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.
March 2024 Edition
The LRCC DEI Series is powered by:
MSUFCU: Our Voices, Our Stores Series

Written by Jonny Fabro
Throughout the Our Voices, Our Stores 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 Jonny Fabro as this month’s guest writer.

I am a second-generation Filipino American who grew up in Metro Detroit surrounded by a large Filipino community. Since leaving the area to attend MSU, I lost connection to my Filipino identity and have been on a journey of self-discovery.

At MSUFCU, I serve on the DEIB Council and lead the CU ASIA Affinity Group (AG) as President. My council project aims to create and implement activities to drive employee engagement with DEIB activities and learning. As CU ASIA’s President, I work alongside the other board members to plan our quarterly member meetings and events.
I am proud to represent myself and my culture to not only the members of my CU ASIA, but to the entire Credit Union. I enjoy sharing about my experiences and stories with others. I have been using the opportunities provided by the DEIB department and Credit Union to find the part of me that I feel like I have lost. One way I have done this is learning how to cook Filipino dishes just like my parents and my Lola (grandmother) used to make. I have been incorporating these recipes into my family’s meal rotation and my kids have (mostly) enjoyed them!
Important March Observations & Celebrations
Month-Long Observances

  • Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
  • Ethnic Equality Month
  • Gender Equality Month
  • Greek-American Heritage Month
  • Irish-American Heritage Month
  • National Colon Cancer Awareness Month
  • National Kidney Month
  • National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness and Education Month
  • National Women’s History Month
Important DE&I Calendar Dates
  • March 1 – Employee Appreciation Day
  • March 8 – International Women’s Day
  • March 8 – Maha Shivarati (Hindu)
  • March 10 –  Ramadan begins (Islam)
  • March 14 – Pi π Day
  • March 14 – Equal Pay Day
  • March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
  • March 21 – World Down Syndrome Day
  • March 23 – Purim (Jewish)
  • March 25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
  • March 24 – Holi (Hindu)
  • March 24 – Palm Sunday (Christian)
  • March 29– Good Friday (Christian)
  • March 31 – International Transgender Day of Visibility
  • March 31 – Easter (Christian)
Important April Observations & Celebrations
Month-Long Observances

  • Arab-American Heritage Month
  • Autism Awareness Month
  • Celebrate Diversity Month
  • Earth Month
  • National Child Abuse Prevention Month
  • National Volunteer Month
Important DE&I Calendar Dates
  • April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day
  • April 5 – 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 21 – 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
Upcoming Events & Programs
The March Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Series (DEI) will focus on prioritizing diversity and equity in hiring, and feature Tina Alonzo, Vice President of Belonging at Peckham, Inc. Alonzo brings a wealth of expertise in leading and executing comprehensive DEI strategies.

In this session, we will dive into the critical importance of fostering inclusive hiring practices. Participants will gain insights into various forms of bias that can influence recruitment and hiring decisions. Alonzo will share valuable strategies, best practices, and procedures aimed at reducing bias in the hiring process, ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all candidates.

Key Takeaways:

  • Identify Bias: Gain an understanding of the different types of bias that may impact hiring decisions.

  • Mitigate Bias: Acquire practical procedures and best practices to mitigate bias in recruitment and hiring.

  • Implement Strategies: Learn actionable strategies to create equitable and inclusive hiring processes that yield positive results.
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 26, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Location: Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, 500 E. Michigan Avenue, Suite 200, Lansing

Cost: The program is offered at no cost for LRCC members and $25 for future members.
Join us at the Lansing Shuffle from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, for an informal networking gathering. With no set agenda, it's the perfect opportunity to connect both professionally and personally. Don't forget to bring your cash or card to enjoy cocktails and refreshments while mingling. In addition to networking, indulge in the current art exhibit in the reserved Board Room, "Women Empowering Women" by Jennifer Taggart Wilson. Discover the captivating mixed media and fiber portraits by Jennifer Taggart Wilson, a lifelong Michigan resident and former forensic scientist turned full-time artist.
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 13, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Location: Lansing Shuffle, 325 Riverfront Drive, Lansing

Cost: The program is offered at no cost.
Recent Event Highlights
February DEI Series Focused on Cultivating Inclusive Policy Practices
3KIND Perspective, LLC discussed the best policy practices in cultivating an inclusive environment for employees and clients during the February DEI Series.
 
Anjam Chaudhary, Matea Čaluk, and Meaghan Kozar highlighted the importance of updating current policies from an inclusion perspective, fostering a welcoming environment for all in the workplace, ensuring that the policies align with an organization's values, empowering employees' values, and considering feedback and perspectives when implementing and reviewing policies.

Another key takeaway from the session is the importance of fostering collaboration among colleagues to create a positive workplace culture that acknowledges and respects everyone.
Sponsor Spotlight
Happy Women’s History Month from Public Sector Consultants! 
Public Sector Consultants (PSC) is a certified Women-owned Small Business and Women’s Business Enterprise committed to creating a space where all voices are valued and heard. With nearly 45 years of experience solving public policy problems, PSC is a leading consulting firm in Lansing and trusted partner to leaders in government agencies, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, and regulated industries. PSC’s 100 percent women-owned status is a notable example of women's empowerment.
During this commemorative month, PSC's commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices takes on added significance. The firm’s steadfast focus to providing a platform for all perspectives reflects the spirit of Women's History Month and is a north star for PSC’s 60-plus employees when helping clients develop lasting public policy that creates the greatest good.

“In an industry often marked by gender disparities, we’re still at work breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes,” said Rachel Kuntzsch, president of PSC and Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce DEI committee member. “PSC has created a forum for women leaders who work in public policy to come together to build and strengthen connections, share our unique experiences, and celebrate one another’s successes.”

As Women's History Month encourages reflection on the past and inspiration for the future, PSC’s ongoing dedication to improving the quality of life for residents of Michigan and beyond serves as a testament to the enduring impact of women who work toward making our communities feel like home to everyone, without exception.
Other News
Inclusion Starts with "I"
#InclusionStartsWithI is a discussion around the importance of a positive, inclusive work environment. Starring a group of Accenture people, this video demonstrates that bias can appear in both expected and unexpected ways—and that each of us has the power to make a difference.
Member Spotlight: Share Your Success Story!
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:
  • 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!
What We're Reading
Visit the LRCC DEI website for the latest news, important updates and resources.
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