Envista Holdings Corporation’s Post

We are of course a nation of differences. Those differences don’t make us weak. They’re the source of our strength. -Jimmy Carter I read this quote in my teens and it always struck me as THE core statement that explains why America continues to be ascendant on the world stage (economically, culturally, militarily and as a beacon of freedom), despite the “rise” of other would-be global superpowers. 👉 In the past decade, we as a nation have become hyper-obsessed with calling out our differences–and not always in the way that seeks to improve things but rather as a way to divide us up into tribal groups to the exclusion of working on the grander plan of one, UNITED America. 👉 I’ve had the great fortune to travel all over the U.S. and have lived in the Northeast, East Coast, West Coast and South. They’re all different, yet they each have distinct advantages and contribute so much to the overall ethos of what America is, and what it stands for. 👉 50 states – different of course – but united as one. How powerful that is!  The European Union only dreams of this national identity, but we have it because it’s in our DNA. 💥 Today, we should celebrate our wonderful diversity.  Not just the differences in religion, political affiliation, gender, ethnicity or the thousands of other “interest group” tribal affiliations that are increasingly pushed on us.  🤝 Instead, let’s celebrate the wonderful regional diversity – because this great American experiment will only endure if we all respect our different regional cultures.  Case in point – I’m in South Carolina today and was happily caught up in this “golf cart parade”-- the pride of so many who would take time out to celebrate our great Nation for me wasn’t a trivial thing, but rather a moving reminder of the importance of “love of country.”  Let’s let our differences fade into the background and celebrate our diversity–it truly is the source of our strength!! #usa #july4 #diversity

April is Diversity Month. Great to share my article about diversity and humanity in the Center for Family Services blog The Expert Angle. https://lnkd.in/ebMzZVrZ

Every Tuesday, I share a quote that inspires me: When discussing equity and inclusivity, it is essential to consider what beliefs underlie our approach. Do we believe everyone is the same regardless of background, skills, culture, age, etc? Or do we acknowledge that every person is unique and different with a unique experience of the world? Both approaches can be considered to promote equality, but the behaviors would be very different. "...an egalitarian ethos can take one of two directions: it can either deny such individual quirks entirely, and insist that people are (or at least should be) treated as if they were exactly the same; or it can celebrate their quirks in such a way as to imply that everyone is so profoundly different that any overall ranking would be inconceivable.' (The Dawn of Everything, David Graeber and David Wengrow)

https://lnkd.in/gpwdZKzW An important article to read, one which made me think hard about the need to be mindful in our communication and strive for inclusion and collaboration for the sake of all (including ourselves!).

"We cannot break down the barriers of race and class as a divided nation. We can only fulfill America’s promise of justice and opportunity if we are united." E Pluribus Unum was established on the principle that addressing the challenges of racial and economic disparities directly is essential for progress. Our leadership programs unite individuals dedicated to promoting racial equity, reshaping the narrative, and advocating for transformative change. Click here to learn more about our leadership programs and how we're shaping a South where equity is not just a word, but a lived reality. https://lnkd.in/gk_UENa5 #unumjoy #equity #equityorganization #unumalliance #unumallianceconvening

Today, on Juneteenth, we celebrate progress and recognize that there is still so much work to do. That includes ensuring economic opportunity for everyone, especially those most vulnerable. We acknowledge the systemic forces that have prevented a level playing field that date back to slavery. Even still, we are hopeful that through true advancement in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, we can achieve great impact together — and that impact must include a more financially stable America.

Self-reflection is a critical part of problem-solving and decision-making. As Greek philosopher Plato said, “The right question is usually more important than the right answer.” This article shares some thought-provoking questions you could ask yourself to understand your own relationship with diversity and inclusion better: https://lnkd.in/eQs6CHJq #diversitymatters #diversITcharter

🌟 Exciting News: Honored to be part of The Public Leaders for Inclusion Council (PLC) 🌟 At the beginning of this year, I was selected to join The Public Leaders for Inclusion Council (PLC), a prestigious leadership development program committed to fostering a more inclusive society. The PLC equips public servants from diverse roles, elected or appointed, with the tools to challenge anti-Muslim racism and other forms of hate, while simultaneously fostering social resilience and inclusion within their communities. I'm thrilled to announce that I will be attending the inaugural two-day summit in Washington, D.C., next week. This summit promises to be a pivotal experience, featuring a series of dynamic workshops, enlightening educational sessions, and valuable networking opportunities. These interactions will take place alongside influential civic organizations that are at the forefront of combating anti-Muslim discrimination and promoting a nation that thrives on inclusivity and diversity. I am also humbled and excited to be in such great company, surrounded by fellow participants who are equally dedicated to driving positive change. The collective commitment to fostering understanding, embracing diversity, and countering discrimination is truly inspiring. And this journey doesn't stop at the summit. Over the next five months, I'll be engaged in a series of virtual seminars led by prominent advocacy organizations and thought leaders. These sessions will delve into actionable strategies on how to effectively address and counteract racism against Muslims, as well as those perceived as Muslim. The focus will extend to Arab, Black, Sikh, and South Asian communities, highlighting the intersectionality of challenges and the power of unity in our mission. I'm deeply grateful for this opportunity and fully committed to using this platform to drive positive change. Let's come together, learn from each other, and take substantial steps toward creating a society where inclusion and pluralism flourish. Stay tuned for updates and insights from this transformative journey! 🌍🤝 https://lnkd.in/gFDMud7p #PublicLeadersForInclusion #SocialResilience #InclusivityMatters #DEIAB #growthmindset #lifelonglearner

How do you think our world would look like without the contributions of... Abraham Lincoln? Ada Lovelace? Alan Turing? Angela Morley? Barack Obama? Cesar Chavez? Ellen DeGeneres? George Washington Carver? Harriet Tubman? Jane Goodall? Malala Yousafzai? Marie Curie? Marsha P. Johnson? Martin Luther King? Neil deGrasse Tyson? Oprah Winfrey? Ruth Bader Ginsberg? Sally Ride? Sylvia Rivera? W.E.B. DuBois? Wilma Mankiller? All of these people...and SO MANY MORE...stood up for the rights of marginalized communities, had accomplishments that were significant those marginalized communities, and/or made breakthroughs that made the world better for all of us. This is why we need DEI - so we create and continually maintain environments that encourage and promote ingenuity, kindness, inclusion, and innovation. These wonderful things are only possible when we're able to share experiences, as well as hear and amplify voices from different cultures and backgrounds. Let's listen to each other and collaborate. Together we can create a world that is even better than we could have imagined. #DEI #DEIB #Diversity #Equity #Equality #Inclusion #Belonging #Kindness #Innovation #Ingenuity #BetterTogether #SharingExperiences