5 Things / Happy Anyway

"The coolest thing I've learned is how to be happy when things suck."

I said that on Mother's Day. My nephew's friend, mid-30s, who has everything on paper, looked surprised. He's been struggling with anxiety and sleeplessness. We talked for a minute before our raucous group moved on.

But I kept thinking about him. He has it really good. And he can't sleep.

I know that feeling. The past couple of years in the DEI space have been hard. But I’m committed to finding joy in real life. Pickleball with friends. Snuggles with my dog, Roy Kent. My ritual of writing to you.

I’m happy, even when so much is beyond my control. And now business is back. I don't think those two things are unrelated.

He didn't get to hear any of that. But maybe you needed to.

I’m cheering you on-

Bernadette

This Week's Good Vibes:

California says diapers are essential

California will provide free diapers to families with newborns through a statewide initiative aimed at easing early financial pressure on parents. Diapers can cost families $1k+ per year per child, creating extra strain for low-income households. This can affect childcare participation, employment, and infant health. ♐️ Treat caregiving essentials as policy priorities, not charity drives.

Scotland makes trans history again

Scotland elected its first two openly trans members of the Scottish Parliament: Dr. Q Manivannan and Iris Duane. Their wins come after years of UK debate over trans rights, including Scotland’s gender recognition reforms, and among online abuse targeting the candidates. Representation matters most when communities are under attack. ♐️ Support leadership pipelines that include historically excluded communities from the start. 

UChicago makes access less exclusive

The University of Chicago is the latest major university to offer free tuition to students from families earning under $250k annually. The plan also includes free tuition, housing, and meals for students from families earning under $125k. Elite higher education has long been shaped by wealth access, but expanding affordability changes who can realistically pursue these institutions without generational debt. ♐️ Make access real by removing cost barriers for admissions. 

France returns what colonization took

France’s Parliament adopted legislation to simplify the return of cultural objects looted from Mali, Nigeria, and beyond during the colonial era. This replaces the slow process of passing a separate law for each item. The framework applies to objects acquired between 1815 and 1972. Museums and governments have long benefited from colonial extraction while originating communities lost cultural heritage, memory, and ownership. ♐️ Build restitution systems that prioritize transparency, cultural sovereignty, and return. 

REI makes inclusion the baseline

REI’s 2026 Product Impact Standards set clearer expectations for its 1,400+ brand partners, including representation across race, age, gender identity, body size, and ability. The standards also push partners on inclusive headwear for textured and high-volume hair, extended sizing, price parity across sizes, and on-model imagery that reflects more body types. Its Magma sleeping bags now come in nine sizes, informed by 150,000 body scans. This is remarkable because outdoor gear has long been built around narrow assumptions of who belongs outside. ♐️ Set standards, support partners, and make inclusion measurable from design to shelf.

Good Vibe to Go:

RIP, Jason Collins. As a former NBA player, he was the first openly gay athlete to appear in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues. Watch this 3 minute video about Jason’s impact.