Breakfast for Champions: Operationalizing DEI for Success
This month’s Breakfast for Champions focused on diving into critical processes and practices across organizational functions to create a foundational strategy for sustainable growth and success. “How can we effectively weave DEI work into the fabric of the organization, into all of the different functions? How do we do that in a way that’s really meaningful and sets this up for success over time,” said Breakfast for Champions speaker Elizabeth N. Laine, head of diversity, equity, inclusion & talent development at Clearway Energy Group. She added that it is essential not to feel overly burdened and not get caught up on what is missing in an organization that has not yet reached maturity; instead, focus on all the opportunities an organization has. There is so much room for accomplishment; the best way to achieve that is one step at a time, ensuring balance and a solid foundation.
Special thanks to Portland State University Global Diversity & Inclusion for sponsoring this session.
Say Hey! for Interns
After two long years of virtual events, Say Hey! for Interns came back in full force on July 17. Say Hey! for Interns provided a space for more than 100 interns of color and allies to connect and network in a welcoming environment. Events like these have the potential to support long-term recruitment in Oregon, as observed by Partners in Diversity summer intern Bethel Sishu. “What I experienced was community building at work, with other interns practicing networking at a comfortable pace and inclusive place. Events such as these are uncommon outside educational institutions,” said Sishu. To read more about Say Hey! for Interns from an intern’s perspective, check out our blog.
A special thanks to our sponsors for making this year’s event possible: Portland Timbers FC, Portland Thorns FC, KEEN footwear, Pacific Power, and Wieden + Kennedy. We are also grateful to the volunteers who made the event go smoothly, and to Wild Diversity, People of Color Outdoors (POCO), BIKEPOC PNW, and Sport Oregon for joining us at Say Hey! for Interns. Your participation allowed the interns to learn more about the different outdoor organizations in Portland and what they offer to communities of color.