Arts for LA’s Post

At KVC, we recognize the essential need to recruit individuals who mirror the diverse population we serve. Team member Na'Taya Quinn shares why it's meaningful to support diversity in social work, "especially when you think of children, it's important to see people who look like them," shares Na'Taya. "To see kids think, ‘when I grow up, I could be a social worker’ or ‘I could be a therapist or a teacher.’ It gives them something to dream and hope for.” Watch the full video now and learn more about KVC's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging at https://bit.ly/4ad2MJD

🚀 Exciting news for my #Minneapolis network! Join me on October 15th as Discovery Education, CECP, 3M, and #education leaders come together for an impactful discussion on the collaboration between industry and education. Our goal? To explore innovative ways to support our students and equip them for the workforce of the future. Let’s shape the future of education together! Message me for details and how to register!! #WorkforceDevelopment #Collaboration

It’s one thing to say, “You now have a second chance.” It’s another thing to say, “You now have a second chance, and here are people who can guide you as you take clear steps to make the most of it.” Check out what our neighbors in Washington State are doing to lay a path toward successful reentry and reintegration for those in their community. #SecondChanceMonth #communitymatters #OneHeartProject https://lnkd.in/gUCYZhyA

Last Thursday I left Newington for the last time as President of the Old Newingtonians' Union. It's been an incredible journey, one where I had the privilege to lead as the youngest and longest-serving President in our history, spearheading the most extensive alumni engagement program our Union has seen. My goal from the outset (and to the end) was clear: to strengthen our community and deliver meaningful value to every Old Newingtonian. The decision to transition towards co-education at Newington sparked an explosion of reactions amongst our community. It was immediate, emotional, passionate and mostly understandable. What I was somewhat unprepared for, was what followed:  • Daily phone calls • Daily emails  • Daily stress & anxiety • Weekly media enquiries  • Being under intense scrutiny • Sleepless nights The key insights - That leadership is bloody hard sometimes and that there is a 100% chance of personal growth when something truly challenges you. This experience exposed all of my weaknesses, forcing me to confront them and, in the process, come out a stronger and more resilient person. Here are a few of lessons that I've taken from the experience: 1. Realising it is impossible to please everyone 2. Sometimes people will always disagree and that’s fine 3. Standing firm in your values & beliefs despite intense opposition  4. Earning respect is more valuable than seeking popularity 5. Upholding truth in the face of misinformation  6. Valuing just how far your inner circles love & support can take you What began as a simple desire to enhance our alumni program evolved into a pivotal chapter of personal and professional growth. Thank you to the Newington community for the memories, lessons, and the opportunity to serve - it was an absolute honor.

🌟 Celebrating Juneteenth at Pacer Staffing 🌟 Today, we honor Juneteenth, a day that marks a pivotal moment in American history—the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865. As we reflect on this significant milestone, we also recognize the ongoing journey toward equality and justice for all. At Pacer Staffing, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every voice is heard, and every story is valued. Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the importance of these values and the role we each play in creating a more equitable society. In celebration of Juneteenth, we encourage our team and community to: - Educate: Learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth. - Reflect: Consider the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. - Engage: Participate in local events and support Black-owned businesses. - Act: Advocate for policies and practices that promote equality and inclusion. Together, let's honor the past, celebrate the present, and build a future where freedom and justice are truly for all. #Juneteenth #PacerStaffing #DiversityAndInclusion #TogetherWeRise

As current ('24-'25) President of the newest Employee Resource Group (ERG for short): DAWN , I am so proud of how far we've come in developing our team, communication style, and community outreach efforts. Efforts in community advocacy – like CME Group's robust ERG lineup – are crucial as more is discovered about the intricacies of the human mind, body, and experience. The story we tell ourselves about what we are and are not capable of are indomitable totems within individual and collective psyches. Any workspace that wants the best from its people must take conscious ownership over that storytelling. Maximizing individual performance requires embracing diversity – making everyone feel safe and accepted – so they can focus on the pride they take in their work. Trust-building is everything, especially to those, like me, with neurodivergent mind and approach to work and communication. Empathy has proven to be a powerful guiding star and I have been honored to work with so many colleagues who have been so-guided. Working at CME Group has been a positive experience for me as an individual with ADHD. The acceptance I've experienced has helped me retire stories others foisted onto me and instead see my own potential and how much I have to offer my friends and colleagues. I am deeply grateful to everyone I work with at CME Group.

Calling all outdoor industry professionals!! Sign up before September 4 for the Racial Justice Weavings, Fall 2024 Season. The Weavings are a weekly online gathering for outdoor industry folks to learn about and grapple with white supremacy, racism, and racial justice in outdoor education and recreation in the US. Anyone working in the outdoor industry is welcome, no matter their role or level of experience. We don't assume any previous knowledge about racism in outdoor spaces, just a willingness to have the conversation. Yes, there's a requested cost because we all live in this rabidly exploitative late capitalist hellscape, and we're trying to make this work sustainable BUT: 1. BIPOC folks ride for free and 2. We will not let cost be a barrier to anyone participating. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eV4kceCJ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/e5c7Pc-s We'll leave you with a few words from the Weavings crew: "Hey, dominant culture peeps! If you’re baffled but open to getting help in understanding why your DEI game still isn't really on, GW&D is the deeper dive you're looking for." Paul Duba, MPA, PCC, NCC "Thanks to this cohort led by Ella and Steph, I am growing in ways that profoundly impact my career, how I show up for my community and personal relationships, and my role as a parent." AJ Wojtalik "Steph and Ella are intentional and expert facilitators with expertise in coaching and consulting. In their antiracism practice, they hold space for curiosity and growth while firmly interrupting bias and harm. Their coaching is guided by compassion for everyone involved." Briana Golden Copeland "Steph and Ella are fantastic facilitators. They built an environment where I was very comfortable being uncomfortable. They developed a learning community of outdoor educators with various levels of experience and roles from seasonal field staff all the way up to executive leadership. I learned a lot about racial justice. I also picked up some communication tools that I use with my leadership team on a regular basis." Ben Fickett

Yesterday, I had the honor of being one of three speakers on a roundtable panel for the Washington State PTA, focused on FACE (Family and Community Engagement) and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). As panelists, we shared our stories, including how our DEI efforts have resulted in national recognition (Jan Harp Domene Award). One of the most meaningful discussions centered on the barriers to family engagement and how PTAs can better reach those who aren’t currently involved. We explored creative strategies for breaking down these barriers and making every family feel welcome and valued within their school communities. Another powerful conversation revolved around the role of DEI in leadership. We examined whether the work of fostering equity and inclusion could still thrive without explicitly naming it in titles or job descriptions. It was an important reflection on how we can reframe roles to ensure the focus remains on the mission, even as some communities wrestle with the terminology itself. Through these discussions, one theme stood out: the strength of collaboration. Progress in DEI isn’t achieved in isolation. It’s built on trust, shared purpose, and a willingness to adapt and innovate. It was a privilege to share this space with such dedicated leaders, and I left inspired by their commitment to creating equitable, inclusive environments in schools across the state. Together, we’re proving that real change is possible when we prioritize connection and understanding. Brena Gattuccio Elizabeth Pendzick #DEI #Advocacy #TogetherforKids #FACE #PTATakesAction #WSPTA #lwptsacouncil #JanHarpDomene #PeterkirkPTSA

The 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲 honors organizations and initiatives that inspire good governance, redefine leadership, champion social inclusion, and build diverse social movements to drive transformative change across communities, governments, and businesses. These organizations are dedicated to influencing public policy, promoting accountability, and amplifying citizen voices to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of public institutions.   By fostering dialogue, facilitating multi-stakeholder policy discussions, and creating sustainable governance solutions, they address critical societal challenges through programs that set new standards in governance, and drive a culture of transparency, integrity, and shared responsibility. Nominate these initiatives that promote civic responsibility and engagement through leadership development, youth empowerment, civic education, networking opportunities, and skills-building, equipping communities and young people to advocate for transparency, social justice, and inclusive socio-economic development here https://lnkd.in/dtQB7akD

I’ve had a lot opportunities to work on some truly amazing initiatives since I joined Jobs for the Future (JFF) two and half years ago. Some of my most favorite—and the most fulfilling—of those initiatives have fallen under the Center for Justice & Economic Advancement (JFF)’s #talent development focus area. This work includes expanding #equitable access to #prisonedication and training programs for people who are incarcerated. We do this by partnering with colleges and universities to ensure they have the resources necessary to deliver high-quality programming and we also provide expert guidance as they build new and revise current #PEPs. I’ve learned SO much from this work, which has blessed me with the opportunity to work and meet with people who have been directly impacted by the #legalsystem, including people are currently incarcerated, and help them share their stores. And for this, I am grateful. Every person has a story that can impact #change and it takes a lot of courage to share those stories, especially for people who are currently or formerly incarcerated. 📖💕 🙏 #ThankYou to Rebecca C. Villarreal, who leads this work with steadfast determination, and to our amazing talent development team whose commitment and dedication amaze me EVERY. SINGLE. DAY—Jenna Dreier, PhD, Shaun Libby, Joel Negron, Lauren Miller, Leah Grassini Moehle, Stacy Holliday, Ed.D., Rodney Spivey-Jones, Rachel McDonnell, Tara Smith, Genna M. Petrolla, and Michael Fischer. #FairChance #HigherEdInPrison #NormalizingOpportunity #NoDeadEnds #JFFImpact