Voices of Empowerment

Success for everyone: Get inspired by the achievements of everyday underrepresented Americans and find your own path to success.

From An Immigrant on The Back of A Truck to the COO

Partnering with Community for Better Business

Patty Castro immigrated to the United States at the age of 14 in the back of a truck. By the next day, she was working as a cleaner, illustrating the resilience and determination that would define her career. Today, she serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of El Vecino, a rapidly growing retail finance outlet known for its commitment to equity in the Latinx community. El Vecino's unique blend of financial and telecommunications services has not only achieved rapid profitability but is also set to expand nationally. Castro's leadership and cultural insight have been instrumental in shaping the company's customer-centric, trust-based culture. Her story offers valuable lessons on the importance of understanding and serving underserved markets, providing a powerful example of how businesses can thrive by authentically connecting with their communities.

1. Read more from Billy Yost at Hispanic Executive.

2. Read the Perspectives on Leadership business case analysis of El Vecino on LinkedIn.

DEI Insights Corner

Discover the latest in DEI innovations and strategies. Every historically underrepresented worker and ally should know best practices and emerging trends for inclusive workplaces.

Understanding the Roots of Resistance to DEI

Dr. Kimberle Crenshaw, renowned lawyer, teacher, scholar, and activist held her annual CRT summer school. This CRT Summer School discussion highlights the ongoing struggle against systemic inequities, emphasizing the connected struggle for CRT, DEI, and LGBTQ+ rights. The panelists detailed how opposition to DEI started with attempts to erase Critical Race Theory and intersectionality and mirrors past resistance to social progress. Historically underrepresented professionals should engage with this material to gain a deeper understanding of the socio-political forces that shape their professional environments and to build effective strategies for advocating equity and inclusion in their workplaces.

For an overview of the events, read more from Shannon Dawson on Black America Web.

DEI Insights Roundup

• DEI is Proving Essential for the Future of Business: As the debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) continues, research consistently shows the business benefits of inclusive practices. While some companies, like John Deere, have distanced themselves from DEI, others, such as JPMorgan Chase, remain steadfast in their commitment. Studies reveal that diverse leadership teams lead to higher financial returns and improved employee engagement. Why you should read this: For companies serious about future growth, investing in DEI is not just a moral choice but a strategic business decision. Embracing DEI helps attract a diverse workforce and enhances consumer trust, making it a crucial component of modern business strategy. Read more from Sheryl Estrada at Fortune.

• Navigating DEI Resistance: Strategies for an Inclusive Future: McLean & Company's latest resource guides HR and DEI leaders in addressing resistance and misconceptions around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The report emphasizes the need for empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to learning as key approaches to overcoming challenges in the DEI space. It identifies six common forms of DEI resistance, such as the meritocracy myth and zero-sum mindset, and offers practical strategies for leaders to tackle these issues. Why you should read this: This essential guide provides actionable insights for embedding DEI into organizational culture and aligning these efforts with core values, making it a must-read for HR and DEI leaders but also an important advocacy tool for historically underrepresented workers of any discipline. Read more on PR Newswire from McLean & Company.

• Reimagining 911: The Rise of Alternative Response Teams: Cities across the U.S. are adopting alternative response teams for 911 calls, replacing police with social workers, mental health professionals, and peer support specialists in nonviolent, nonurgent situations. Programs like Eugene, Oregon's CAHOOTS have shown that these teams can reduce costs and improve community safety by providing health-centered responses and connecting individuals with essential services. Why you should read this: For historically underrepresented workers, this model encourages critical thinking about workplace safety. For example, should universities, in times of protest or crisis, militarize their security staff or employ trained social workers and negotiators? This article explores how cities are shifting towards compassionate and effective public safety strategies, offering a blueprint for other institutions to consider. Read more from Kaitlyn Levinson at Route Fifty.

Policy Spotlight

Stay updated on key policy changes and legislation affecting your workplace rights and opportunities.

Biden Administration Begins Payments to Discriminated Farmers

The Biden administration has started distributing $2 billion to farmers who faced discrimination in accessing federal loans or debt relief. This program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, aims to rectify decades of inequity in federal agriculture policies, with Black farmers receiving a significant portion of the funds. Why you should read this: This initiative marks a critical step towards addressing historical injustices in the agricultural sector and highlights the importance of government accountability in creating a fairer system for all. It serves as a crucial example of how policy can work to correct systemic inequities.

Read more from Alan Rappeport at The New York Times.

One More Policy Spotlight

• The Long Fight for Justice for Filipino WWII Veterans:  Do you know about the Recission Act of 1946 that annulled the benefits promised to Filipino World War II veterans? We didn’t either. This article is an important and fascinating read that highlights the Filipino community’s 78+ year fight with the federal government for systemic justice and equity. Despite serving valiantly under U.S. command, over 250,000 Filipino veterans were denied their rightful benefits, a battle that continues to this day. This story is important for all historically underrepresented workers fighting systemic racism, but it is especially relevant to those interested in veteran affairs, nonprofit fundraising, and community building toward policy change. The article underscores the resilience and advocacy of the Filipino veterans and their families, emphasizing the ongoing need for legislative change and public support. Read more from Briana Lim at AsAmNews.

Policy Spotlight Closer

Engaging Latine Voters through Culturally Relevant Storytelling

Although the Latine community is the fastest growing part of the American electorate, only 22% of newly eligible Latine votes are projected to vote this fall. Discover how Poder NC is working to increase turnout among young Latine voters in North Carolina. By weaving relatable narratives and cultural references, the campaign not only aims to boost new voter participation but also empowers individuals to see the impact of their vote. When you read this article, consider it a lesson in authentic marketing, offering a blueprint for reaching historically underrepresented audiences.

Read more from Michelle González at Luz Media.

Cultural Highlights

Celebrate diverse voices and cultural contributions in art, literature, music, and media and be a multicultural smarty pants. 😊

Celebrating 50 Years of the Rubik's Cube and it’s More Than Just a Puzzle

TThe Rubik's Cube, created 50 years ago by Hungarian inventor Ernő Rubik, has captivated millions worldwide, selling over 500 million units. This iconic 3D puzzle is not just a toy; it’s a cultural phenomenon and a tool for learning. Roman Chavez, a mathematics student at Cornell University, shares how his passion for the cube led him to found the Jr. Oakland Cubers and explore deeper mathematical concepts. Why you should read this: Discover how the Rubik's Cube has inspired countless young historically underrepresented math and science nerds to engage deeply with math and problem-solving, illustrating the puzzle's enduring cultural impact and educational value.

Read more from Emily Kwong, Hannah Chinn, and Rebecca Ramirez at NPR.

Cultural Highlights Roundup

• What Happens after the Olympics?: The Olympics showcase incredible talent and celebrate global culture, but it's important to remember that only a small fraction of Olympians achieve financial success. For example, Veronica Fraley struggled to pay her rent until Flavor Flav and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian stepped in to help. Meanwhile, Matthew Mitcham, the first openly gay Olympic gold medalist, uses a non-graphic OnlyFans to supplement his income. As Mitcham aptly puts it, “The harsh truth of sport is that a small percentage of athletes make it big.” If you’re a big sports fan and an entrepreneur, it might be worth considering business ideas in this space. Check out Matthew Mitcham’s creative and entrepreneurial approach on Them in a story by James Factora.

• The beloved series Wynonna Earp, known for its strong female leads and queer love storylines, is returning with a 90-minute special titled Wynonna Earp: Vengeance on Tubi. The show, which was canceled by Syfy in 2021, has been revived thanks to the unwavering support of its passionate fanbase. Through campaigns like #FightForWynonna, fans demonstrated the power of community activism in media, ensuring the show's return. Why you should read this: This story highlights the impact of dedicated fandoms and the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in media, making it a must-read for those interested in cultural phenomena and the power of collective action. Read more from Dana Piccoli at News is Out.

• From Porta Potty Mishap to Olympic Glory: Kendall Ellis's Triumphant Return: Kendall Ellis, an American 400-meter champion, turned a humorous yet stressful situation into a golden opportunity. After getting stuck in a porta potty at the U.S. track trials, Ellis not only qualified for the Olympics with personal-best times but also secured a sponsorship deal with Charmin. Why you should read this: This story captures the lighter side of sports and highlights Ellis's resilience and quick thinking. It's a testament to how unexpected moments can lead to significant opportunities, showcasing the power of perseverance and adaptability. Read more from Eddie Pells via The Associated Press and The Grio.

Media Spotlight: Voices from the Diverse Press

This section includes the stories you need to know. Industry news presented by press organizations owned and run by historically underrepresented peoples.

The New York Times and GLAAD: A Clash Over Trans Coverage leads to Petty Financial Investigation Piece

The New York Times is often regarded as the paper of record in mainstream journalism, but the question arises: for whom are they keeping record? When reporting on the Trans community, the paper has been accused of "both-sides extremism," giving a platform to Transphobic perspectives under the guise of impartiality. Now, the "paper of record" is targeting the CEO of GLAAD, an LGBTQ+ organization that has openly criticized The New York Times’ coverage of Trans issues. The scrutiny of GLAAD's financial practices seems particularly pointed, especially given the lack of equivalent focus on Fortune 500 CEOs. A more interesting and higher priority analysis would be to analyze the compensation of specific Fortune 500 CEOs who on average make 200-to-1 the salary of their median employees. This disparity highlights a potential double standard and raises concerns about the moral direction of the Times. Why you should read this: This article provides a critical lesson in business media literacy, fairly discussing the accusations from The Times but also highlighting the particularities of the treatment of historically underrepresented organizations and individuals by a powerful media organization.

Read more from Christopher Wiggins at The Advocate.