5 Things / Hard Choices
Listen to the Full Episode Here:
Recently a friend of mine resigned from their job because they didn’t feel comfortable with what they were being asked to work on, a project they felt was a whitewashed version of history. When they were hired, they asked about the company’s investment in DEI and heard all the right things. But the company’s out of alignment. They’re not walking the talk, so great employees are walking out the door.
That is the world we’re living in right now. I can hardly believe it. A former client said to me: “Our LGBTQ+ ERG is mad at us because we’re not speaking out against Florida and Texas. But what they don’t realize is that these accounts are worth hundreds of millions of dollars. We’re not going to risk laying off thousands of employees just to make a point.”
What I know is the data is on our side. The data about diversity, especially in younger generations. The data about their desire to work for an equitable and inclusive organization. And even new data from Capterra shows that investment in DEI is actually up. Stay the course. I’ll keep bringing the good vibes.
This Week’s Good Vibes:
TD Bank Offering Doula Reimbursement Benefit
TD Bank is leading the way in offering doula reimbursement as part of its comprehensive family-building benefits. Doulas are recognized as valuable members of birth teams, significantly reducing complications – but they’re optional and unaffordable for many families. Studies show that having a doula can reduce the cesarean rate by 50%, labor duration by 25%, oxytocin use by 40%, and epidural requests by 60%. The CDC says that Black pregnant people are 2-3x more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white people and the use of doulas may help reduce that disparity.
Virgin Voyages Brings Fun Accessibility
Virgin Voyages is setting new standards for accessible travel on cruise lines, going above and beyond that which is offered by competitors. The cruise line is enhancing the travel experience for passengers with disabilities by providing accessible cabins with wider doors, lowered counters, and step-free balcony ramps for easy access. The cruise line also provides assistive listening devices and marked excursions for wheelchair access. I love all efforts to improve accessibility, but especially those that can enable more joy.
New York Adds Lunar New Year as Public School Holiday
New York State has officially recognized the Lunar New Year as a public school holiday. Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation amending the education law to include the Lunar New Year as a recognized holiday, providing students with a day off to celebrate their cultural heritage. New York is home to a significant Asian American population, and this recognition reflects the state's commitment to diversity and inclusion. I love it.
Haley Van Voorhis Becomes First Woman Non-kicker to Play in NCAA Football Game
Haley Van Voorhis made history as the first woman non-kicker to appear in an NCAA (men’s) football game for Shenandoah University. She participated in the game against Juniata and registered a quarterback hurry. This historic moment showcases women's increasing participation and success in traditionally male-dominated sports like football. It also challenges stereotypes about physicality and gender in sports. (h/t to Jane Lee for this one)
New California Law Raises Minimum Wage for Fast Food Workers to $20 per Hour, Among Nation’s Highest
California will raise the minimum wage for fast food workers to $20 per hour on April 1, 2024, making it the highest guaranteed base salary in the country. This is amazing because it acknowledges that many fast food workers are BIPOC and primary earners for low-income households. The law will initially apply to fast food restaurants with at least 60 locations nationwide and also creates a Fast Food Council with the power to increase the wage each year through 2029 based on economic factors.
Call to Action:
Trying to keep up with the evolving language? We’re halfway through Latino Heritage Month – but is that the right term to use? Here’s a good primer…I personally use Latine’.