Jennifer Cox’s Post

From the desk of Dr. Gerilyn Davis: Happy Thursday!! I hope you are feeling good and having a delightful day. I often wake up eager to take on the day. Yet, as I review my week, someone with Self-Assurance always exudes the confidence to get urr done, as I like to say. 😊 When I see someone with the Self-Assurance strength, I get excited because I know we have someone on the team who is confident that we will get it done. Here are some examples: --- They give us the confidence to keep going and to keep trying.  --- They have a strong presence about them that makes them noticeable. --- They traverse adversity because they keep going no matter what. I can talk about strength-based inclusion all day. It’s one of the many reasons I appreciate and love people! They are remarkable. Enjoy the day! #joyofinclusion #inclusionexpansion #strengthbasedinclusion #inclusionontheslopes #SWORDInclusionSystem #PhaseFourReviewWeekly

Your Difference is Your Superpower Summary of a speech by Brandon Farbstein) Attending Brandon Farbstein's speech was a remarkable experience, one filled with inspiration and empowerment. Brandon's journey from adversity to strength serves as a testament to the power of resilience. Diagnosed with an exceptionally rare form of dwarfism called meta tropic dysplasia, Brandon faced immense challenges and uncertainty from birth. Despite the rarity of his condition, he refused to let it define or diminish him. Instead, he transformed his differences into his greatest strengths. At just 24, Brandon's message is simple yet profound: "Your difference is your superpower". His early life was marked by feelings of isolation and hopelessness, especially during his school years when bullying and cruel comments nearly drove him to despair. However, his path to self-acceptance and empowerment began with therapy and the support of his family. This journey was pivotal in changing his mindset and recognizing that his unique perspective could unlock doors and opportunities. Brandon's turning point came when a stranger at an airport saw him, not for his disability, but as a person. This encounter led to his first TEDx talk, where he shared his story and realized the power of authenticity and connection. This experience underscored the importance of empathy and the magic that can occur when we step out of our comfort zones and truly see and understand one another. His advocacy work, inspired by personal pain, has had tangible impacts. By testifying before his state government, Brandon helped pass laws aimed at bullying prevention and promoting social and emotional learning. His efforts ensure that empathy is taught in schools, laying a foundation for more inclusive and understanding communities. Brandon's books, "A Kid's Book About Self-Love" and "Ten Feet Tall," echo his mission to empower individuals, especially youth, to embrace their uniqueness. He believes that self-love and empathy are critical tools in combating bullying and fostering a world where everyone can thrive. Through his story, Brandon encourages us to celebrate our differences, leverage them as unique strengths, and use them to make a positive impact. His message is clear: By embracing who we truly are, we can connect more deeply with others, build stronger communities, and create a lasting legacy. #BrandonFarbstein #Empowerment #Resilience #Inclusion #SelfLove #Diversity #CommunityBuilding #Inspiration

Imagine a coworker telling you she’s upset because someone sitting next to her at a business dinner patted her thigh. You might be tempted to be supportive by downplaying what happened, saying, “Maybe they were reaching for their napkin?” Or, “I wish we had a larger table last night; we were definitely sitting on top of each other.” But let’s face it. By dismissing a colleague’s concerns, you invalidate their feelings. You might discourage them from raising their concerns further. You might send a message to not mention any other issues with you. In "11 Steps to Promote Institutional Courage" from Jennifer Freyd, Ph.D., I learned the importance of fostering transparency, supporting victim disclosures, and cherishing truth-tellers and whistleblowers. Let’s explore how we can be better allies for the truth-tellers in our workplace. One of my 7 Ally Archetypes from my books is the Confidant. They believe others, even if they haven’t personally experienced something. They create a psychologically safe space for colleagues to express their concerns and needs. Confidants create a protective layer of support by listening to concerns without downplaying or dismissing what happened. Here are some specific ways to act as a Confidant and support the truth-tellers in your organization: * Believe others’ experiences. Don’t assume something couldn’t happen just because you haven’t experienced it. * Listen and ask questions when someone describes a non-inclusive experience you haven’t had.  * Be courageous with your support if they get pushback from others. For example, if you hear someone say “That doesn’t happen here,” respond with “There’s always a first time.”  * Ask if they’d like your help addressing the issue, and discuss how you can take action. This is an excerpt from my upcoming “5 Ally Actions” newsletter. Subscribe and read the full edition at https://lnkd.in/gJApP5cV #BetterAllies #Allyship #InclusionMatters #Inclusion #Belonging #Allies 🙏

Did you know I started my Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion career journey because of what was happening on LinkedIn? I have had people reach out to tell me that they have been bullied, harassed, called names, and humilitated in their LinkedIn community. People do not think of LinkedIn as a place for people to bully others but in fact it is a perfect place where people can hide behind their computers and hurt others through their words. Have you heard of social recognition bias? It is a thing. Not everyone is able to celebrate when others win! In fact, unfortunately, it can be the driver for people to act in an unacceptable manner. LinkedIn is no longer optional and bullying is unacceptable. This does not mean you can not disagree with someone else, but do it in a respectful and kind manner. Watch what you say and how you say it! Words matter! Words can hurt. Words can stay a long time after they are spoken. Everyone has a place on LinkedIn. I will be speaking more about Micraogressions at DisruptHR Halifax on May 30th! Hope to see you there! https://lnkd.in/g74sryJa #EDI #equitydiversityinclusion #bullying #decidetobekind #kindclub #wordsmatter #microagressions

Your Difference is Your Superpower Summary of a speech by Brandon Farbstein) Attending Brandon Farbstein's speech was a remarkable experience, one filled with inspiration and empowerment. Brandon's journey from adversity to strength serves as a testament to the power of resilience. Diagnosed with an exceptionally rare form of dwarfism called meta tropic dysplasia, Brandon faced immense challenges and uncertainty from birth. Despite the rarity of his condition, he refused to let it define or diminish him. Instead, he transformed his differences into his greatest strengths. At just 24, Brandon's message is simple yet profound: "Your difference is your superpower". His early life was marked by feelings of isolation and hopelessness, especially during his school years when bullying and cruel comments nearly drove him to despair. However, his path to self-acceptance and empowerment began with therapy and the support of his family. This journey was pivotal in changing his mindset and recognizing that his unique perspective could unlock doors and opportunities. Brandon's turning point came when a stranger at an airport saw him, not for his disability, but as a person. This encounter led to his first TEDx talk, where he shared his story and realized the power of authenticity and connection. This experience underscored the importance of empathy and the magic that can occur when we step out of our comfort zones and truly see and understand one another. His advocacy work, inspired by personal pain, has had tangible impacts. By testifying before his state government, Brandon helped pass laws aimed at bullying prevention and promoting social and emotional learning. His efforts ensure that empathy is taught in schools, laying a foundation for more inclusive and understanding communities. Brandon's books, "A Kid's Book About Self-Love" and "Ten Feet Tall," echo his mission to empower individuals, especially youth, to embrace their uniqueness. He believes that self-love and empathy are critical tools in combating bullying and fostering a world where everyone can thrive. Through his story, Brandon encourages us to celebrate our differences, leverage them as unique strengths, and use them to make a positive impact. His message is clear: By embracing who we truly are, we can connect more deeply with others, build stronger communities, and create a lasting legacy. #BrandonFarbstein #Empowerment #Resilience #Inclusion #SelfLove #Diversity #CommunityBuilding #Inspiration

Empowering our men is huge. This is a staff member sharing his thoughts on the program and what he's received since assisting us with the program. Here are some ways you can empower others: 1. Listen actively Pay attention to others' thoughts and feelings without judgment. 2. Offer support- Be there for someone when they need a helping hand or a listening ear. 3. Provide encouragement- Offer words of motivation and inspire confidence in others. 4. Acknowledge their strengths- Recognize and celebrate the strengths and achievements of those around you. 5. Share knowledge- Share your skills, expertise, and resources to help others grow. 6. Give constructive feedback- Offer feedback that is helpful and constructive to aid in personal and professional development. 7. Provide opportunities- Create platforms for others to showcase their talents and abilities. 8. Promote inclusivity- Ensure that everyone's voice is heard and valued. 9. Be a role model- Lead by example and show how empowerment can make a positive impact. 10. Celebrate success- Acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of others to boost their confidence. Remember, empowering others not only benefits them but also creates a positive and supportive community around you. #Reentry #community #reunification #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #fatherhood #fatherhoodmatters #feelingscheck #mentalwellness #EmpowermentJourney #RiseAndEmpower #Together #EmpowermentExchange #EmpowerWithKindness #EmpowermentTribe #UnityEmpowers #EmpowermentMovement

"Today, I had the incredible opportunity to join the insightful conversation on Today 95.1FM with Quinn Chima to discuss a critical issue facing our generation: the pervasive influence of hookup culture and prostitution on young people. We delved into the complex factors contributing to this problem, such as societal pressures, the impact of social media, and the erosion of traditional values. It's disheartening to witness the negative consequences of these behaviors, including decreased self-esteem, damaged relationships, and hindered personal and professional growth. However, I believe that by fostering open dialogue, promoting healthy relationships, and encouraging young people to prioritize their well-being, we can create a positive change. Let's inspire the next generation to embrace hard work, responsibility, and integrity. By cultivating strong moral foundations and pursuing meaningful goals, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and our communities. I'm eager to hear your thoughts on this important topic. Please feel free to share your experiences, insights, and suggestions in the comments below." #youthdevelopment #socialissues #empowerment #futureleaders #hookupculture #prostitution #hardwork #responsibility #mentalhealth #wellbeing

As I wrap another awesome weekend, I’m winding down, watching my little one run around, and reflecting on the uncertainty of life. I think back to my own childhood, navigating a world that was often confusing and unpredictable. As a mother, I realize just how important it is to raise secure girls in today’s world—girls who are equipped with the confidence to face challenges, the strength to stand up for themselves, and the belief that they can be whoever they want to be. In a world that sometimes feels like it’s stacked against them, building a foundation of security and self-worth can make all the difference. It’s about teaching them not just to be resilient, but also to embrace their full potential—whether it’s in the boardroom, the classroom, or any space they choose to occupy. I want my daughter to know that her voice matters, her dreams are valid, and her worth is never tied to someone else’s standards. Let’s raise girls who are secure, who know their value, and who have the courage to carve out their own path. #RaisingSecureGirls #Confidence #Empowerment #FutureLeaders #WorkingMoms #Parenting #StrongGirls

This week's 'Start Where You Are' Challenge: Practice asking how you should be involved. It’s been a while but I’m back with a new challenge! My work in DEI puts me in many spaces with people of marginalized backgrounds as well as allies - those who are committed (walk the talk), those who are aspiring (desire to be but don’t know how), and those who are self-proclaimed (just talk the talk.) Those experiences have inspired me to kick off a brief series on lessons in allyship. Lesson number one is to practice asking yourself how you should be involved. This is particularly for the aspiring and self-proclaimed allies. Sometimes people have the best intentions to show support but then they center themselves in spaces and discussions that were meant for the people who have already been marginalized. So what does this look like? - Dominating discussions about a lived experience that YOU have not experienced personally. - Turning moments for community into lessons to help you understand. - Weighing in on decisions that don’t directly involve you. A good ally is a self-aware ally. They know that centering themselves defeats the purpose and destroys the safety of the spaces they’re invited into. They know not to assume they deserve to be involved in every discussion or gathering. They don’t make their actions and involvement a bigger issue than the needs of the people they profess to support. Support is appreciated but there is a right and a wrong way to do it. If you want to be sure your outcomes align with your intentions, take some time to think about how you’re showing up. If you have a close connection to the community you’d like to align to, talk with them and ask what welcomed support looks like. That sincere effort is more meaningful than any label you could give yourself. REMINDER: Follow the ‘Start Where You Are’ blog on MEDIUM: https://lnkd.in/g6kXV7C #startwhereyouare #diversityequityinclusion #diversityequityinclusionbelonging #inclusion

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 Growing up, I often heard, "𝐺𝑖𝑟𝑙𝑠 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑏𝑒 𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒, 𝑛𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡." As a child, I believed it—being 'nice' felt like an unspoken rule for acceptance and approval. But as I grew older, I realized this expectation often silences voices, blurs boundaries, and enables injustice. I’ve learned that kindness matters, but being 'nice' at the cost of your dignity, safety, or self-respect isn’t a virtue—it’s a weight we shouldn’t carry. Even today, I catch myself unlearning this narrative and reminding myself: - It’s okay to say no. - It’s okay to set boundaries. - It’s okay to prioritize my well-being. Imagine if the upcoming generation of girls grew up knowing they don’t have to shrink themselves to fit in or endure harm to be accepted. Together, we can build a world where kindness is a strength—not an obligation at the expense of safety. This #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGBV, let’s rethink the lessons we pass on to our upcoming generation and to ourselves. Change starts with a conversation!!! #EndGBV #GenderEqulaity #Empowerment #BreatTheCycle