Ashley Haynes-Gaspar’s Post

It has been a heavy week for most Black women in the U.K. due to the treatment of  Diane Abbott. Many organisations don’t even notice that their Black workforce is carrying additional pain and trauma. Did any leaders check in with their Black staff this week❓ Did you acknowledge that it might be hard for them to hear the news right now❓ We at A.R.M have many ways to support ourselves and each other. We gain comfort in music, poetry, spoken word, literature, craft and nature. We create joy and safer spaces, helping people to feel uplifted, recharged and refocused. If your organisation needs support to make the workplace a better place for racialised people- get in touch. We have a vast collective of coaches, teachers and trainers consultants, academics, practitioners, evaluators,  singers, poets and much more-all with many years of experience in social work. We incorporate the arts into our work. We offer bespoke packages and we offer something different to the usual. Message us directly to book an initial conversation. We can work with you to help your workplace be a kinder, safer, happier place to be for your racially minoritised staff.

Reflecting on the life and legacy of Sonya Massey today. 💔 Sonya's tragic passing serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Black women in our society. The death of a Black woman under these circumstances weighs heavily on our community, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by Black women in navigating through life with resilience despite the obstacles. This moment calls for deep empathy, solidarity, and impactful change. Leaders, your role in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment is crucial. Here are ways to support your Black colleagues: 🖤Listen and Learn: Understand the experiences of your team members. 🖤Actively Support: Implement policies that uplift marginalized communities. 🖤Educate and Train: Provide regular training on diversity, equity, and inclusion. 🖤Check In: Reach out to those who may need support. 🖤 Show Up: Stand with your colleagues in times of joy and sorrow. Black women deserve to be celebrated every day. Let's stand together, support each other, and make our voices heard. Whether a colleague, friend, or leader, your support can make a profound difference. Advocate for change within your circles to honour Sonya and commit to a more just and compassionate world.

Celebrating Juneteenth: Empowering Black Talent in Tech Despite making up 12% of the US workforce, Black professionals account for only 8% of the tech industry. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the end of slavery in the U.S. As we honor this day, it's crucial to reflect on how we can bridge historical gaps and foster a more inclusive tech industry. Initiatives like Google's Tech Equity Collective and the Black Genius Academy are working to bridge this gap by providing resources, mentorship, and career exploration tools specifically for Black talent. To further support this mission, it's crucial to focus on community outreach, partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and targeted programs that equip Black youth with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in tech. Let's use this Juneteenth to commit to actions that will foster a more inclusive and diverse tech ecosystem. Check out these resources for more information on how we can all contribute to this important cause.

Happy Black History Month 🎉🖤 This year's theme, Reclaiming the Narrative, is a powerful reminder of the importance of Black talent owning their stories, voices, and contributions within the media and advertising industry. For far too long, the narrative surrounding Black talent has often been shaped by others, overshadowing the brilliance, creativity, and innovation we bring to the table. Now is the time to take control of our stories, highlight our impact, and redefine how we’re seen and celebrated. Reclaiming the narrative means breaking stereotypes, challenging underrepresentation, and showcasing the true value and diversity Black professionals bring to the industry. By owning our stories, we’re not only empowering ourselves but also inspiring the next generation to step into spaces with confidence and authenticity. At MEFA, we believe that your story matters! Your journey, your achievements, your voice. This month, let’s celebrate those stories, amplify them, and continue the work of reshaping the industry to be more inclusive, equitable, and representative of all communities. Let’s reclaim our narrative, one story at a time. ✊🏾 #MEFA #BlackHistoryMonth #ReclaimTheNarrative #DiversityAndInclusion #BlackExcellence

There would be no Crown & Quill Collective without the inspiration of the 55 incredible Black women and men who trusted me as their writing coach beginning a few months ago. These visionaries are not just my clients—they are my partners in creativity, resilience, and achievement. As they craft the books of their dreams, they have shown me what is possible when we lean into community and collaboration. Over the next year, these 55 LIFETIME members of the Crown & Quill Collective will continue to grow and thrive together. Their progress has been nothing short of transformative. In community with one another, they’ve celebrated wins, overcome challenges, and built connections that are as powerful as the stories they’re writing. Watching them uplift each other while accelerating their own goals is what inspired me to create the Collective. I believe that kind of support, nurturing, and success should be available to everyone. That’s why the Crown & Quill Collective exists—to amplify the voices, talents, and dreams of Black professionals and entrepreneurs through co-creation, collaboration, and empowerment. Together, we are redefining success and making space for Black excellence. To my 55 founding inspirations: Thank you for being the spark that lit this vision. To everyone else who dreams of thriving in community—I hope you’ll join us. Let’s build, thrive, and shine together. If you’re interested in a private, PAID, exclusive, invitation-only community for Black professionals comment “I want in” or send me a DM for an application. Limited spots for founding members. #CrownAndQuill #BlackExcellence #BlackLinkedIn #Culture #Future #Inspiration #Motivation #Careers

This Juneteenth, I am taking time to learn! I am celebrating the day as a symbol of a significant milestone in American history and considering what can be done to continue to improve our country's legacy. Reading the Harvard Business Review article “How Your Organization Can Recognize Juneteenth” was a joy and such a helpful resource for information. Here are my key takeaways on how we can honor Juneteenth in the workplace: Educate and Reflect: Share the history of Juneteenth and foster open conversations within teams. Promote Equity: Use this day to evaluate and strengthen DEI initiatives, supporting Black professionals and building partnerships with HBCUs. Active Commemoration: Engage in learning activities and support Black-owned businesses. Celebrate Intersectionality: Recognize and celebrate the diverse identities within our workplace to create an inclusive environment for all. By making Juneteenth a day of education and action, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable workplace. I hope we all use this opportunity to learn, reflect, and drive meaningful change together! https://lnkd.in/gKghaRx8

On #Juneteenth, we honor Black experiences and the importance of representation, equality, equity, and inclusion. At #FullstackAcademy, we believe diversity drives innovation in tech around the world. African Americans have shaped the tech landscape with their groundbreaking inventions and contributions. Read our blog to learn about Black pioneers in tech and why diversity in the field matters: https://lnkd.in/gB4YfPF7

It's women's history month and I have not been posting with my usual gusto. I paused my plans and posts to breathe and reflect. To realign my actions with my mission, and to heal from being sick. To sleep more. And to make sure what I’m doing and sharing enables the impact and change I want to make to our economy and the world. I tell clients and my community to lead with purpose. To be clear on their mission and to reassess and realign with it often. It’s even a core service of mine so I’m spending March & Women’s history month walking the walk and making sure I’m changing the future of work so our history doesn’t repeat the last 300 years. While I usually go all out this month celebrating amazing women from all eras and parts of the globe, I can't help but feel it necessary to caveat every post. Honor the people and teach history, and still call it out as utter B.S. To give an entire half the planet 1 month to remember and celebrate one genders innovators and ground breakers is obscene. It implies 11 months of the year is for men's history. Utterly ridiculous! That Black Americans get an even shorter month–more so. 28 days for the Global Majority's history? Hot Tip: Limiting the teaching of history will NOT erase the atrocities and inequities. Our HISTORY is a COLLECTIVE history.  How have we not reconciled this yet?  All of us or none of us, right? Equal access, equal security, equal safety, equal education, equal healthcare, equal freedom, and equal pay requires us to value ALL human life as precious. It predicates that NO ONE is above anyone else. It means we see each other, fully. We love each other, regardless of gender or race or religion or nation or ability. Until everyone is seen as humans worthy of the same Kavod (dignity, honor, respect), our histories stay separated.  We know: Separate but equal doesn't work. We share our history and face our future as one. Or we risk losing both entirely. Align your purpose with your day to day. Share your story and remember to pause and make sure your doing the work you know has to be done. Let’s go make some g.d. history together. Because the patriarchy sure af isn’t going to fix itself.

At Vantage Point Global, we believe that every story matters. The narratives we share and amplify shape our understanding of the world and each other. For too long, the stories of Black individuals have been marginalised, overlooked, or told through a lens that does not fully capture their richness and diversity. This month, we are committed to reclaiming these narratives and ensuring they are told with the dignity and respect they deserve. Reclaiming narratives means acknowledging the past while actively working to create a more inclusive future. It involves listening to and learning from the voices that have been silenced or ignored. It means celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black individuals, not just during Black History Month, but every day. We are proud to foster an environment where diversity is not just welcomed but cherished. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is reflected in our policies, practices, and the way we support our employees. We understand that a diverse workforce brings a wealth of perspectives and ideas, driving innovation and success.

Juneteenth represents a significant milestone in our nation’s history. We encourage everyone to take the opportunity today to reflect on the importance of #Juneteenth, celebrate notable contributions of Black Americans to our society, and acknowledge work yet to be done in the ongoing struggle for racial justice in our country. Today, and every day, Trilogy reaffirms our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. #Juneteenth2024