International Women's Day 2024

This year I was honored to spend some time with the women of TCInvest on International Women's Day.  If you follow this blog, you know that I have a passion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. So, I was excited to speak on this year's theme - Inspire Inclusion. ‘Inclusion’ is often the magic sauce to how we create belonging within our families, communities, and organizations.

I concluded my speak with the following words:

"When women support women, incredible things happen. When this support is the kind of no judging, no competing, no intimidating kind of support, we help each other reach higher levels. What I know, is I thrive when I am supported not just by the women in my tribe, but in the everyday interactions that I have with the women around me. We must remember that not all seasons of life come with the tribes a woman may need, and being there for someone else, in a kind gesture, an encouraging word, in creating a seat at the table, can truly inspire inclusion.

This year’s theme, inspire inclusion, alerts us to the fact that inclusion is an intention act. Diversity is a fact. Within our workplaces and our communities, we are filled with diversity. Differences in age, gender, education, social economic status, culture, experiences etc. This list goes on and on and on. The thing is Diversity isn’t enough. Diversity simply means we have difference among us, but to get to inclusion we must be intentional. One of my all-time favorite quotes is by Verna Myers, she states -
“Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance," 

Here are some tips to Inspire Inclusion in 2024:

• Reflect on what it means to be inclusive.
• Look for ways to minimize your microaggressions.
• Use microaffirmations.
• Shine and Embrace the Shine
• Be You. You are the best YOU there is.