Getting tactical about diversity, equity, and inclusion |
Creating inclusive workplaces requires much more than the development of a strategic plan or the creation of a diversity, equity, and inclusion department. Support from senior leaders, adequate and consistent training of employees at all levels, and adoption of metrics-driven practices are a few of the tactics needed to effectively create a culture of inclusion at any organization. Our goal is to always provide you with opportunities and resources to operationalize your DEI initiatives. Read through the newsletter below for upcoming training opportunities, DEI centered discussions, and community events.
In this issue:
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- NW Equity Summit: Get strategic about DEI with insights from Lily Zheng, Caroline Wanga, and Michelle MiJung Kim
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Black Community Resource Group: Discussing Oregon’s small Black-owned businesses
- Asian Pacific Islander community resource group: Using our voices to uplift ourselves and our communities
- Enhancing the employee experience through inclusive performance management
- Job and volunteer opportunities from our members
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NW Equity Summit: Purchase your tickets today
With increasing threats to diversity, equity, and inclusion work all over the country, now more than ever, it’s important to focus on strengthening our connections with advocates and organizations that stand by our values and goals.
On September 26, 2023, Partners in Diversity hosts its biennial NW Equity Summit at the Oregon Convention Center. This conference will bring together employees and managers at all levels, as well as diversity influencers, to be bold and uncompromising — in other words, unapologetic — when it comes to advancing and advocating for equity and inclusion. In addition to being an amazing opportunity for community leaders to connect and collaborate, the summit features several breakout sessions that will provide attendees with the opportunity to operationalize their DEI action plans. Breakout session speakers include:
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- Caroline A. Wanga, CEO of ESSENCE and Founder of WangaWoman
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Michelle MiJung Kim, author of the Wake Up: Closing the Gap Between Good Intentions and Real Change
- Lily Zheng, bestselling author of DEI Deconstructed and the upcoming Reconstructing DEI
- Dr. Alisha Moreland-Capuia, Community Psychiatrist at the Institute for Trauma-Informed Systems Change at McLean/Harvard
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Dr. Steven Nakana, Vice President of People Strategy, Equity, and Culture at Portland Community College
- Elizabeth Laine, Head of DEI and Talent at Clearway Energy Group
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Sponsorship opportunities remain. If you want to show your support for DEI and showcase your organization’s commitment, contact Dorothy Chongkit at dchongkit@partnersindiversity.org.
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Using our voices to uplift ourselves and our communities
In recognition of Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, our Asian Pacific Islander community resource group participated in a panel discussion focused on "Finding Our Voice in the Workplace." Cultural backgrounds, mentorship from others, and healthy relationships in the workplace were all noted as being important tools that allow us to advocate for ourselves and others without being steered away by intimidation or fear. Along with many others in the room, our panelists recommended the simple act of practice as a way to start using our voices more courageously. Whether that means practicing with a trusted co-worker or practicing in front of a mirror, speaking the words we truly want to share is a great place to start. We hope you all left feeling more confident and willing to advocate for your needs, goals, and community.
Thank you to Judge Chanpone Sinlapasai, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge; Michelle Soares, Vice President of IT and CISO at Powin Energy; Samson Syharath, Managing Artistic Director at Theatre Diaspora; and Amy Wang, Content Creator at Oregon Health & Science University for sharing your personal stories and providing such thoughtful advice. A special thank you to the Oregon Secretary of State and the Asian American Journalists Association - Portland for sponsoring this event.
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Black community resource group: Supporting Small Black-Owned Businesses
Recently, the Partners in Diversity Black community resource group (CRG) participated in a panel discussion focused on supporting Oregon’s small Black-owned businesses. The conversation led to helpful insights regarding current policies that are preventing Black wealth from being built in our state and country, why marketing is crucial for any small business, and how our lived experiences can serve as our greatest competitive advantage when growing a business. The panel consisted of a group of local leaders, including Lance J. Randall, Executive Director of the Black Business Association of Oregon; Blaire G. Hervey, Founder of The Corporate Strategist; Kenyatta Trice, Oregon MBDA Director of Business at Impact NW; and Evan T. Green, Executive Director of Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Portland State University - School of Business. A special thank you to the Office of the Oregon Secretary of State for sponsoring the discussion.
Interested in participating in one of our community resource groups? Partners in Diversity currently offers four community resource groups: Asian and Pacific Islander community resource group, Black community resource group, Latino community resource group, and the Native American community resource group. To register for a group, visit: https://www.partnersindiversity.org/program/community-resource-groups/.
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Enhancing the employee experience through inclusive performance management
A recent Gallup study revealed that for the first time in a decade, employee engagement in the United States has dropped. Several factors contributed to this decrease, including ineffective management, minimal training and development, and a lack of connection between employees and an organization’s mission. Fortunately, there are strategies that organizations can adopt to ensure that the work environment they’re designing provides enough opportunities for growth and challenges to keep employees engaged.
At our most recent Breakfast for Champions session, we invited Elizabeth Laine to walk us through actionable steps organizations can take to increase employee engagement through effective and inclusive performance management. An inclusive performance management process contributes to a positive employee experience and can help an organization avoid a high attrition rate, decreased innovation, and lack of accountability among managers.
For a peek into the insights shared by Elizabeth, read the full recap blog on our website. Members with a user account on our website can access the recording under the resources section.
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Tracey Lam speaks at PDX Women in Tech (PDXWIT) Presents: AAPI Month Happy Hour - Advancing leaders through opportunity event
Late last month, Partners in Diversity’s Tracey Lam joined our member PDXWIT, for their AAPI Month Virtual Happy Hour as a lightening speaker. The virtual event gave three leaders the opportunity to share how they used their leadership positions to help others reach their full potential. Speakers touched on their personal journeys into leadership, how their unique backgrounds have shaped their leadership styles, and how they continue to pass lessons they’ve picked up along the way onto others. To listen to the full conversation, click here.
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Upcoming Partners in Diversity Programs
June 3, 5:30 p.m. | Native American Community Resource Group Gathering | PSU Native American Center
July 12, 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast for Champions: Responding to Hate in the Workplace | PNC Studio/Zoom
July 18, 4:30 p.m. | Latino Community Resource Group Outdoor Celebration | Hoyt Arboretum (Registration opening soon)
September 26, 7:30 a.m. | Northwest Equity Summit | Oregon Convention Center
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Here Is Oregon features upcoming NW Equity Summit: "Bold, uncompromising and unapologetic. This is the attitude of Partners in Diversity when referring to the advocation for equity and inclusion in the workplace. On September 26, Partners in Diversity is bringing an event to the Oregon Convention Center that focuses on championing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). With nationally renowned speakers, breakout sessions and more, The NW Equity Summit promises to be a day of learning and healing for the Portland and SW Washington communities." For the full article, click here.
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For a complete list of job openings at member organizations, please visit our Career Center.
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Partners in Diversity provides an online space for nonprofits, public agencies and community-based organizations to share events and engagement opportunities that are relevant to communities of color. To view other community events or to post one, visit our Community Engagement page.
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A special thanks to our new and renewing members for their continued commitment to DEI:
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New Platinum Members
Motus Recruiting
Rivermark Community Credit Union
SBH Legal
ZGF Architects
New Silver Members
Alliant Insurance
Renewing Members
AAA Oregon/Idaho
AT&T Oregon
Boly:Welch
City of Newport
City of Vancouver
Community Partners for Affordable Housing
Ecotrust
Neighborhood House, Inc.
Options Counseling and Family Services
Oregon Employment Department
Oregon Health Authority
Oregon Youth Authority
Portland Anxiety Clinic
Wacom Technology Corp
White Bird
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Month of June: LGBTQ+ Pride Month
June 19: Juneteenth
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Follow Partners in Diversity on social media to stay connected and get the latest news.
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