September 2024 Edition

Our Voices, Our Stories Series

By: Rose Johnson

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 Rose Johnson as this month’s guest writer.

My first immersive cultural experience occurred during my teenage years when my family moved to Guatemala, sparking my passion for advocating for the voiceless. Since then, I’ve worked with nonprofits focused on building bridges within marginalized communities, which led me to MSUFCU in 2021.

I joined the Credit Union in a bilingual role to provide our Spanish-speaking members with the same superior service and account security all our other members receive. I was immediately impressed by MSUFCU’s dedication to cultivating a diverse and equitable work environment. The Credit Union excels in this area, making significant strides in bridging gaps for employees, members, and the community.

In recent years, MSUFCU has achieved notable milestones, including earning the Juntos Avanzamos designation for its commitment to serving and empowering Hispanic community. We now provide interpretation services in over 170 languages and support members with hearing or speech impairments through Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS).

Additionally, MSUFCU has established Affinity Groups—employee networks based on shared characteristics or interests. I am a member of several of these groups and served as the founding treasurer for the CU Veterans group. I am honored to currently serve as a member of the DEIB Council, working to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout the Credit Union. Being part of an organization that prioritizes DEIB has been a wonderful experience, and I look forward to seeing how we will continue to empower each other and our community through our current and future projects.

Important September Observations & Celebrations

Month-Long Observances

• Hispanic Heritage Month
• National Guide Dog Month
• Suicide Prevention Month

Important DE&I Calendar Dates

• September 5 – International Day of Charity
• September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day
• September 10 – Grandparents’ Day
• September 11 – Patriot Day (U.S.A.)
• September 15 – International Day of Democracy
• September 16 – Mexican Independence Day
• September 18 – International Equal Pay Day

• September 21 – International Day of Peace
• September 21 – World Gratitude Day
• September 22 – American Business Women’s Day
• September 26 – HR Appreciation Day
• September 27 – National Native American Day
• September 30 – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Canada)

Important October Observations & Celebrations

Month-Long Observances

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Bullying Prevention Month
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month
• Filipino-American Heritage Month
• German-American Heritage Month
• Italian-American Heritage Month
• LGBTQ History Month
• National Work and Family Month
• Polish-American Heritage Month
• Family History Month

Important October DE&I Calendar Dates

• October 2 – International Day of Nonviolence
• October 2 – Rosh Hashanah begins (Jewish)
• October 3 – Navrati begins (Hindu)
• October 10 – World Mental Health Day
•  October 11 – National Coming Out Day (LGBTQ+)
• October 11 – Yom Kippur (Jewish)
• October 14 – National Indigenous Peoples' Day (United States)
• October 14 – Thanksgiving Day (Canada)

• October 16 – Sukkot (Jewish)
• October 16 – Bosses’ Day
• October 19 – Spirit Day (LGBTQ+ anti-bullying)
• October 20 – Birth of the Bab (Baha’i)
• October 20 – Sikh Holy Day (birth of Guru Granth)
• October 21 – Waste Reduction Week
• October 22 – International Stuttering Awareness Day
• October 31 – Halloween
• October 31 – Diwali (Hindu)

517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend

Mark your calendars for the annual 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend, happening September 19 to 22 in Downtown Lansing. As part of National Hispanic Heritage Month, this event celebrates the rich heritage and diverse cultures of Michigan’s Hispanic and Latinx communities with a weekend full of fun, education, and entertainment.

Lansing Regional Sister Cities 30th Anniversary - A Celebration of Global Diversity

The Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission is pleased to announce its 30th Anniversary Celebration of Global Diversity during an evening gala on September 14, 2024, at the Lansing Center in Downtown Lansing.

Over the past three decades, Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission’s relationships around the world have served as pillars of friendship, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. Together, Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission has embarked on numerous ventures, exchanged ideas, and celebrated each other’s diverse cultures and traditions. The Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission's 30th Anniversary will be an evening filled with music, dance, delicious cuisine, awards and heartfelt conversations. 

2nd Annual Cafecito Caliente Awards

Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Cafecito Caliente Awards on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Cadillac Room located in Lansing’s REO Town.

The Cafecito Caliente Awards are the Mid-Michigan’s community awards celebrating the Hispanic Latino community. Dinner, entertainment, networking, and an open cash bar will be part of your evening at the Cadillac Room.

In partnership with the Latino Business Conexion of Michigan (LBCM), the Cafecito Awards will honor and inspire the Hispanic Latino community. The combination of both will be on full display as Mid Michigan’s most visible Hispanic Latino organizations bring you a memorable night.

Upcoming Events & Programs

September Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Series: From Bystander to Upstander - When and How to Respond to Incidents of Bias

ATHENA WIN

• When Diversity Meets Feedback
• How AI Can Make Your Workplace More Equitable
• Incorporating DEI into Decision Making
• 7 Ideas To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month And Reduce Cultural Barriers
• Healthy Workplace Conflict Can Help Your Business Grow
• Employer Roadmap: Childcare Solutions for Working Parents