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.

Red Lobster CEO Ends Fan-Favorite Shrimp Deal to Save the Brand

Red Lobster’s new CEO, Damola Adamolekun, is making waves by ending the restaurant’s iconic $20 endless shrimp deal, a decision aimed at cutting costs and reducing operational chaos. With the company facing bankruptcy earlier this year, Adamolekun is implementing strategic changes to improve efficiency, streamline the menu, and upgrade infrastructure. His leadership, as one of the few Black CEOs in the industry, is a testament to bold, forward-thinking business decisions that could revive a beloved brand. If you’re an underrepresented leader, this business case is worth a read. Make sure you follow this story.

 Read more from Phenix S Halley at The Root.

One More Analysis

• French Polynesia’s Push for Decolonization and Justice: French Polynesian President Moetai Brotherson is calling on the United Nations to bring France to the table for long-overdue decolonization talks. With over a decade of silence from France, Brotherson and other indigenous leaders are demanding justice for colonial abuses, including decades of nuclear testing that contaminated lands and harmed public health. Their push for independence is a powerful example of indigenous communities advocating for self-determination and the right to reclaim their history. Read more from Stefan Armbruster at Pacific Island Times.

Policy Spotlight

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

NYPA Boosts Green Jobs and IT Training in Western NY

In a move to drive economic growth and workforce development, the New York Power Authority awarded Air Company a low-cost hydropower allocation to support its new sustainable aviation fuel facility, creating 17 jobs and investing $35 million in the region. Additionally, nonprofit Per Scholas received $830,000 to offer tuition-free IT training, aiming to upskill over 700 individuals from under-resourced communities in Buffalo. These initiatives showcase how public policy is creating pathways to career success for marginalized workers in tech and green energy.

 Read more from Niagara Business.

Policy Roundup

• Tulsa’s Remote Worker Program Successful for City: The Tulsa Remote program is helping to reverse brain drain by paying remote workers $10,000 to move to the city. This innovative initiative has brought 3,300 new residents since its launch, boosting local tax revenue and helping newcomers save an average of $25,000 annually on housing. Beyond financial benefits, Tulsa Remote fosters community connections through events and social gatherings. For families in high-cost cities looking to lower their expenses, programs like this could offer a fresh start and new opportunities. Read more from Emma Goldberg at The New York Times.

• Vanuatu Leads Historic Fight for Climate Justice at International Court: Vanuatu is spearheading a landmark case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to clarify nations’ legal responsibilities in addressing climate change. Supported by Pacific Island nations, this global initiative seeks to hold major polluters accountable and protect vulnerable communities from the devastating effects of climate change. The ICJ advisory opinion, expected in 2025, could set a legal precedent, reshaping global climate policy and ensuring a more just and equitable future. Read more from Pacific Island Times.

• Tribes Paying to Use Their Own Lands: Despite tribal sovereignty, many tribes have to pay the state to lease back land on their own reservations—a stark reminder of the ongoing legacy of colonialism. This article explores how state-owned trust lands, scattered across tribal nations, generate revenue for public institutions while infringing on Indigenous sovereignty. Efforts to return these lands are gaining traction, but complex legal and economic barriers still stand in the way. Read more from Anna V. Smith and Maria Parazo Rose at Route Fifty.

• Trump’s Deportation Plan—A Costly and Horrifying Proposal: Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan is both economically and logistically unfeasible, with an estimated cost of $315 billion, while disrupting key sectors like agriculture and construction. Undocumented immigrants contribute nearly $46.8 billion in federal taxes and $29.3 billion in state and local taxes annually, making their removal a major economic blow. Beyond the financial toll, mass deportation would tear families apart, leaving millions of U.S. citizen children vulnerable to economic instability and homelessness. The article calls for comprehensive immigration reform as a humane and economically sound solution. Read more from Felicia J. Persaud at Amsterdam News. 

• America’s Voice Launches National Campaign to Highlight Immigrant Contributions: Immigration advocates have launched a new national campaign, "Reclamando Nuestra Historia," to counter anti-immigrant rhetoric and showcase the vital contributions immigrants make to the U.S. economy and society. Led by America’s Voice, the initiative calls for immigration reform and highlights the $7 billion that immigrants contribute annually. The campaign includes digital ads and press events across key states, focusing on industries like healthcare, tourism, and STEM where immigrants are essential. Read more from Redacción at El Tiempo Latino.

International Policy

MLG and Sipay Join Forces for GCC’s Largest Fintech Platform

In a groundbreaking move, Emirati conglomerate MLG and Turkish fintech company Sipay have partnered to launch the largest embedded finance and payments platform in the GCC region. This initiative will support digital transformation projects, including Egypt’s National Payment Gateway, while boosting financial accessibility for businesses. Backed by the Abu Dhabi Investment Wealth Fund, the partnership is set to improve trade relations, modernize banking services, and foster financial inclusion, particularly for SMEs across the region. It signals a major leap in regional fintech innovation.

 Read more on FinXtra.

Voices of Empowerment

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

Siete Foods’ Billion-Dollar Win: Why We Should Celebrate

PepsiCo’s $1.2 billion acquisition of Siete Foods, founded by Latina entrepreneur Veronica Garza, has sparked mixed reactions, with some accusing the company of “selling out.” However, this deal marks a massive win for Latinx entrepreneurs, showing how acquisitions can create generational wealth and elevate culturally relevant products to a global stage. Instead of critiquing growth, A. Dunning at We Are Mitú argues we should support this acquisition as a pathway to wealth building for the Latinx community.

 Read more from A. Dunning at We Are Mitú.

Empowerment Roundup

• Building Dignity—Worker’s Fight Against Exploitation: After a devastating fall left construction worker José Alfredo Gómez with broken elbows, his employer refused to cover his medical bills, taking advantage of his status as an non-union independent contractor. Thanks to support from CTUL’s “Building Dignity and Respect” program, Gómez’s medical expenses were finally paid, and he now advocates for fair labor practices. The program enforces critical protections for non-union workers, ensuring fair wages and workplace safety in the construction industry. This initiative empowers workers like Gómez and holds contractors accountable for abuses. Read more from Alfonzo Galvan at Sahan Journal.

• Latina Entrepreneurs Leading with Empowerment and Cultural Pride: These Latina business owners are breaking barriers and building strong communities through their innovative ventures. Ana Flores, founder of #WeAllGrow Latina, offers resources and networking to help Latina entrepreneurs thrive, while Patty Delgado’s Hija De Tu Madre celebrates Latinx culture in fashion. From Sandra Velasquez’s luxurious, Mexican heritage-based beauty brand Nopalera to Julissa Prado’s Rizos Curls, these women are proving the power of cultural pride in business. Read more from DiversityComm.

Cultural Highlights

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

Sunisa Lee Flips from Gymnastics to Fashion

Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee is making waves far beyond the gymnastics mat as she steps into the world of fashion. After a dazzling performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Lee debuted at New York Fashion Week, bringing her unique blend of strength, creativity, and grace to the runway. Using fashion as a form of self-expression, Lee is redefining herself, moving from sports to style while continuing to champion mental health and resilience. The transition from Olympic medalist to sustainable careers is notably difficult. Check out this article to support Sunisa’s new journey.

 Read more from Paris Huynh at AsAmNews.

Culture Roundup

• Must-Watch Black Indie Films That Celebrate Culture and Creativity: From the groundbreaking Moonlight to the powerful short Building Bridges, Black indie films are shining a spotlight on untold stories and cultural moments that deserve recognition. These films, made by visionary creators like Barry Jenkins and Numa Perrier, explore themes of identity, resilience, and community. With personal funding and grassroots efforts, Black filmmakers are redefining the industry and offering a fresh perspective on the Black experience. Read more from Precious Gibson at Blavity.

• Granny Lee—South African Trans Icon's Journey to the Big Screen: The biopic Granny Lee, set to start filming in 2025, brings the legendary South African trans figure Granny Lee to the spotlight. Known for her bold presence in Johannesburg’s queer nightlife scene during the 1980s, Granny Lee defied Apartheid’s oppressive regime with her courage and vibrant style. The film, executive produced by Alexandra Billings and starring Soli Philander, captures her role as a trailblazer in South Africa’s LGBTQ+ history. It’s a celebration of resilience and visibility, bridging trans history and pop culture. Read more from Quispe López at Them.

• Disney Breaks Barriers with Actress with Cerebral Palsy in New Film: Disney’s upcoming film Out of My Mind features Phoebe-Rae Taylor, an actress with cerebral palsy, in a groundbreaking lead role. The movie tells the story of Melody Brooks, a nonverbal sixth grader who uses a wheelchair and is pursuing inclusive education. Directed by Amber Sealey, the project is celebrated for its authentic representation of disability, with a diverse cast of actors with disabilities. This film challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusivity in Hollywood. Read more from Shaun Heasley at Disability Scoop.

Cultural Highlights

Explore events and networks that empower underrepresented professionals with support and crucial career-advancing opportunities.

South Asian Voters Rally Behind Kamala Harris in Key Battleground States

A new poll shows South Asian voters in battleground states overwhelmingly support Kamala Harris, with 68% choosing her over Donald Trump. The Indian American Impact Fund (IAIF) is reaching over 400,000 eligible voters through a $3.5 million ad campaign using culturally resonant messaging on key issues like inflation and abortion. With states like Georgia potentially being decided by slim margins, this community’s turnout could be pivotal in shaping the election outcome.

Read more from Mahrukh Siddiqui at AsAm News.

Connections Roundup

• After Hurricane Helene, Asheville’s Neng Jr.’s Steps Up for the Community: After Hurricane Helene left Asheville without drinkable water, Neng Jr.’s, a trans-owned Filipinx restaurant, quickly mobilized to provide over 400 free hot meals to those affected. Now, the restaurant is asking for support to cover lost wages for its staff. While their fundraising pop-up event in Brooklyn happened last week, you can still contribute to their GoFundMe to help them recover and continue serving the community in this challenging time. Read more from Quispe López at Them.

• The Laurel Opens—A New Home and Tribute to Community Resilience: The Laurel, a new low-income housing development in Santa Monica, offers 57 studio apartments for individuals at risk of homelessness, blending modern housing solutions with the rich history of the site’s previous landmark, Santa Monica Nikkei Hall. The restored hall honors the resilience of Japanese Americans post-WWII and continues to serve the community. The project provides supportive services to residents and reflects Santa Monica’s commitment to both cultural preservation and addressing its housing crisis. Read more from Rafu Shimpo.

Actionable Resource

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

Daymond John's Top Tips for Starting Smart and Securing Funds

Daymond John, Shark Tank investor and founder of FUBU, shares essential advice for new entrepreneurs: start small, look for free money like grants, and master your pitch. His no-nonsense approach is perfect for aspiring business owners, especially those from minority communities, offering practical ways to avoid debt and secure funding without giving up control. Want to learn how to get your business off the ground? This is a must-read.

Read more from Angela Johnson at The Root.

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.

How AI is Transforming Diversity in Marketing

Asha Shivaji, cofounder of SeeMe Index, is revolutionizing how brands measure inclusivity using AI. By analyzing marketing campaigns across six identity dimensions—like skin tone, gender expression, and body size—SeeMe Index helps brands close their inclusivity gaps. Shivaji explains how responsible AI practices ensure brands better represent diverse consumers and why aligning internal DEI commitments with external marketing is key. Inclusivity isn’t just good practice; it’s good business.

 Read more from Megan Poinski at Forbes.

DEI Insight Roundup

• Leading Companies Champion Disability Inclusion: The National Organization on Disability (NOD) has named 59 companies as the 2024 Leading Disability Employers, recognizing their exemplary performance in fostering disability inclusion. Through NOD’s Employment Tracker™, these companies have demonstrated best practices in creating inclusive environments for hiring, retaining, and advancing employees with disabilities. By removing barriers and embracing accessibility, they showcase how inclusion fuels innovation and growth across industries. This recognition sets the bar for companies striving to create more equitable workplaces. See the full list of companies on the NOD website.

• Mary C. Daly—Advocating Inclusive Growth in Federal Reserve Policy: Mary C. Daly, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, emphasizes the importance of allowing job growth to continue without fear of inflation, ensuring more Americans, especially historically underrepresented workers, can benefit from an expanding economy. Daly highlights how a strong labor market pre-pandemic helped pull new people into the workforce without triggering inflation, offering a powerful lesson in inclusive growth. Her approach advocates for equitable economic policies that support diverse workers, enabling greater participation and prosperity. Read more from Jeanna Smialek at The New York Times.

• ACLU Warns Ohio Town About Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Activist: The ACLU of Ohio has accused Waynesville’s Village Council of blatant discrimination after rejecting David Nation’s application for a council vacancy due to his LGBTQ+ advocacy and support for DEI initiatives. Nation, the only candidate who applied by the deadline, was passed over for another candidate, despite community support. The ACLU argues that this violates both constitutional protections and local non-discrimination policies, shining a light on the barriers LGBTQ+ activists still face in local government. Read more from Trudy Ring at Advocate.