5 Things / Checking The Box
Listen to the full episode here:
Checking boxes gets a bad rap in the diversity, equity, and inclusion world. We hear, “don’t have another ‘check the box’ workshop.” We’re warned that checking the box can be performative. That it’s inauthentic.
Here’s the thing… I like checking boxes. I find it very satisfying to check something off, then move on to the next something. When we're tackling big challenges like a lack of diversity and inclusion, we ought to start small, check some boxes, build up momentum and a shared sense of purpose, then keep adding more boxes to check, tactical boxes that address inequities. Ultimately those checked boxes can add up to serious progress.
Ideally, all of an organization’s functions should have a series of tactical DEI boxes to check. A cross-functional approach creates the surface area for more momentum and traction, and ultimately meaningful progress. DEI should not live in HR.
That’s our approach to DEI - holistic, and Inclusive 360. If you like checking boxes, take our quiz: www.Inclusive360.com/quiz
This Week's Good Vibes:
Transgender Woman Inducted Into The National Women's Hall of Fame
The National Women’s Hall of Fame (NWHF) announced its new inductee class, and for the first time, there’s a transgender woman. That woman is Sandy Stone, who I'm embarrassed to admit, I'd never heard of. I learned she's an amazing artist and academic in the field of transgender studies. Here you can read about her and the diverse group of other inductees -- including Kimberle’ Crenshaw, who coined the term "intersectionality". My friend Jennifer Gabriel is the ED of the NWHF and I couldn't be more proud of the work she's doing to celebrate the diversity of women and their achievements.
March Madness Finals Ratings Set A Record High For Women
The Women’s NCAA Basketball Finals game set record viewership numbers, in part because it was aired on broadcast networks for the first time since 1995. This year it aired live on ESPN and ABC, in addition to streaming. I’m thrilled to see increased interest in and viewership of women’s sports. The game was also in the news this week because of a racist double standard when stars of both teams used the same hand gesture, but only the Black star, Angel Reese, was dragged by the media. It’s an example of what’s known as misogynoir.
Historically Black University Created Its Own Tech Intern Pipeline
Bowie State University in Maryland is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) that created its own internship placement program to help its students bypass the arduous internship process at tech companies. It’s a great case study of how to set students up for success through a series of partnerships and mentorships. Bowie State students had placements at Deloitte, NASA, and the federal government, among many others. This matters because Black students are less likely to have access to the professional networks that white students do, making it more difficult for them to get well-paying jobs.
Goldman Sachs Invests $2 Billion in Black Women-Owned Businesses — The First Chapter of a Bigger Plan
I don’t often write about pledges and commitments, because they’re not outcomes. But I like this one: Goldman Sachs is investing another $2 Billion in Black-women-owned businesses because “economists at the global investment bank have found the most efficient way to close the racial wealth gap is by investing in Black women.” Its Advisory Council of badass Black women is impressive. The money is going towards everything from small business grants to incubator programs to help these businesses thrive.
Bud Light Doesn't Care That You're Mad About Its Dylan Mulvaney Collab
Bud Light has a new partnership with transgender TikToker and influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The partnership included a commercial and a special beer can celebrating Dylan’s transition, which she shared with her viewers. The commercial ticked off a lot of conservative Bud Light drinkers but the beer company stood behind Dylan. It seems an unlikely partnership, but I love that the blue-collar brand is embracing transgender inclusion, especially given all the anti-trans laws being passed.
Call to action:
Check out Translator, “a social DEI learning platform designed for facilitators, live audiences, and data freaks.” Its Founder and CEO, Natalie Egan, is a brilliant trans woman I neglected to include in my list last week. h/t to reader Rachel Kjack for the note.