PledgeLA’s Post

Last week marked the end of my internship at Women Win, and OMG, the things I have learned and the experiences that have opened my heart and given me hope again on "what is a community?" are beyond what I can describe. I have been healed. I feel healed. And now, more than ever, I know that the spaces I work with and around don’t have to compromise my values. I've often been told that raising questions or concerns about missing intersectional decolonial aspects within community movements was too demanding. Women Win has shown me that it's not only possible but essential. Here are my other fav takeaways: - Working with a team led and dominated by womxn from diverse backgrounds was simply phenomenal. Coming from multiple queer organizational backgrounds predominantly dominated by white folks—especially white men—this experience has been a healing journey. I could flourish without feeling the need to prove myself or survive under any form of internalized institutional oppression within movements. I didn’t have to strive for BIPOC exceptionalism just to be noticed, treated with decency, or acknowledged. - Engaging with communities represented on the front line, with decolonization in mind every step of the way, was something I never thought I would encounter in philanthropy. Prioritizing mental health, community learning, and genuine takeaways over data and traditional success metrics was transformative. True community success lies in their independent leadership and decision-making, not in dehumanizing research and reports. Stories of resilience and lived experiences are far more powerful than any numerical outcomes. - Community leaders who acknowledge they don’t know everything and are willing to pass the mic to people from the actual broader communities thrive the most. Assuming needs and wants, and restricting funding or opportunities based on what white systems assume might work, does not help communities thrive. It perpetuates a colonial practice that continues to feed an oppressive cycle. With that being said, thank you, thank you, thank you to all the phenomenal folks I had the chance to work with or learn about across teams. Thank you for proving that intersectional community work can be achieved and that it's not always the white folks who save the world. You've restored my belief that my vision for intersectional, decolonial work is possible when everyone is involved and everyone is a leader.

🤝 Mentorship in Diversity: Creating Inclusive Opportunities 🌍 Embracing diversity isn't just about representation; it's about creating meaningful opportunities for all. 💡 Discover how mentorship programs can break down barriers, foster inclusion, and empower individuals from all backgrounds to thrive in their careers. From providing guidance to underrepresented groups to championing diverse voices, we'll explore how mentorship can drive positive change and create a more inclusive future. 🌟 Join us in celebrating the power of mentorship to unlock the full potential of diversity and create a more equitable world for all. #MentorshipInclusion #DiversityEmpowerment #InclusiveOpportunities

🤝 Mentorship in Diversity: Creating Inclusive Opportunities 🌍 Embracing diversity isn't just about representation; it's about creating meaningful opportunities for all. 💡 Discover how mentorship programs can break down barriers, foster inclusion, and empower individuals from all backgrounds to thrive in their careers. From providing guidance to underrepresented groups to championing diverse voices, we'll explore how mentorship can drive positive change and create a more inclusive future. 🌟 Join us in celebrating the power of mentorship to unlock the full potential of diversity and create a more equitable world for all. #MentorshipInclusion #DiversityEmpowerment #InclusiveOpportunities

Find your tribe. Here’s how I found mine. Thanks Bonny, for doing what you do (and making my life easier too, with this post! 🎶🕺🏽)

One year ago, we embarked on an incredible journey with a vision to transform lives through dedicated mobility mentorship. Today, we celebrate not just a year of existence but a year of significant milestones, achievements, and relentless pursuit of making a difference in the lives of those relocating. Let's take a moment to reflect on our journey and the remarkable landmarks we've achieved together: Winter 2022: Our journey began with the crafting of a detailed business plan, robust tech development, face to face market research, and forming an advisory council laying the foundation for our ambitious venture. March 30, 2023: We officially launched the incorporation of BetterGo to the market, introducing our first group of Mobility Mentors™, ready to guide and support. Spring 2023: Our initial trial cases demonstrated the profound impact of personalized mentorship, validating our mission and approach. Summer 2023: We expanded our team and launched a global search for Mobility Mentors™, successfully building a network of over 60 certified practitioners from diverse backgrounds. Fall 2023: We were honored to receive the LGBTQE business certification, recognizing our commitment to diversity. Additionally, we honored to be part of the GLOMO Diversity Supply Chain Project, setting a new standard in inclusive support and services. By the end of 2023: Our global reach extended to 12 countries across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, solidifying our presence on the world stage. Winter 2024: We achieved credentialing and NPPES national provider registration, further enhancing our credibility and service capacity. Spring 2024: We expanded our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) suite of offerings and secured additional investment for Phase II of BetterGO's market offering, poised for even greater impact. As we reflect on this incredible year, we're filled with gratitude for the community that has grown with us, the individuals we've had the honor to assist, and the milestones we've achieved together. This is just the beginning, and we're thrilled to continue this journey, transforming lives one move at a time. Here's to another year of success, growth, and transformation! #BetterGOAnniversary #OneYearOfImpact #GlobalMobility #MentalHealthAwareness #DiversityAndInclusion

A big week: #withwomen launched a mentorship programme! The team have matched hundreds of mentees to mentors at Starling. That means men, women and non-binary people across the business. And we've done it alongside our day jobs. Why? -A joint report by Accenture and Girls Who Code suggests the drop-out rate for women in tech is as high as 50%. -By the age of 35 almost half of the women in tech careers will leave compared to around 20% in other professions. -A study in the US found that mentoring programmes boosted minority representation at management levels from 9 to 24%. -The research also found they dramatically improved promotion and retention rates for minorities and women from 15% to 38%, compared with non-mentored employees. Well done Nike Shoge, BA Hons FCCA IRMCert, Fara Akbari and Pierre-Antoine Duprat for spearheading this amazing project.

❗️Calling All LGBTQ+ Undergrads❗️ If someone asks me my favorite conference, I’d not hesitate to say Out for Undergrad. I attended the Out For Undergrad Digital 2023 last semester, and it was such a memorable experience!! 🌸 🍀 Now, as the Campus Ambassador for O4U, I’m so excited to tell you that applications for Out for Undergrad’s 2024 Digital & Engineering Conference are live! 🍀 If you’re interested in pursuing any type of career related to business, marketing, engineering, or tech, I strongly encourage you to apply for up to two conferences. If accepted, you will attend an in-person conference being able to meet top employers looking to hire for internships and full-time positions. Additionally, you’ll have access to mentorship opportunities, authentic programming throughout the weekend, keynotes from industry leaders, and the chance to network with other like-minded, yet diverse, LGBTQ+ undergrads across the nation. As many students say, this organization will change your life. ️ ❗️Round 1 applications are due on Sunday, March 3rd so submit your applications soon! Only less than a week. You can apply here:  https://lnkd.in/dNUJxGV5 If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me through LinkedIn or leave a comment below! I’d be more than happy to share my experiences or any advice I have for applying. You can also send questions directly to [email protected]. #outforundergrad #lgbtqa+ #careerconference #tech #media

🌟 **Igniting Dreams: Fostering Tomorrow's Leaders** Ever wondered how to inspire young minds and shape a future where every girl envisions herself achieving the extraordinary? It starts with exposure. In a world teeming with opportunities, it's crucial to ensure that young girls encounter diverse role models early on. ✨ **Unleashing Potential: Why it Matters** Exposing young girls to a spectrum of role models isn't merely about representation; it's about sowing the seed of possibility. When they witness trailblazers like Sally Ride breaking barriers, something magical happens. The spark of inspiration ignites, making those once-unattainable career paths suddenly imaginable. 🚀 **The Power of Vision: A Glimpse into the Future** Imagine a world where every young girl sees herself as an astronaut, scientist, CEO—or whatever her heart desires. It's a world where potential knows no bounds. When young minds can visualize their aspirations, barriers crumble, and ceilings shatter. 🌈 **Breaking it Down: The Significance of Representation** Representation matters because it dispels the notion that certain professions are off-limits based on gender. It sends a powerful message that anyone, regardless of their background, can pursue their dreams. Diversity in role models is the key to dismantling stereotypes and fostering an inclusive, innovative future. 🌐 **Creating Impact: The Ripple Effect** Picture this: a young girl inspired by achievements she never knew were possible. Fast forward a few years, and she's the one breaking barriers, inspiring the next generation. The impact of diverse representation extends far beyond the individual—it's a ripple effect that shapes the future for us all. 🌺 **Seeds Blossom into Futures: Nurturing the Dreamers** In our journey to empower the next generation, let's remember that every small effort counts. By exposing young girls to diverse role models, we nurture dreamers who will shape the future. Let's be catalysts for change, sowing seeds of possibility and reaping a harvest of limitless potential. 🌟 **Join the Movement: #EmpowerHerDreams** Ready to be part of a movement that transcends boundaries and empowers young minds? Let's amplify the message together. Share this post, celebrate diversity, and be a driving force in nurturing the dreams of the next generation. Our collective actions today shape a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. #Empowerment #RepresentationMatters #InspireTheFuture #DiversityInCareers #LimitlessPotential #DreamBig #RoleModels #SallyRideLegacy #NextGenLeaders #EmpowerHerDreams #Diversity #Inspiration #Empowerment #Potential #Limitless #Motivation #Management #Inspiration

We're buzzing with joy! As of this month, we've connected 70 incredible young folks and 70 amazing Queer and Trans adults on their journeys. Here's to 70 mentorship matches and the countless moments of growth, connection, and joy that lie ahead! To learn more about mentorship, visit https://lnkd.in/g6Jz_bRm #QueerLove #MentorshipMatters #SpreadJoy #LoveWins #MentorshipProgram #70MentorMatches #Mentors #mentees #QueerMentorship #QueerMentees #QueerMentorship

🎙️ Tuesday Talks with Jody: Beyond Diversity - Embracing Inclusion 🎙️ In today's edition of #TuesdayTalkswithJody, we're taking a deep dive into a crucial aspect of my Belong Believe Begin Model™ - moving beyond just diversity to truly embrace inclusion. 🌈 "You Don't Get Credit for Diversity!" In a recent talk, I explored a powerful notion: "You don't get credit for diversity!" Why? Because diversity is like drawing a starting line on a race track. It's essential, but it's only the beginning. Think about it – do we celebrate the person who draws the starting line, or those who run the race and cross the finish line? 🚀 Creating Opportunities vs. Claiming Diversity Your organization doesn't earn accolades simply for being diverse. That's just setting the stage. The real accomplishment is in creating opportunities – it's about what you do with that diversity. Are we providing the necessary support, resources, and environment where everyone can thrive? That's where the focus should be. 🤝 Let's Shift the Conversation to Inclusion Instead of just talking about diversity, let's delve into inclusion. Inclusion is about ensuring everyone feels valued and integral to the team. In schools, this means creating an environment where every student, regardless of their background, feels they belong and can excel. 💡 Practical Tip: Fostering a Sense of Belonging in Schools One practical implementation tip is to actively seek student input. Create forums or platforms where students can express their thoughts and ideas about how to make the school more inclusive. This not only empowers them but also brings to light diverse perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked. 🔗 Inclusion: The Path to True Empowerment Inclusion is the path to empowerment. It's about breaking down barriers and building bridges. It's not just about having a diverse group; it's about how we engage, support, and uplift each other within that group. 💬 Join the Conversation I would love to hear your thoughts on this. How does your school or organization move beyond diversity to foster true inclusion? Share your experiences and let's learn from each other. Together, let's create spaces where diversity is not just present, but actively embraced, celebrated, and harnessed for the greater good. #TuesdayTalkswithJody #BelongBelieveBegin #InclusionMatters #EducationInclusion #LeadershipInDiversity #InclusiveSpaces