Weekly Analysis: What You Need to Know

Your essential guide to navigating today's complex landscape, offering insights on news and trends that impact underrepresented workers' careers and communities.

Latinx Music: A Major Growth Engine in the U.S. Music Market

Latinx music continues to lead the charge in the U.S. music industry, generating $685.5 million in revenue in the first half of 2024, up 7.3% from the previous year. This booming sector now represents nearly 8% of total U.S. recorded music revenue, making it one of the largest drivers of growth in today’s market. With both physical and digital formats contributing to the rise, Latinx music is on track to set new annual records. For business leaders, this sustained momentum shows the economic power of culturally diverse music and the opportunities it presents.

 Read more from Redacción at El Tiempo Latino.

One More Analysis

• Financial Firm Facet Secures $35 Million to Expand Accessible Financial Services: Facet, a financial advisory firm that has pioneered a subscription-based model, recently raised $35 million to expand its tech-driven platform. With over 14,000 households already benefiting from their certified financial planners, the company aims to make financial advice more accessible to individuals traditionally overlooked by financial institutions. This latest funding round will be used to enhance technology and broaden services, continuing to innovate in an industry that often leaves many underserved. Read more from Finextra.

Actionable Resources

Empower your life and career with targeted strategies and tools to overcome systemic barriers and achieve your career and personal goals.

New Federal Tool Offers 700+ Workplace Accommodations and Best Practices

 Whether you are a senior manager or line employee, have you thought about how your colleagues with disabilities experience your shared workspace? The U.S. Department of Labor has introduced the “Situations and Solutions Finder,” an online tool showcasing over 700 real-world examples of workplace accommodations. This resource allows users to filter by disability, limitation, and occupation, providing practical insights for employers and employees alike. As Assistant Secretary Taryn M. Williams said, “Accommodations are about maximizing productivity for workers with disabilities.” For employers looking to fulfill their ADA obligations and possibly go above and beyond, this tool offers actionable strategies to create inclusive and accessible workplaces.

 Check out this tool and learn more from Michelle Diament at Disability Scoop.

Resource Roundup

• ICA’s Mission—Empowering Marginalized Communities through Healthcare: At the annual event of Indians for Collective Action (ICA), speakers emphasized the importance of addressing healthcare needs in underserved communities both in India and the U.S. With a $10 million fund announcement and panels on mental health and AI, ICA continues to make strides in providing humanitarian aid. If you are part of the Indian American community, consider following ICA’s work and attending next year’s event to learn how you can support this vital cause. Read more from India Currents.

• Unlocking Economic Mobility—Cambridge, MA’s New Hub Offers Opportunities: The Rindge Commons Economic Mobility Hub is a $37 million project launched with a powerful mission to connect underrepresented residents with life-changing opportunities like job training, affordable housing, and childcare services. As Rep. Ayanna Pressley put it, “The Rindge Commons Economic Mobility Hub will not only provide housing, it will also integrate vital services that support residents in achieving their goals.” For those looking to gain skills and stability, this Hub is a game-changer. If you’re interested in implementing similar initiatives or getting involved in your community, read more from Mackenzie L. Boucher and Neena D. Tarafdar at The Crimson.

• Trans Youth Fighting for Gender-Affirming Care Healthcare in the Face of Bans: With gender-affirming care bans affecting trans youth in 27 states, the Trans Youth Emergency Project is stepping up to help families navigate these barriers. The program has provided over $600,000 in grants to support out-of-state travel for care, covering costs like airfare, hotels, and more. As families face financial strain traveling hundreds of miles to find care, this project offers a vital lifeline. If you’re looking for ways to support trans youth, this program shows how mutual aid and direct resources can make an immediate impact. Read more from Emma Chinn at Them.

• How Gen Z Latinos Are Rewriting the Rules of Financial Health: Gen Z Latinos are proving they’re financially savvy, despite rising living costs and limited income. According to Bank of America’s 2024 Gen Z Report, they are nearly twice as likely as their peers to set up budgets and reprioritize their finances. By using popular strategies like the 50-30-20 rule and digital tools to track spending, this generation is mastering financial skills like building credit and saving for long-term goals. Gen Z Latinos are building habits for financial success that will pay off for generations to come. Read more from Yamily Habib at Fierce by Mitú.

DEI Insight 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.

Black and Latina Women Lead a New Era in Union Growth

In a shift that challenges the typical union image of a white guy in a hard hat, Black and Latina women are leading the way in revitalizing labor organizations across the U.S. Despite decades of declining union membership, Black and Latina women are the highest growing segments, with their membership rates rising in 2023. These women are not only increasing union participation but also transforming how unions work, pushing for inclusive policies like parental leave, healthcare, and protections against sexual harassment. Their leadership reflects the diverse, intersectional needs of today’s workforce.

 Read more from Claire Savage at AP News.

DEI Insights Roundup

• Supporting LGBTQ+ Employees—Manchester Pride’s 'Coming Out at Work' Guide: To mark National Coming Out Day, Manchester Pride released its "Coming Out at Work" guide, designed to help leaders, managers, and HR professionals create more inclusive workplaces for LGBTQ+ employees. The guide offers proactive measures, legal advice, and case studies that highlight how being out at work can boost job satisfaction and loyalty. For any organization committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, this resource is a powerful tool to help LGBTQ+ employees thrive and as LGBTQ+ employees, so will your team and organization. Read more from Erik Niewiarowski at PinkNews.

• Addressing Ageism in Healthcare, Media, and the Workforce—How we Make Progress: Ageism Awareness Day was October 9^th. Research shows that ageism affects older adults in healthcare, media, and the workforce, with devastating economic and social impacts. 80% of workers over 55 report experiencing age discrimination, costing the U.S. $850 billion in lost productivity. Despite progress in language and representation, there's much more to be done. The American Society on Aging's initiatives, alongside nonprofits like Changing the Narrative, are pushing for systemic changes to ensure older adults receive proper accommodations and treatment. Read more from Helen Dennis at Daily Breeze.

• Unlocking Cybersecurity Potential With Help from Neurodiverse Community: As we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, leaders in the field are rethinking how they approach talent. Neurodiverse individuals bring unique problem-solving abilities, like hyper-focus and pattern detection, that are critical in cybersecurity but untapped by Cybersecurity executives. Despite high unemployment rates, companies embracing neurodiverse employees report a 90% boost in retention and 30% higher productivity. Leaders are encouraged to expand their DEI strategies to include neurodiversity, creating environments where these talented individuals can thrive, contributing to a more secure and innovative future. Read more from Cass Cooper at CRN.

Voices of Empowerment

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

Zoe Oli—The 12-Year-Old Business Savant Inspiring Young Girls of Color

@beautifulcurlyme

My why🩷 #beautifulcurlyme #representationmatters #girlboss #blackdolls #kidpreneur #youthpreneur #youthmeanbusiness #girlsrock #blackowne... See more

At just 12 years old, Zoe Oli turned her struggle with self-esteem into a thriving business, Beautiful Curly Me, a brand that promotes self-love by creating dolls with natural hair for young girls of color. With her mother’s support, Zoe balances running a six-figure business while excelling in school. Her nonprofit, Youth Mean Business, offers mentorship to young entrepreneurs, proving Zoe’s passion for empowering the next generation.

 Read more from Angela Johnson at The Root.

Empowerment Roundup

• Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth—Maryse Pearce’s Journey and Mission: Maryse Pearce, Program Director at Stonewall Community Foundation, recently shared her difficulty coming out. Pearce faced down internalized queerphobia to live her true self and this shaped her life and career. Now a leader in the nonprofit world, Pearce works to support LGBTQ+ youth by connecting organizations with essential resources like funding and scholarships. Stonewall’s grants and programs, such as the $10,000 grant to Oklahomans for Equality, help youth organizations create safe, inclusive spaces. If you work with LGBTQ+ youth, explore the available grants to support your community's needs. Read more from Keighton at Out.

• Meet the Fitness Leaders Shaping the Future—Strength in Diversity Class of 2024: The Strength in Diversity Class of 2024, presented by Men’s Health and Women’s Health, introduces 10 fitness trainers from marginalized communities who are breaking barriers and empowering others. These up-and-coming fitness professionals will receive mentorship and advanced certifications, helping them build inclusive fitness spaces where everyone can thrive. Their stories of resilience and dedication are inspiring a new generation to redefine what it means to be fit and healthy. Keep an eye on these future leaders as they transform the fitness industry! And if you’re looking for a trainer, Read more at Men’s Health at Women’s Health, before you pick.

• Indian American Teens Recognized as 'Girls Leading Change' for Community Impact: Four Indian American teens have been honored by the White House for their remarkable leadership and innovation as part of the 2024 “Girls Leading Change” initiative. These young leaders, including Sreenidi Bala, who developed adaptive STEM education for neurodivergent students, and Pragathi Kasani-Akula, who created a low-cost breast cancer detection tool, are making waves in their communities. First Lady Jill Biden praised their efforts, emphasizing the power of youth leadership to drive meaningful change. Read more from India-West.

Cultural Highlights

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

Filipino Voices Shine at Chicago Theatre Festival

The Chicago Filipino American Theatre Festival debuts with over 30 plays, showcasing the rich, complex stories of the Filipino diaspora. From immigration and healthcare struggles to queer identity and generational trauma, this festival celebrates Filipino culture and history. Coinciding with Filipino American History Month, the event fosters a sense of belonging and community through powerful performances by established and emerging playwrights. Don’t miss this vibrant cultural celebration that elevates underrepresented voices in the arts. Plays will be held Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 11-26 at PrideArts and Rizal Center.

 Read more from Eunice Alpasan at WTTW.

Culture Roundup

• EatOkra’s First Culinary Creatives Conference Celebrates Black Cuisine: EatOkra’s inaugural Culinary Creatives Conference (3C), held on October 13, celebrated Black cuisine and culture in a big way. With over 75 vendors and more than 1,200 attendees, the event featured live culinary demonstrations, libation tastings, and educational talks aimed at empowering Black food entrepreneurs. The event was a powerful display of Black culinary talent, and CEO Anthony Edwards hopes it left everyone feeling inspired. Black cuisine is big business, so we’ll be on the lookout for next year’s conference—an opportunity to support Black businesses and eat well! Read more from Leah Mallory at Amsterdam News.

• Crystal City Unites—Japanese and Mexican Americans Open Historic WWII Exhibit: In a groundbreaking collaboration, Japanese and Mexican American communities have opened the first-ever permanent exhibit in Crystal City, Texas, focusing on the WWII internment of Japanese and Latin American families. The exhibit, "America's Last WWII Concentration Camp," is part of the My Story Museum and highlights the shared struggles of these communities. The opening comes after years of partnership between local leaders, ensuring that their powerful histories are preserved. Be sure to visit next year and immerse yourself in this important piece of history. Read more on Rafu Shimpo.

Policy Spotlight

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

New Federal Rules Boost Tribal Businesses and Clean Energy Initiatives

New rules from the U.S. Treasury and IRS ensure that tribally chartered businesses share the same tax-exempt status as tribal governments, supporting tribal self-determination and economic growth. These changes eliminate decades of confusion and open doors for tribal businesses to access clean energy tax credits, attracting private investment. Tribal leaders are celebrating this as a pivotal moment, with Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, noting that "economic opportunity flows from tax certainty."

 Read more from Chez Oxendine on Native News Online.

Policy Roundup

• Minnesota’s Largest Muslim Cemetery Triumphs Over Political and Physical Barriers: After a decade of legal battles, vandalism, and local opposition, the Al Maghfirah Cemetery has finally broken ground in Minnesota. This landmark project, the largest Muslim cemetery in the state, faced immense political and physical hostility, with zoning denials and vandalism causing over $200,000 in damages. Yet, through collective resilience, Minnesota’s Muslim American community secured its right to build a sacred burial ground for future generations. This story is a lesson in sustained political and community action to achieve communal needs. Read more from Katelyn Vue at Sahan Journal.

• Legal Battle Against SpaceX Highlights Environmental Justice: SpaceX’s & Elon Musk’s ambitions to reach Mars are clashing with environmental concerns here on Earth. The company’s repeated violations of the Clean Water Act at its Texas launch site have led to legal challenges from environmental groups and local communities. Indigenous groups, such as the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe, are playing a key role in these lawsuits, emphasizing the need for environmental justice and the protection of sacred lands. This fight serves as a powerful example of how crony capitalism harms us all and how historically underrepresented communities take most of the impact of this corruption. Read more from Geoff Brumfiel at NPR.