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You Are Not to be Tried: Student-Centeredness, Empathy, and Grace for Advocacy
Interviewed/Written by Dr. Clyde Barnett, III My first reference to university hall directors was Jaleesa (Dawn Lewis) and Walter (Sinbad) from A Different World. As I watched A Different World, coupled with non-stop discussions of later going to college...
Read MoreOLDER EDITIONS
You Are Not to be Tried: Student-Centeredness, Empathy, and Grace for Advocacy
Interviewed/Written by Dr. Clyde Barnett, III My first reference to university hall directors was Jaleesa (Dawn Lewis) and Walter (Sinbad) from A Different World. As I watched A Different World, coupled with non-stop discussions of later going to college...
Read MoreUse this Women’s History Month as a launchpad, not a resting place
By Cosette Strong Women’s History Month has long been one of my favorite months of the year. When I was younger and less cynical, I was encouraged by people’s acknowledgement of women’s contributions in newspapers or online articles. Over...
Read MoreSupport Black Women at Work
By Sacha Thompson and Katrina Jones On International Women’s Day, we’re calling on companies to do more to create an equitable and inclusive environment for Black women at work. Lean In’s 2020 report on The State of Black Women...
Read MoreCorporate America & Black History Month
The end of Black History Month in Corporate America closes a plethora of candid conversations, virtual event(s), book clubs, and social media campaigns. Branded black and white images of Muhammed Ali, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman,...
Read MoreStrategic Self-Advocacy is Being Clear, Honest, and Annoying
Interviewed/Written by Dr. Clyde Barnett, III When scrolling many social media platforms for much of the pandemic, college students have been using their accounts to share insight on their experiences with virtual learning. Some students have shared triumphs in...
Read MoreSesame Street, Gaslighting & White Mediocrity
Growing up in the 90’s involved wearing many different pairs of rose colored glasses. We were conditioned to believe that being colorblind was the future, and that education would solve all of our problems. Gen-Xers spent the 90’s convincing...
Read MoreCollege Students and Strategic Self-Advocacy with Dr. Elena Simpkins
Interviewed/Written by Dr. Clyde Barnett, III January 20, 2020 In uncertain times, advocating for our needs has become even more critical. Unfortunately, many people, especially college students, are unsure where to begin self-advocacy, fearing potential risks or abiding by perceived...
Read MoreThe Power of Black Women
Black women saved the democracy, again. The power of Black women isn’t going anywhere, but we live in a country that will try to make us disappear. Black women continuously show up and show out for this nation, &...
Read MoreThe Threat of White Women
As a Black woman, the biggest threat to my career is white women. Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by the woman you work for. The mean girls club is no longer reserved for high schools,...
Read MoreA Tale of Two Realities
Wednesday, January 6th was a dark day for America, but America has been dark for as long as it has existed. However, it can only get better if we acknowledge what has plagued our nation throughout it’s history- white...
Read MoreA Black Woman’s Journey as the Catalyst Heroe/Magical Negro in Film, Television and the Modern Workplace
By Rahima R. Rice In 2018 I was in my second semester of graduate school at Lesley University. Everyone in my cohort was tasked with reading hefty portions of The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler. The book is a...
Read MoreCalling “BS” On the Pipeline Problem
By Amy C. Waninger Wells Fargo CEO Charles Scharf told members of his own company’s Black talent group that there just isn’t enough Black talent in the pipeline (and was compelled to issue an apology just 24 hours later). I’ve heard...
Read More5 Actions That Employers Can Take to Make Minorities Feel Valued at Work
By La’Fanique Reed Rev. Jesse Jackson once said, “Inclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It is the key to growth.” Beginning my career during a time where Diversity & Inclusion is a hot topic has been both...
Read MoreShowing Up Black at 25
By Madi B. I realized I was black at 25. Don’t worry, the irony isn’t lost on me either. This statement always feels weird for me to write, say or even acknowledge, but it’s true. Sometimes trauma breaks us,...
Read MoreCulture Fit is a Lie
By Madi B. Let’s start with a quick quiz, how many of you are willing to acknowledge the fact I’m Black? It’s okay, I know I’m black so it’s okay for you to know too. However- how many of...
Read MoreSee It to Be It: Insurance Claims Professional
By Amy C. Waninger About the series: See It to Be It is an interview series highlighting professional role models in a variety of industries. The goal of this series to draw attention to the vast array of possibilities...
Read MoreSee It to Be It: Uso Sayers, Public Accountant
By Amy C. Waninger About the series: See It to Be It is an interview series highlighting professional role models in a variety of industries. The goal of this series to draw attention to the vast array of possibilities...
Read MoreSee It to Be It: Traci Adedeji, Insurance Industry
By Amy C. Waninger About the series: See It to Be It is an interview series highlighting professional role models in a variety of industries. The goal of this series is to draw attention to the vast array of...
Read MoreTo Address Workplace Equity, We Must Discuss White Welfare
As I explore the words and legacy of MLK Jr. , particularly on the day he is federally observed in these United States, this video clip resonates above the single oft-quoted sentences from his I Have a Dream Speech...
Read MoreHow Leaders Can Encourage Learning & Development
By Amy C. Waninger You probably already know that organizations with a culture focused on learning & development are more profitable, more innovative, and have greater market share. But how can leaders create an environment where learning is valued...
Read MoreLearn to Get Comfortable with Change
By Amy C. Waninger Your world is changing more rapidly than ever before, bringing a barrage of industry discussions about disruption, agility, and resilience. Professionals who adapt quickly can seize new opportunities and manage their careers. It’s time for...
Read MoreWhy Create a Learning Culture?
By Amy C. Waninger Peter Drucker famously said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” In other words, your strategy will go nowhere if your culture doesn’t support it. I would take this a step further and say “culture IS strategy.”...
Read MoreTruth Is, Nobody Knows What They’re Doing (5 Ways to Combat Impostor Syndrome)
By La’Fanique Reed “The truth is that nobody knows what they’re doing, but those who figure it out are those who come out on top.” These words from a diversity panelist ring in my head daily as I’m faced...
Read More“Management Experience Required”?
By Amy C. Waninger Are you interested in moving into your first management role? You have probably noticed that most management positions require previous management experience. How can you get that experience without getting the job, and vice versa?...
Read MoreWhen a Recruiter Calls, Answer!
By Amy C. Waninger Many people I know tell me they hang up on recruiters. Excuse me?!? Recruiters are fantastic people to have in your CHAMP network! You’re likely to be looking for a job someday or know someone...
Read MoreTo Be or Not To Be: Out at Work
By Amy C. Waninger I’m an LGBTQ+ Employee. Should I Strive Be “Out” at Work? I’d love to say that everyone should be “out” all the time, but the truth is that employers need to earn their employees’ trust....
Read MoreMaking the Workplace Safer for LGBTQ+ Employees
By Amy C. Waninger Why Should Companies Show They Value LGBTQ+ Employees? Employers know that employees need to bring their full selves to work if they are to contribute at the highest levels. At the same time, research tells...
Read MoreSee It to Be It: Kristina Smith, Diversity & Inclusion Strategist
By Amy C. Waninger About the series: See It to Be It is an interview series highlighting professional role models in a variety of industries. The goal of this series to draw attention to the vast array of possibilities...
Read MoreSee It to Be It: Higher Education Industry
By Amy C. Waninger About the series: See It to Be It is an interview series highlighting professional role models in a variety of industries. The goal of this series to draw attention to the vast array of possibilities...
Read MoreHow To Use LinkedIn Effectively
Ah LinkedIn! The “professional Facebook” as some like to call it. Some also like to use it as a professional match.com, but that is another post for another day. LinkedIn is one of the best resources when it comes...
Read MoreThe Purpose of Diversity & Inclusion Programs
By Amy C. Waninger Many companies have launched Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) programs within the last few years. These initiatives often incorporate some combination of training, executive coaching, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and other components. Companies benefit when they...
Read MoreSee It to Be It: Newspaper Journalism
By Amy C. Waninger About the series: See It to Be It is an interview series highlighting professional role models in a variety of industries. The goal of this series to draw attention to the vast array of possibilities...
Read MoreSee It to Be It: Healthcare Industry
By Amy C. Waninger About the series: See It to Be It is an interview series highlighting professional role models in a variety of industries. The goal of this series to draw attention to the vast array of possibilities...
Read MoreBe a Mentor. Yes, You. Yes, Now.
By Amy C. Waninger Editor’s note: The following article is adapted from the author’s book, Network Beyond Bias: Making Diversity a Competitive Advantage for Your Career, and reprinted with the publisher’s permission. Be a Mentor. Yes, You. Yes, Now....
Read MoreNavigating the MAGAs In Confined Environments
In Oct 2016, I returned back to the Plumbing Wholesale industry where I had previously spent the majority of my career. However, I was now working for a very small, private distributor with a single owner for the first...
Read MoreWorking Through (Not so) Micro-Aggressions
In December 2016, I was working for a small company after two previously failed journeys with two different companies that ended miserably. I came into this new role as the Operations Manager. It would be my first time in...
Read MoreDiversify Your Professional Network
Editor’s note: This article is adapted from the author’s book, Network Beyond Bias, and reprinted with permission of the publisher. Your Professional Network: Invest Strategically You’ve probably heard the saying, “Your network is your net worth.” Gale Porter coined...
Read MoreInclusive Leadership
What Is Inclusive Leadership? Inclusive leadership is a complicated topic. Leadership itself is multifaceted, and we’ve seen a change in leadership over time. Leadership used to be very focused on command-and-control. Then the concept of servant leadership came into...
Read MoreKING
Whites, it must frankly be said, are not putting in a similar mass effort to re-educate themselves out of their racial ignorance. It is an aspect of their sense of superiority that the white people of America believe they...
Read MoreEmotional Maturity
Written by Meagan Harding It was some time last year when my brother called me in sheer frustration to discuss an issue he was having at his corporate job. For those not familiar with play family, he’s not my...
Read More10 Practical Ways to Embrace Mental Wellness in the Workplace
Written by Christa Clarke I meditate in my office. I have a tea corner. I grow plants. To my current coworkers, I am very conscious about my mental well-being while at work. However, I did not always consider the...
Read MoreThe Gift of Professional Reinvention
Written by Tyeshia Miles Have you ever pretended to be happy with your career yet, you secretly desired something else? I can relate because that was me a few years ago. At twenty-one years old, I earned my first...
Read MoreLeadership IS Allyship
Written by Amy C. Waninger , author of Network Beyond Bias Do You Aspire to Be a Leader? If you aspire to be a leader, you’re not alone. So many corporate employees aspire to leadership roles in their organizations....
Read MoreLiving Corporate in the “Proverbial Closet”
My introduction into corporate America’s version of diversity and inclusion in 2006 was at the pinnacle of my career in financial services. And boy, was it an eye-opening situation. I was recently promoted from Personal Banker to District Manager...
Read MoreYour Personal Brand is Really Your Reputation | Your Power is in Your Story
*Written while listening to “Everything” by Nas “See ’cause you’ve never been the same as anyone else. Don’t think the same as anyone else.” — “Personal Branding” is not just social media or public speaking… in a corporate setting...
Read MoreBeyond The Bag
When I think about the role of higher education and wealth building for college graduates from a working-class background, I can’t help but think that the wealth building as a relay race. A relay race is no doubt a...
Read MoreSecuring the Bag
“In business, you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate.” – Chester Karrass In our last episode about salary negotiation, Latricia shared some data regarding wage inequity in the workplace, namely that (1) in 1979, the...
Read MoreMeToo Backlash Is Real. And Wrong.
Several of my colleagues have asked me — numerous times — to weigh in on the #MeToo Backlash. It seems that men are retreating into their corner offices and private golf clubs to avoid accusations of sexism and sexual...
Read MoreFeeling Alone In Lonely Places
“The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” ― Steven Furtick In our first podcast, we discussed the topic of imposter syndrome, which is the conundrum of being unable to...
Read MoreA Seat at the Table
Roger W. Ferguson, Jr. (TIAA), Kenneth C. Frazier (Merck), Marvin R. Ellison (J.C. Penny’s); as of today these are the names of the only black CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, the lowest it has been in over 15 years....
Read MoreThe Hope and The Dream
I’m a young, first-generation, queer black woman out here just trying to do it right. Except I’m not super sure what “right” is. Or what it looks like. At my very first corporate job, I took the absolute first...
Read MoreRepresenting!
My experiences thus far in the journey to Corporate America have left me with the shocking awareness that corporate spaces today continue to be the exact opposite of what they market themselves to be; diverse and inclusive. I can...
Read MoreWe Out Here!
The first time I saw a room full of black professionals felt like a sweet shock to my system. Over 4,000 Black engineers and aspiring professionals in one opening ceremony – I was at the National NSBE Conference and...
Read MoreBaldwin Taught Me
“To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time.” – James Baldwin I don’t believe when Baldwin used “rage” here that he meant some mindless, violent...
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