The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce's monthly diversity, equity, and inclusion newsletter provides updates, programming, resources, and professional development opportunities to empower the business community to contribute to an equitable and inclusive region.
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The LRCC DEI Series is powered by: |
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MSUFCU: Our Voices, Our Stories Series
Written by Cecilia Sandoval
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Throughout the Our Voices, Our Stories Series, employees from MSU Federal Credit Union will be sharing their personal and professional experiences, highlighting their impact to the Credit Union’s collective diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) work. We are thrilled to welcome Cecilia Sandoval as this month’s guest writer.
I was born and raised here in Lansing, MI. Both of my parents are from Texas; however, my mother was raised in Grand Ledge. She faced some challenges as a student and was even punished for not speaking English in school. Because of this, when my siblings and I were young, she made the decision not to teach us Spanish so that we wouldn't have a similar experience.
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Growing up I always felt it wasn't fair that I didn't know Spanish. Kids who spoke it would tell me I wasn't a real Mexican, and it made me feel less than. I've always been proud of my heritage, but I didn't realize that what I was experiencing was microaggressions until I took my first DEIB course at MSUFCU.
The Credit Union helped me realize that what I was experiencing was not okay and provided me with the knowledge to speak out against microaggressions. I also talk about microaggressions with my daughter. I appreciate the Credit Union for offering learning opportunities and trainings that allow me to be my true self. I feel blessed that I can pass on this knowledge to my daughter, in the hope that she can also educate those around her..
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Important April Observations & Celebrations |
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Month-Long Observances
- Arab American Heritage Month
- Autism Awareness Month
- Celebrate Diversity Month
- Earth Month
- National Child Abuse Prevention Month
- National Volunteer Month
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Important DE&I Calendar Dates |
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- April 6 – Laylat al-Qadr (Muslim)
- April 7 – World Health Day
- April 9 – Eid-al-Fitr/End of Ramadan (Muslim)
- April 12 – National Day of Silence (LGBTQ+)
- April 13 – Vaisakhi
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- April 19 – Start of Ridvan (Baha’i)
- April 22 – Passover begins (Jewish)
- April 22 – Earth Day
- April 24 – Administrative Professionals Day
- April 28 –World Day for Safety and Health at Work
- April 30 – Passover ends
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Important May Observations & Celebrations |
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Month-Long Observances
- Older Americans Month
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Mental Health Awareness Month
- Haitian Heritage Month
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Important DE&I Calendar Dates |
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- May 1 – Beltane
- May 2 – National Day of Prayer
- May 3 – Asian-American Women’s Equal Pay Day
- May 3 – Feasts of St. Phillip & James
- May 5 – Cinco de Mayo
- May 9 – Ascension Day
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- May 17 – International Day Against Homophobia
- May 17 – Malcolm X Day
- May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity
- May 23 – Buddha Day
- May 27 – Memorial Day
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Upcoming Events & Programs |
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May DEI Series: Leading Through Compassion
What makes a great leader? How do they inspire people to follow them? Leadership comes in many different forms but the most effective ones come from a place of compassion.
The May Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Series will welcome Dean Jong, MM, the owner and founder of Greater Lansing Open Soccer, Lansing’s largest and most diverse adult recreational soccer leagues.
Jong will dive into the nuances of leadership, namely the importance of listening, setting/respecting boundaries, and how to always come from a place of integrity.
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Date & Time: Thursday, May 2, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, 500 E. Michigan Avenue, Suite 200
Cost: The program is offered at no cost for LRCC members and $25 for future LRCC members.
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August DEI Series: Fostering an Inclusive Workplace for Neurodivergent Professionals
Is your organization fully embracing the unique skills and experiences of your neurodivergent professionals? While ethnicity, gender, disability status, and sexual orientation, to mention a few, are commonly considered in inclusion and equity work, neurodiversity is often overlooked and undervalued.
Join MSUFCU’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Manager, Taylor Moberg (she/her), for an enlightening session where we will delve into proactive strategies aimed at fostering an inclusive work environment for neurodiversity.
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Date & Time: Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, 500 E. Michigan Avenue, Suite 200
Cost: The program is offered at no cost for LRCC members and $25 for future LRCC members.
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ATHENA WIN: Create a Spring Floral Arrangement
Come join Girls' Night Out to connect while creating your very own spring wreath with help from The Plant Professionals! This casual event offers the perfect opportunity to forge meaningful connections while crafting a beautiful decoration for your home or office. Guided by skilled instructors, unleash your artistic flair and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere filled with conversation. Don't miss this chance to expand your professional network and add a personal touch to your space. All flower arrangement items will be included with your registration fee. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
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Date & Time: Wednesday, May 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: The Plant Professionals, 16886 Turner Road, Lansing
Cost: Tickets are $65 for ATHENA WIN members and $75 for future ATHENA WIN members.
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March DEI Series Explores Bias in the Hiring Process |
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During the March DEI series, participants gained valuable insights about the importance of inclusive hiring practices and the different forms of bias that can influence recruitment and hiring decisions.
This event featured Tina Alonzo, VP of Belonging at Peckham, Inc. who shared useful strategies and procedures that can reduce bias in the hiring process and ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all candidates. The program takeaways include:
- Gain an understanding of the different types of bias that may impact hiring decisions
- Acquire practical procedures and best practices to mitigate bias in recruitment and hiring
- Learn actionable strategies to create equitable and inclusive hiring processes that yield positive results
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March Lansing Economic Club Celebrates Women's History Month |
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This March, the Lansing Economic Club commemorated Women’s History Month by featuring a panel of distinguished women leaders from the Greater Lansing community. During the event, the panel shared their leadership journeys, key elements of effective leadership, and the importance of mentoring others to develop future leaders.
The panel included Margaret Dimond, regional president of University of Michigan Health; Lisa Webb Sharpe, chief operating officer of Peckham, Inc. and Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority. Jessica Tramontana, community affairs manager of Consumers Energy moderated the discussion
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Playmakers: Creating a More Inclusive & Innovative Community
Check out these points of pride from Playmakers for insights into how this local business is fostering diversity, equity and inclusion.
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Member Spotlight: Share Your Success Story! |
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Are you a Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce member with a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)? We want to showcase your business and share your best practices in our upcoming DEI newsletters!
Why Participate:
- Elevate your company's profile
- Inspire others with your DEI journey
- Contribute to a more inclusive business community
How to Participate:
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Reach out to our Chamber Talent Development Manager Sarah Bakken at sbakken@lansingchamber.org to express your interest.
- Our team will schedule a brief interview to learn about your DEI initiatives.
- Share your success story, strategies, and tips for fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Let's celebrate your commitment to DEI and inspire others toward a more inclusive business environment!
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Visit the LRCC DEI website for the latest news, important updates and resources.
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