Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s Post

#ServiceAboveAllElse #DEIBconference #CCRE I have always believed that people are good people and they can be the best human beings and not human creatures if they open both their hearts and minds to engage and understand each other. No one can wear the shoe of an another but we can be present in the moment to respect, value and cherish all who bring something to the table provided that we remain authentic to our own being. Throughout my life, I have aimed for milestones and goals so high that people would tell me to "reach for the stars". What learning from everyone around me has taught me is that I do not want to reach for the stars - I rather want to be part of the most awesome galaxy of stars - each one shining brightly and the brilliance of shine of belonging! With that, I have been part of Steering Committee of Carroll Citizens for Racial Equity (CCRE) for quite a few years. While we know that Carroll County in Maryland has a long way to go for a complete assurance of everyone knowing and believing that they belong, this grassroots organization is slowly and surely moving and inching towards the aura of galaxy of stars. Both as a citizen of Carroll County, a Steering Committee member of CCRE and a faculty of Carroll Community College, I am so pleased that we will offer our annual Conference this Friday, April 26th at Carroll Community College. It is an annual Conference that required months of planning and to see it coming to fruition yet again this year makes me believe in the "being" of the human being. Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller administration stands on the principle of leaving no one behind. Truly how can we leave anyone behind when all must belong? I have witnessed that first hand that we all must pull everyone together as part of my work working and observing the fine colleagues at Maryland Governor's Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI). #CarrollCountyMD #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Belonging #Justice #ConferenceForAll

Yesterday marked the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, an observance that acknowledges that while much progress has been made, injustice and prejudice continue to be fueled by racial discrimination. Alliant actively works to combat discrimination through our employee resource groups (ERGS) and partnerships. Our Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) ERG advances awareness and understanding of the diversity within Asian American and Pacific Islander groups, Latinos at Alliant celebrates the diverse Latin community, and Mosaic raises awareness and education around the racial inequalities confronting the Black community. Furthermore, our partnerships with Asian American Insurance Network (AAIN), HACE (Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement), LAAIA - Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies, and NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association aid us in advancing industry recognition and career development for our professionals. #AlliantInsurance #DiversityandInclusion

A Day of Insight and Action Featuring around 30 speakers and panelists, this all-day event promises a comprehensive exploration of social justice issues. Participants will engage in rich discussions and workshops, gaining strategic tips, tools, and techniques to drive change within their spheres of influence. The diverse lineup of experts will cover topics ranging from anti-Black racism and decolonization to policy reform and cultural transformation. To register, visit https://lnkd.in/dmit4rSz. Join us for this crucial event and be part of a collective movement towards a more equitable and just society. Register now at https://lnkd.in/dmit4rSz to secure your place at the 4th Annual George Floyd Memorial Lecture. Together, we can advance the imperative for social justice, decolonization, and the elimination of racism and discrimination. Strengthening Our Resolve As we gather at The 4th Annual George Floyd Memorial Lecture virtually on May 23, 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to social justice. Let us pledge to move from EDI to belonging, from allyship to advocacy. Let us resolve to work tirelessly within our organizations, communities, institutions, and government agencies to eradicate racism and discrimination in all its forms. The journey ahead is challenging, but together, we are powerful. By equipping ourselves with the right tools and knowledge, we can create a future where everyone belongs, and where justice and equity are the cornerstones of our society. Join us and be a part of this transformative journey. Register now at https://lnkd.in/dmit4rSz to secure your place at the 4th Annual George Floyd Memorial Lecture. #Diversity #Inclusion #Equity #Racism #EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) #SocialJustice #GeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter #AntiRacism #Equality #Justice #Change #Community #Unity #Awareness #RepresentationMatters #EndRacism #InclusiveLeadership #HumanRights #Empowerment #CivilRights

Today I attended the first day of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NASBW) conference. Not only am I excited to attend for the first time—Dr. Sapphire Boone has graciously invited me to co-present on a topic close to my heart: "Reimagining Competence and Exploring Alternative Pathways to Licensure through Policy Advocacy." This presentation is not just a speaking opportunity for me; it's a chance to shine a light on the crucial work done in support of SB871, alongside dedicated advocates. It's a narrative about channeling my rage into productive advocacy, inspired by the trailblazers of the #STOPASWB movement. The National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) has historically been a vocal critic of the current licensure process, yet, all too often, their voices are excluded from policy discussions. This presentation is my homage to those pioneers, a reminder to everyone in attendance—and to the broader Social Work Field—that the voices of black social workers are indispensable, especially in legislative arenas. To say I'm honored is an understatement. This is a moment of humility and pride—a chance to remind us all that standing on the shoulders of giants gives us the vantage point not just to see further, but to speak louder and more effectively. As I prepare for my presentation tomorrow, I am reminded of the power of advocacy, the importance of inclusive dialogue, and the enduring strength of a community united for change. Here's to making every moment count! #NASBW56 #SocialWork #PolicyAdvocacy #ABSW #SocialWorkLicensure #CommunityChange

Mastin Kipp's words resonate deeply in the journey toward inclusion.  Avoiding difficult conversations doesn't maintain peace; it merely suppresses the underlying tension. True peace comes from addressing these issues, fostering understanding, and embracing the discomfort to pave the way for genuine inclusivity.  Let's lean into these conversations and create a more inclusive world.  You can learn more about my fight for inclusion here: https://a.co/d/4Kj87Bd #Inclusion #DisabilityBooks #BookRecommendations #IEPmeeting #IEP  #DevelopmentalDisabilities

ICYMI: #NationalMinorityHealthMonth highlights the persistent health disparities faced by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and communities that are historically underserved. Phuong, our senior consultant for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), shares her story of arriving in the winter of 1992 and the challenges her family faced. https://ow.ly/9Mff50RlqA6

One way WE can facilitate inclusion is by collecting SOGI (sexual orientation/gender identity) data in biomedical research (not exhaustive). Let's demonstrate seeing everyone by counting everyone. How we count determines who we count and who we count, determines who counts. Who counts determines everything!

Early today, Pflag York Region shared concerns over an agenda item at the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) meeting scheduled to take place tomorrow, January 30. A motion, claiming to be bring “unity” to the York Catholic District School Board, is trying to ban nearly all flags from being flown on their flag poles OR displayed inside schools. This is a thinly veiled attempt to ban Pride flags anywhere on YCDSB property, along with nearly every other flag. All youth deserve the freedom to be themselves, and to learn and grow in a safe environment. And all youth deserve to be respected and see themselves represented in our schools, including 2SLGBTQ+ students. Acknowledging and celebrating diversity makes school communities stronger. To the youth of YCDSB, we see you. Your communities have your back and continue to fight policies that stop you from being seen, represented, and celebrated for who you are. To the YCDSB, we want to remind you that unity exists in embracing diversity, and in listening to and including who is left behind. We join Pflag York Region in asking you to consider consequences of your amendments on the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ youth, Black youth, Indigenous youth, and youth with disabilities, among others. Take action by: • Attending the YCDSB Board Meeting tomorrow, January 30 at 320 Bloomington Road, Aurora, ON L4G 0M1. The meeting starts at 7:30pm. Please arrive at least 30 minutes in advance to secure a seat. • Contacting YCDSB. Advise them on the importance of voting against these amendments. Write to the Chair at [email protected] and Vice-Chair at [email protected]. • If you are unable to make it to the meeting, do your bit to advocate within your communities, schools, and workplaces. Our city, province, and country are not immune to hate. Discrimination has reared its ugly head yet again. The time for action is NOW. #NoHate #ArmyOfLovers #FactsOverFear #2SLGBTQ

As we Celebrate Diversity Month, let's remember that diversity is more than just tolerance—it's about fostering environments where every individual feels valued. In education, this means advocating for school justice reform to address systemic inequalities and create equitable learning environments for all students. Together, let's embrace diversity as a catalyst for positive change. Learn more about SJP here: https://lnkd.in/g39YYqG8 #CelebrateDiversity #SchoolJusticeReform #EquityInEducation

I see you Recy Benjamin Dunn at Ascend Schools! I couldn't agree with you more: DEIA is everyone’s responsibility. This commitment is rooted as much in mindset as it is in accountability. It’s the lens we use to critically examine our systems, policies, programs and interactions as we aim to eliminate inequitable and exclusionary practices — without focusing solely on one identity, but instead considering how different identities interact with one another. https://lnkd.in/ewCVBuTd