Crafting event! Light is celebrated in many cultures due to its symbolism of hope, positivity, and renewal; we see it centered in many traditions in the form of candles, lanterns, fairy lights, and stars, which is why PRIZM was excited to provide the opportunity to create our own beacons of light. TeamClass shipped all of the supplies right to us, and we got the opportunity to meaningfully connect with other Zapiens while sharing an experience to brighten the start of 2024. We laughed, we learned, and most importantly, we connected. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of such community-building events. They don't just make us feel good, they make us better at our jobs. According to a Harvard Business Review study (2017), employees who feel socially connected are more productive and more likely to stay with their company. 🚀 How have community-building events impacted your work life?🤔💭 --- References: 1. Catalyst. (2020). Employee Resource Groups: Driving Inclusion and Business Success. 2. Harvard Business Review. (2017). The Importance of Social Connections at Work. #employeeresourcegroups #dei #diversityequityinclusion #lgbtqia #virtualevents #remotework #zapier
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How often do you say "hi" to someone at work or in one of your circles and you don't remember or even know their name? 🖐 How often do you just say “hi” and keep walking? 🖐 Let's not even ask if you're saying "hi"...that's a whole other discussion! 👎 We often talk about different ways we can make our workplace/circles more inclusive. I think sometimes we miss the simplest form of inclusion: Personalized Inclusion! Saying "hi", calling the person by their name, AND asking a non-generic question makes someone feel seen and valued. I get it, you can't know everyone! Or can you? I challenge each of you to step outside your comfort zone and make an effort to: 1. Say "hi"! 2. Learn the name of the person with whom you are speaking and say it in conversation. 3. Ask an interesting question instead of how are you... Let's be intentional. Every person has value and a name. Learn it, use it and let's personalize our interactions! #inclusion #culture #ronaldmcdonaldhouse
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"Helping You Get Comfortable With Uncomfortable Using Continuous Improvement To Elevate Performance, Drive Growth, and Inspire Change"
🌈 Inclusion 🌈 ✨ Happy Friday, LinkedIn fam! ✨ Today, I want to talk about a topic that is near and dear to my heart - inclusion. 🤝 ✨ In a world that is constantly evolving, it's more important than ever to embrace diversity and ensure that everyone feels valued. 🌍🤗 ✨ Here are a few thoughts to ponder on the power of inclusion: 🌟 Diversity is the spice of life: Just like a diverse group of ingredients can create the most incredible dish, diverse perspectives and backgrounds can lead to innovative ideas and solutions. By embracing inclusion, we are opening ourselves up to a world of possibility and creativity. 🍲💡 🌟 Celebrate uniqueness: Each of us brings something unique to the table. Our experiences, skills, and perspectives shape who we are and how we contribute. By fostering inclusion, we are creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable being their authentic selves. Let's celebrate and value the differences that make us who we are! 🎉🌈 🌟 Breaking down barriers: Inclusion is not just about a diverse workforce, but also about ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all. By breaking down barriers and providing equal opportunities, we can create a more just and inclusive society. Let's empower each other to reach new heights! 🚀🌟 🌟 Empathy and understanding: Inclusion starts with empathy - the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. By putting ourselves in someone else's shoes, we can build connections and foster a sense of belonging. Let's be compassionate and supportive allies to one another! 🤝❤️ 🌟 Learning and growth: Inclusion allows us to learn from one another and grow together. When we surround ourselves with diverse voices and perspectives, we broaden our horizons and become more open-minded. Let's embrace the opportunity to learn from each other and grow both personally and professionally! 📚🌱 ✨ Inclusion is not just a buzzword - it's a mindset, a commitment to creating a better world. Together, let's build a future that is inclusive, where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. 🌍✨ ✨ How do you champion inclusion in your life and work? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's continue the conversation and inspire each other to make a difference. 🗣️💬 ✨ Have a fantastic weekend filled with love, acceptance, and inclusion. Let's make an impact! 💫✨ #InclusionMatters #EmbraceDiversity #Belonging #Equality #InclusionInitiatives #DiversityandInclusion #TogetherWeCanMakeADifference
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"Helping You Get Comfortable With Uncomfortable Using Continuous Improvement To Elevate Performance, Drive Growth, and Inspire Change"
🌍✨ Inclusion: A Journey Towards Unity ✨🌍 Happy Monday, LinkedIn fam! Today, I want to talk about a topic that is close to my heart - inclusion. 🤗💯 In a world where diversity is celebrated, inclusion becomes the bridge that connects us all, regardless of our differences. It is the shining beacon that guides us towards a brighter, more united future. 🌈💪 But what does inclusion truly mean? Let's dive deeper, shall we? 💭 🌟 Inclusion is embracing diversity: It starts when we acknowledge and value the uniqueness that each individual brings to the table. By appreciating diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents, we create a rich tapestry of ideas that fosters creativity and innovation. 🎨🚀 🌟 Inclusion is fostering belonging: It's not enough to invite someone to the party; we must ensure they feel like they belong. Inclusive environments are built on empathy, respect, and open-mindedness. When people feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are, their contributions soar. 🙌🌟 🌟 Inclusion is breaking down barriers: It means tearing down the walls that separate us and building bridges that connect us. By challenging biases and dismantling systemic barriers, we make space for everyone to thrive, irrespective of their race, gender, age, or background. 🚧🧱 🌟 Inclusion is amplifying voices: It's not just about giving a seat at the table; it's about empowering individuals to speak up and be heard. Inclusive leaders uplift underrepresented voices, ensuring that a diverse range of perspectives influences decision-making and drives positive change. 🗣️💥 🌟 Inclusion is embracing discomfort: Change isn't always easy, and fostering an inclusive culture requires us to step outside our comfort zones. It means confronting our own biases, unlearning stereotypes, and actively seeking out perspectives different from our own. Growth happens when we embrace discomfort. 🌱💫 Inclusion isn't a destination; it's an ongoing journey that requires commitment, continuous learning, and active participation. Together, let's pave the way for a more inclusive future where everyone can bring their full selves to work and society. 💖🌍 What steps are you taking to promote inclusion in your workplace or community? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas in the comments below! Let's keep the conversation going! 🗨️👇 #InclusionMatters #DiversityandInclusion #UnitedWeThrive #Empowerment #LetsTalk #LinkedInCommunity
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Yesterday, I engaged in a truly inspiring conversation with a potential new client, delving into the art of #buildingbetterteams. We both agreed on the paramount importance of authenticity in cultivating trust and confidence within a team – a simple yet powerful principle that never fails. Throughout our conversation, I underscored my proficiency in data, technology, and business transformation, articulating my strategy for building impactful workforces. Despite the client's primary industry not being rooted in technology, this approach served not only to highlight my expertise but also to gain a profound insight into their vision and roadmap. I discovered their exciting go-to-market strategy involving #AI and Data & Analytics. The experience was particularly empowering, connecting with an innovator who places value not only on the work itself but also on the individuals shaping it. It reinforced my desire to collaborate with clients who share our values and recognize the significance of organizational effectiveness. This alignment is crucial for fostering impactful and mutually beneficial partnerships. Growing up, I lacked queer role models in a professional context, so making encounters with #LGBTQ+ leaders across diverse industries has profoundly impacted me since my return to the Capital Region. I express deep gratitude to those who've generously shared their time as I embark on building a new business unit at Walrath Recruiting, Inc. My vision is centered on infusing the #humanexperience into everything I do. If you're seeking a recruiting solution partner who leads with curiosity, humility, and authenticity, let's connect! I've witnessed significant success with both new and longstanding clients in the Albany Metro region, and I'm eager to continue crafting a legacy for the future of Walrath Recruiting. #wednesdaymotivation #conversationsthatmatter #technologyenablement #RaaS #inthistogether #queerleadership
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"Helping You Get Comfortable With Uncomfortable Using Continuous Improvement To Elevate Performance, Drive Growth, and Inspire Change"
🌟 LinkedIn Post 🌟 🌈 Inclusion: Embracing Diversity and Celebrating Uniqueness! 🌈 👋 Hello, LinkedIn community! I hope you're all having an amazing day! Today, I want to talk about a topic that is close to my heart - inclusion. 🤝 💡 Inclusion is much more than a buzzword; it’s a mindset. It's about creating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and encouraged to bring their authentic selves to the table. It's about going beyond toleran ce and actively embracing diversity in all its beautiful forms. It's about celebrating the differences that make us unique. 🌍 ✨ Here are a few thoughts to ponder upon when it comes to inclusion: 1️⃣ Diversity of Perspectives: Inclusion thrives on the diverse range of perspectives and experiences that each individual brings. When different voices are heard and valued, it enriches decision-making, fosters innovation, and leads to better outcomes. 2️⃣ Breaking Down Barriers: True inclusion means breaking down barriers that prevent underrepresented groups from accessing opportunities. It requires a commitment to address unconscious biases, systemic barriers, and unequal power dynamics to create a level playing field for everyone. 3️⃣ Cultivating a Culture of Belonging: Inclusion is not just about diversity in numbers; it's also about ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging within the organization or community. This means providing support, fostering a culture of empathy, and investing in mentorship and allyship programs. 4️⃣ Embracing Intersectionality: Each person carries multiple identities that intersect and shape their experiences. Recognizing and understanding the nuances of intersectionality is key to truly embracing inclusion and ensuring that no one feels marginalized based on their multiple identities. 5️⃣ Empowerment and Growth: Inclusive environments empower individuals to bring their whole selves to work, encouraging them to unleash their full potential. By fostering an environment that promotes growth and development, we can not only attract top talent but also retain them for long-term success. 🌟 Inclusion is not a destination; it's a continuous journey that demands commitment, education, and action from each one of us. Let's challenge our own biases, create spaces for open dialogue, and advocate for change. Together, let's work towards building inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. 🌈💪 Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences on inclusion in the comments below. Let's learn from each other and support one another on this transformative journey! 🌟 #InclusionMatters #DiversityandInclusion #EmbraceUniqueness #Belonging #Empowerment #TogetherWeCan #LinkedInCommunity
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"Helping You Get Comfortable With Uncomfortable Using Continuous Improvement To Elevate Performance, Drive Growth, and Inspire Change"
🌟 Happy LinkedIn Post 🌟 Inclusion is not just a buzzword; it's a powerful force that can drive positive change in our workplaces and communities. 🤝✨ 💡Imagine a world where everyone feels valued, heard, and respected. A world where diversity is celebrated and embraced, where different perspectives are sought after and cherished. This is the world we should be striving for, and it starts with creating inclusive environments. 🌍🌈 👉 Inclusion is about recognizing and appreciating the unique qualities that each individual brings to the table. It's about fostering an environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork, where everyone's contributions are valued, regardless of their background, gender, race, or any other characteristic. 💪💼 ✅ Here are a few thoughts on how we can promote inclusion in our workplaces and beyond: 1️⃣ Embrace diversity: Encourage a diverse workforce and actively seek different perspectives. Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking and bring fresh ideas to the table. Diversity fuels innovation and opens up new opportunities for growth. 2️⃣ Remove barriers: Identify and eliminate any barriers that may hinder inclusivity. This can include biases, stereotypes, or any systemic issues that prevent equal opportunities. Foster an environment where everyone feels safe and empowered to speak up and be themselves. 3️⃣ Practice active listening: Truly listen to others with an open mind and empathetic heart. Give people the space to express their ideas and experiences. Validate their feelings and experiences, and honor their unique stories. Inclusive conversations lead to deeper understanding and stronger connections. 4️⃣ Lead by example: As leaders, we have the responsibility to set the tone for inclusivity. Be intentional in your actions and decisions. Model inclusive behavior, and hold yourself and others accountable for creating a culture where everyone can thrive. 🌟 Let's embrace inclusion and make it a priority in our personal and professional lives. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. 🤝✨ #InclusionMatters #DiversityandInclusion #StrongerTogether
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Attended a workshop on INCLUSION last weekend, led by the passionate Ashleigh Robinson. It made me think about how we can be more inclusive in the workplace. {Aha moment: We're bound to discover valuable insight we haven't even considered.} Here are a couple of action items I came up with: - Problem-solve by seeking out perspectives of those whose backgrounds and strengths are different than yours. - Invite someone from an adjacent department to a brainstorming meeting. What would you add to this list? #inclusion #inclusiveteams #effectiveleadership #collaboration
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Technical Corporate Matchmaker Extraordinaire 💘
1mo💕🌈💕