5 Things / Help
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A few years ago, I felt like a failure when I had to lay off an employee. I felt sadness and shame and my ego took a hit. All I wanted to do was hide.
Instead, I decided to open up. I texted about 10-15 newish friends, people I’d met a few times through work events, and was starting to bond with. I knew I could be perceived as weak, but I shared vulnerably and asked about openings for my former employee. Everyone responded. Everyone showed empathy. And I’m now closer to all of those people. I hope they know that I’d be there for them as well.
I thought about that this week when a friend expressed anxiety about asking for help. It takes practice to get comfortable. The end result, though, can be deeper relationships, and that’s a beautiful thing. When was the last time you asked for help?
Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:
Style That Fits—Literally!
JCPenney is breaking new ground with a clothing line tailored for women who use wheelchairs. Partnering with Jamey Perry, a TV writer and wheelchair basketball athlete, JCPenney’s collection offers accessible, stylish options for both everyday and special occasions. These designs feature practical modifications like easy-access zippers, adjusted pocket placement, and shorter sleeves. This collection aligns with a growing commitment to adaptive fashion, expanding choice, independence, and confidence for women. ♐Embrace design as a tool for equity.
Fenix FC Breaks Barriers
Fenix FC, Europe’s first all-transgender men's soccer team, is making strides in Spain's regional league. Formed as a safe space for trans men to play openly, the team overcame intense challenges, including discrimination and league entry hurdles. Their federation status symbolizes resilience and inclusivity, offering a community for players who faced exclusion from prior teams. In a record year for anti-trans incidents in Catalonia, Fenix FC’s presence on the field is a powerful stand for equality. ♐Support visibility to inspire allyship and awareness.
Cutting Racism Out of Barbering
St. Louis just repealed a restrictive law from the 1940s that stopped barbershops from staying open past 6:30 p.m. Originally intended to limit competition from Black barbers, the rule served as a tool of racial discrimination, keeping Black barbers from serving clients after hours and impacting their livelihood. By finally removing this law, Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard and advocates have dismantled a policy rooted in racism and exclusion, giving all barbers the freedom to choose their hours. ♐Examine local policies for hidden racial biases.
Inclusive Beauty That Benefits All
Beauty brands finally recognize that inclusive design benefits everyone, not just consumers with disabilities. e.l.f. Beauty has new accessible packaging—like QR codes providing audio product descriptions—to support independent use for people with vision loss. Rare Beauty, Guide Beauty, and Target have integrated easier-to-grip finishes and universal design standards that enhance usability for all. ♐Ensure product use is intuitive across a range of abilities.
Game-Changer for Brands
AT&T, Capital One, Cisco, and Deloitte have united under the Athena Pledge to encourage other brands to invest in women’s sports. With women’s sports revenue expected to hit $1.28B this year, these companies are showing that such investments yield both financial and social benefits. Despite internal obstacles, 93% of brand leaders believe in women’s sports' growth potential, though many still seek proof of ROI. The Athena Pledge addresses this by providing data, strategies, and networking opportunities for brands ready to get involved, and all of this ultimately benefits these elite athletes. ♐Explore local or national women’s sports teams for unique investment opportunities.
Good Vibes to Go:
Check out one of my favorite DEI Books: Inclusion Nudges by Tinna C. Nielsen and Lisa Kepinski. This book has 100 crowd-sourced DEI behavioral design ideas that specifically “nudge” our brains towards inclusion using neuroscience principles. It’s an incredibly useful book.