5 Things / Walk this Way
Lately, I’ve been talking to leaders and DEI committee members who want to know how to talk about DEI in this current landscape. They just don’t have the language to comfortably talk about DEI, either internally or externally. Fortunately, we have a workshop for that…it’s called Walk this Way: Your DEI FAQ.
By the end of this workshop, each leader will have their own curated set of DEI talking points that resonate with them that they can remember and easily reference…Leader A’s list will be different from Leader B’s. They’ll have a firm grasp on key terms and know how to swiftly disarm anti-diversity resisters. They’ll feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
People in power with good intentions need to have the tools to cut through the bull and become legit change-makers. Despite any headlines to the contrary, this work is only going to grow and expand. The changing demographics require it. My team and I are ready to show you how to Walk this Way. Are you ready for it?
Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:
Bank of America raises minimum wage to lead industry
Bank of America prioritizes its workers with an increase to minimum wage. Bank of America raised its minimum wage to $25/hr by 2025, a move that leads the industry. The federal minimum wage is a tragic $7.25 per hour. Many front-line bank employees are women and BIPOC and this increase directly impacts them, bit by bit chipping away at the gender and race wealth gaps.
St. Paul, Minnesota elects all women to City Council
St. Paul, Minnesota achieved a historic milestone by electing an all-female city council, the first in a major U.S. city. Six of the seven members are women of color and all are under the age of 40 – and they all earned the public’s trust. Nelsie Yang is the first Hmong-American council member. Nearly 70% of municipal offices in the U.S. are held by men, so this milestone is a big deal for representation and possibility models.
Same-sex couples marry in Estonia
Estonia marks a historic moment as it becomes the first former Soviet-ruled country to legalize same-sex marriage. It's country #35 to offer marriage equality (of 195). The law came into effect on New Year's Day allowing same-sex couples to register their marriage applications online. This shows the power of being out and how the visibility shifts perceptions: a recent poll showed 53% of Estonians supporting same-sex marriage compared to 34% a decade ago.
Indigenous woman Lily Gladstone wins Golden Globe award
Lily Gladstone makes history as the first Indigenous winner of the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama. Gladstone's role in "Killers of the Flower Moon" tells the story of the Osage Reign of Terror where 20+ members of the Osage nation were murdered in the 1920s. Accepting her award in the Blackfeet language, she dedicated it to every Indigenous child with a dream. The win is a huge moment for Indigenous representation, emphasizing the importance of telling those stories (albeit not in their own words).
Apple suppliers commit to clean energy
Apple has powered its own facilities with clean energy for five years, and is now focusing on helping suppliers transition. I don’t often write about environmental issues, but I love this story because Apple has leveraged their buying power to convince 300+ suppliers to commit to renewable energy. Apple is setting these suppliers up for success: they’ve outlined clear expectations, are educating on clean energy procurement, and collaborating with partners like Nike and the Clean Energy Buyers Institute for broader industry impact. Regular audits and independent verification ensure progress tracking, aligning with Apple's goal to cut emissions 75% by 2030 and 90% by 2050. The world needs its biggest companies to follow suit.
This Week’s Call to Action:
There will be no 5 Things in 15 Minutes this week on account of MLK Day. One thing I plan to do on Monday is finally watch the Netflix biopic “Rustin” about Bayard Rustin, one of Dr. King’s trusted advisors and the architect of the March on Washington. Rustin was also openly gay.