As we strive to find silver linings in the struggles the world has faced these past 2 years, we cannot help but consider how quickly time will pass us by if we continue to have good intentions, with no action. Action. Our mantra for 2022.

This quarter at Net at Work, we:

• Celebrated Black History Month and launched the first ever Black Business Patron Challenge (BBPC). This challenge gave us all an opportunity to take local, direct action and truly spend our dollars with intention. Patty Henrickson and Briana Wingfield won our live raffle drawing for The Black Business Patronage Challenge. Congratulations! Each won a donation to a Black founded or focused charity of their choice in the amount of $250 and $175, respectively.
• Continued our speaker series, this quarter’s topic – A Stronger Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), our speaker Cheryl Rosario, focused on the Actions small to fortune five hundred businesses, are taking to show their commitment to and be change agents for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Women at Work presented a workshop on Work/Life Balance with featured speaker, Nancy Droesch
• In commemoration of the Holocaust Remembrance Day, we had a survivor, Robert Lindenblatt, share his memories, and urge us to remember Names not numbers
• Women at Work celebrated Go Red Day with a fundraiser and a special presentation by our COO, Gayle Heskiel, on cardiovascular disease and the unique warning signs/symptoms for women.
• Women at Work kicked off another round of applications for its phenomenally successful Mentoring Program

Looking ahead we maintain an even stronger commitment to DEI and have already begun the process of cultivating changes and programs that will benefit all of us, thanks to your survey responses. Last month, we joined in celebrating Woman’s History Month, celebrating the struggle, achievement, and impact of women in our society. Stay tuned.

As we become much more aware of injustices of various kinds whether based on race, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or religion. Often there are those little verbal, nonverbal insults (intentional or unintentional) that go unaddressed. Should you let that comment slide, or address It head on? Our featured article in the NY Times tackles How to Respond to Microaggressions. (NY Times subscription required)

The D&I Committee continues to strive to highlight the voices of our diverse workforce. We recognize the valuable role everyone plays in helping to create a more inclusive workplace, community, and world. Inclusion starts with “I…” what will your Action be?

Have questions? Email the committee.

Learn about Diversity and Inclusion at Net at Work