Matthew Galando’s Post

As our heads spin the week after NM's short legislative session ends, I am again reminded of the importance of civic engagement. Advocating for inclusive policies and driving social change have been central themes throughout my career. Each interaction with policy leaders has provided valuable insights into shaping equitable systems and amplifying underrepresented voices. Let's connect if you're passionate about advancing policy initiatives for a more just society! #PolicyAdvocacy #SocialJustice #EquitablePolicies

Memorial & Press Conference 11:00 AM | May 25, 2024 Upper Darby Municipal Building Its been four years since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, which marked a pivotal moment of racial reckoning in our nation. This reckoning spurred commitments to racial equity for Black Americans from federal, state, and local elected officials. Similar pledges were made for Latinx Americans, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQQIA+ community, justice-involved individuals, and those facing economic disadvantage, among other identities. Yet, amidst these commitments, our nation has witnessed troubling attacks on justice and equity. In the last year alone, we’ve witnessed the vitriol backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, the repeal of affirmative action, and advocacy against supporting minority businesses at the federal level . Moreover, local communities have witnessed assaults on basic humanity. Now, more than ever, it is time to recommit ourselves to the principles of justice and equity for all, especially in Delaware County. RSVP: http://bit.ly/3wlIakn

Read this recent article by David B. Sarnoff, Esq., ACC, and Joy Stephens: From Allyship to Abandon-Ship: How Do We Stop the Cycle? Over the past few decades, many organizations have implemented DE&I initiatives with varying success. Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, there was a renewed and widespread commitment to DE&I, but these efforts have largely been performative. Recent Supreme Court decisions and legislative actions have further eroded these commitments, leading to the elimination of many DE&I positions and programs. This pattern of abandoned promises is not new, reflecting a historical cycle of progress and regression in the fight for equity. How do we break the cycle? https://lnkd.in/gqbwrTMG

Today's clip from the Lowenstein Sandler LLP Center for the Public Interest special 15-year anniversary video highlights firm Chair and Managing Partner Gary Wingens, who gives a history of how the center started. Watch below and see the full video with Catherine Weiss, Natalie Kraner, and Alexander Shalom here: https://lnkd.in/eiZskDbq. #legalmarketing #lawfirmmarketing #videomarketing #newvideo #probono

The recent tragic incident involving the murder of Sonya Massey, a Black woman, by a White police officer raises critical questions about corporate responses to racial injustice. In light of increased Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts following George Floyd's murder, will corporations uphold their commitment to equity and justice in this case? It prompts reflection on the consistency and depth of DEI initiatives across different situations. #JusticeForSonya #DEI #RacialJustice

#AmplifyingExternalVoices By Olivia Parnell Wow, four years since the start of the pandemic. And whilst we all marvel at where our lives are now since we’ve somewhat sprung back to ‘normal’, we also find ourselves reminiscing of what our highlights were from the time we all stayed indoors. Was it maybe the use of the app house party, the banana bread we baked, Joe Wicks getting us up every morning, or the murder of George Floyd prompting people to suddenly care about racism and promising to help dismantle the system of oppression? I’ve spent quite some time within the D&I space in recent years so I can confidently say that progression is being made. There are communities & networks actively and continuously working towards raising awareness, delivering training, and presenting solutions. However, there are those that fall guilty of simply following the trends, and any engagement they have to D&I unfortunately has been nothing more than performative. ➡️ Ticking boxes vs following through on your word ➡️ Personality clash vs a microaggression ➡️ Could we have done more? Read more in our latest article: https://lnkd.in/eJGWfnAt #RaceEqualityMatters #GeorgeFloyd #ItsEveryonesBusiness #ActionDrivesChange

🔃 🔁 Sweet Home, Chicago. We're fortunate to have Juatise Gathings back in Chicago as she is now on the forefront of bringing forth more equitable opportunities for all Chicagoans. She and Matt Johanson are having the hard conversations to cut through the gobbity gook, the stuff people aren't willing to say, and all of the in between about racism. "The thing that I love about the conversation on racism and privilege is everyone should be able to walk in the confidence of knowing it's not a single person's fault but we are all responsible for the systems that produce the outcomes that we have today. Nobody is exempt from that responsibility." Just Act Partners encourages to "Do acts of justice or just do something" - often times as business leaders, it's so hard to decide when you have analysis after analysis before you decide the right direction." Just Act Partners is a different type of consultancy to "amplify the lived experience of what's happening in neighborhoods and pairing that with your company's mission and strategy." "This is the least diverse we'll ever be", as Juatise reflects on the partnership between she and Matt. "Things in life don't happen by coincidence" - the unique partnership that Just Act Partners provides for true racial equity. "Often times (in corporate environments), you have so many development programs geared toward women, development programs geared toward people of color but the reality is we are more ready now than we ever have before and all we need is an opportunity to lead." Preach friend, preach. I'm happy to have reconnected with a new friend as we blaze the trail for the new way to do business. Let's go. #FoundAgainFriends #WomenInBusiness #WomenEntrepreneurs #RacialEquity #Kicks #NewBusiness #EquityConsultancy

Building a Beloved Community: Reimagining Juvenile Justice for a More Just and Compassionate Society" In our journey toward a more just and equitable society, we must embrace Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of the Beloved Community—a society grounded in love, justice, and inclusivity. This vision is particularly vital in the realm of Juvenile Justice reform, where the stakes are not just legal but deeply human. The Beloved Community challenges us to see our youth not as problems to be fixed but as individuals full of potential and deserving of compassion, understanding, and opportunity. It calls for a system where justice is restorative rather than punitive—where the focus shifts from retribution to healing, growth, and transformation. For too long, the juvenile justice system has been marred by systemic inequities, disproportionately impacting youth of color and those from marginalized communities. By reimagining this system through the lens of the Beloved Community, we commit to creating spaces where every young person is given the chance to thrive. This means ensuring access to education, mental health support, mentorship, and programs that address trauma and promote positive development. True reform is about more than policy changes; it is about cultivating a culture that embodies the principles of nonviolence, equity, and reconciliation. It requires us to build bridges of empathy and understanding, recognizing that the path to redemption is paved with opportunity, not punishment. In the spirit of the Beloved Community, we must work collectively—advocates, policymakers, educators, community leaders, and families—to dismantle the barriers that keep our youth from reaching their full potential. Let us commit to a vision where every young person, regardless of their past, is seen, heard, and valued. Together, we can transform juvenile justice into a system that reflects our highest ideals—a true Beloved Community where justice, love, and opportunity prevail for all. #JuvenileJusticeReform #BelovedCommunity #RestorativeJustice #YouthEmpowerment #SocialJustice #EquityForAll #EndYouthIncarceration #TransformativeJustice #Nonviolence #Inclusion #CommunityHealing #OpportunitiesForYouth #EmpathyInAction

The BOW Collective Makes History at the White House! Today, Monday, July 22nd, Quiana Gainey, representing The BOW Collective, made history by engaging with top officials at the White House to discuss policies for Black women-owned businesses. With over 200 CEOs generating $1.4 BILLION in business, The BOW Collective's presence signifies a monumental stride towards equity and inclusion in federal contracting. For the first time, SBA data reveals the significant racial disparities in government spending toward Black businesses. Increasing this spending will lead to more job creation. Advocacy truly equals access, and today, they united to amplify their voices and create a lasting impact. The excitement is tangible as they join this critical equity discussion. #BOWBreaksBarriers #AdvocacyEqualsAccess #BlackWomenInBusiness #EquityAndInclusion #BOWatWhiteHouse #WomenEmpowerment #BusinessPhilanthropy #Sisterhood #SecureTech360

At Bottom Line, we have a lot to say about college access and success, and the overall higher education landscape. Tune into what our CEO, Steven Colón has to say on the Say More with Tulaine Montgomery podcast. #GetIn #Graduate #GoFar #SayMoreWithTulaine