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.

Labor Unions: A Template for Real Equity in Corporate Leadership 

As labor unions take center stage in the 2024 presidential election, SEIU President April Verrett emphasizes how unions are a powerful force for addressing both systemic racism and corporate greed. With a proven track record of closing wage gaps and creating inclusive leadership, unions offer a model that DEI leaders in corporations should partner with, especially as attacks on DEI efforts increase. Verrett’s intersectional approach shows how collective action can drive real equity, making unions a valuable ally in transforming workplace power dynamics.

Read more from Errin Haines at The 19th.

Voices of Empowerment

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

Amanda Nguyen is Breaking Barriers in Space and Advocacy

Activist and CEO Amanda Nguyen is set to become the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman to travel to space, thanks to Space for Humanity’s Citizen Astronaut Program. Known for her trailblazing work in advocating for sexual assault survivors and against anti-Asian violence, Nguyen continues to inspire, this time breaking barriers in STEM. Her journey is inspiring others, especially young girls from historically underrepresented backgrounds providing a strong possibility model.

Read more from Fawzia Reza at DiversityComm.

Voices of Empowerment Roundup

• Somali Beauty Queens Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change: In a field lacking diversity, Somali Minnesotan beauty queens Muna Ali and Bahja Mohamoud are making history by bringing Somali representation to the world of pageantry. As the first Somali woman to be crowned Miss Minnesota USA and Miss World Somalia, respectively, they are challenging stereotypes while inspiring young historically underrepresented women to pursue their dreams in fashion and beyond. Their stories embody resilience, cultural pride, and community dedication. Read more from Natasha Delion at Sahan Journal.

• From Passion to Profit— Entrepreneur Turns Compliment into Flourishing Natural Hair Business: Sess Lee Cannon turned a casual love for hairstyling into Flourish Curls Salon, a thriving natural hair business in Arlington, Texas. After a random compliment encouraged her to pursue cosmetology, she grew her brand into a million-dollar enterprise. With over 215,000 social media followers and clients nationwide, Cannon is helping women embrace their natural curls while empowering her own family and community. . Read more from Angela Johnson at The Root.

• Preserving the Wisdom of America's Elders: The Baldwin-Emerson Elders Project, founded by Jacqueline Woodson, captures the untold stories of Black, Latine, Asian, Indigenous, and queer elders across the U.S. Led by writers like Denice Frohman and Eve L. Ewing, this initiative celebrates the activists and storytellers who shaped America’s history. By documenting hundreds of personal narratives, the project offers deep insights into activism, identity, and cultural preservation. For historically underrepresented workers, these stories provide inspiration and guidance. Read more from at the Columbia Center for Oral History Research.

Actionable Resources

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

How Disabled Supervisors Boost Workplace Productivity

New research from Auburn University reveals that supervisors with disabilities can significantly enhance workplace productivity, especially in teams with disabled workers. By fostering understanding and reducing task-switching, these leaders create more inclusive and efficient environments. Companies embracing this inclusive leadership model, like Walgreens and Wells Fargo, see both social and economic benefits. When viewed through the lens of historically underrepresented workers, this research underscores how diverse leadership can transform workplace culture and performance for the better.

Read our Perspectives on Leadership analysis on LinkedIn.

Read more from Dustin Cole at The Conversation.

Actionable Resources Roundup

• Stanley’s $50K Grants for Social Entrepreneurs Now Open: Stanley has launched its second annual Stanley Creators Fund, offering grants of up to $50,000 to social innovators tackling global challenges like climate change, food security, and equity. The program supports leaders who are creating solutions to help their communities thrive. Nonprofit organizations can apply until October 4, 2024, and winners will gain both financial support and increased visibility to expand their impact. Read more from Stanley at PR Newswire.

• Why Nonprofits Should Push for Long-Term Funding Commitments: Big bet philanthropy has the potential to transform entire sectors, but as this article reveals, the real game-changer is long-term, sustained funding. Leaders from Last Mile Health and Educate Girls share how patient capital and longer-term investment strategies helped scale their impact in healthcare and education for marginalized communities. Nonprofits can use this insight to advocate for multi-year funding commitments that lead to sustainable, equitable systemic change. Read more from James Nardella & Maharshi Vaishnav at Stanford Social Innovation Review.

Policy Spotlight

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

Supreme Court Takes on Landmark Case on Transgender Healthcare Rights

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear U.S. v. Skrmetti, a case challenging Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors. The case, brought by the ACLU and Lambda Legal, could set a national precedent affecting similar laws in other states. Advocates argue these bans violate constitutional rights and threaten the well-being of transgender youth. This landmark decision will have far-reaching implications for the legal protections of marginalized communities.

Read more from Amelia Hansford at The Pink News.

Policy Roundup

• Idaho’s Latest Anti-Trans Law Partially Blocked by Federal Judge: In a significant legal development, a federal judge has granted a partial injunction against Idaho’s House Bill 668, which restricts the use of public funds for gender-affirming care. The ruling applies to transgender inmates and grants class action status to the plaintiffs, allowing the case to proceed. The ACLU argues that the law violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment by denying necessary healthcare. This case sets the stage for further challenges to anti-trans legislation across the country. Read more from Donald Padgett at The Advocate.

• Alabama’s Anti-DEI Law Forces University to Shut Down Student Resource Centers: The University of Alabama's Black Student Union office and queer resource center were shuttered following the state's new anti-DEI law. These closures have stripped vital support services for Black and LGBTQ+ students. However, student leaders are pushing forward, with help from local advocacy groups like the NAACP and Central Alabama Pride. The law reflects a troubling national trend of dismantling support for historically underrepresented students at universities under the guise of dismantling “DEI.” Read more from Pat Duggins at Alabama Public Radio.

• SBA Program Changes Could Impact Alaska Native Corporations: Alaska Native corporations may face economic challenges as the U.S. Small Business Administration reviews the 8(a) program, which has provided billions in revenue to disadvantaged companies. Historically, this program has supported Indigenous corporations through federal contracts, but potential changes could diminish their opportunities. This review is also a concern for other minority-owned businesses. When we read this through the lens of historically underrepresented workers, it’s crucial to recognize how shifts in policy can directly affect hard fought gains in economic empowerment. Read more from ICT at Indian Country Today.

Cultural Highlights

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

National Hispanic Heritage Month: A Time to Celebrate and Empower

National Hispanic Heritage Month (NHHM) runs from September 15^th to October 15^th. This is a great opportunity for companies and nonprofits to recognize the rich contributions of Hispanic and Latino workers to the U.S. labor movement and beyond. From honoring leaders like Cesar Chavez to uplifting today’s growing Latine workforce, celebrating the richness and diversity of the Latinx community is for everyone. With Latinos projected to make up 21.2% of the workforce by 2030, now is the time for businesses to embrace this month and foster a more inclusive environment. Whether you’re a business owner, corporate leader, or everyday employee, inquire about how your company will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Read more from Jen Miller at HR Dive.

Culture Roundup

• Celebrating Black Inventors—A New Museum Takes Shape: James Howard, head of the Black Inventors Hall of Fame, is on a mission to open the first museum dedicated to Black inventors in West Orange, New Jersey. The museum will showcase 400 years of Black innovation, featuring iconic figures like George Washington Carver and Garrett Morgan, alongside a replica of Charles Frederick Page's historic airship. Set to include exhibition halls, an auditorium, and a STEM learning center, this project will highlight the cultural impact of Black inventors and inspire future generations. Read more from Mike Hayes at Gothamist.

• Indigenous Cinema Shines at TIFF 2024: The 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) features a groundbreaking 15 Indigenous films, spotlighting powerful narratives that celebrate Indigenous culture and creativity. Filmmakers like Sydney Freeland and Kaniehtiio Horn are at the forefront, bringing stories such as “Rez Ball” and “Seeds” to the world stage. With Indigenous curators driving the programming, TIFF continues to highlight the growing influence of Indigenous cinema in global storytelling. When we read this with the lens of historically underrepresented workers, it’s clear that mentorship and community support can be critical tools for breaking into any industry. Read more from Miles Morrisseau at ICT News.

• Sade Lends Her Voice to Trans Visibility: Legendary singer Sade Adu returns after a six-year hiatus to contribute a heartfelt track to Transa, a compilation album promoting transgender and nonbinary awareness. Her song, “Young Lion,” is dedicated to her son, Izaak, who underwent a gender transition. With contributions from over 100 artists, Transa emphasizes the leadership and visibility of trans individuals in today’s society, providing an artistic and emotional platform for advocacy and inclusion. Read more from Maiysha Kai at The Grio.

Community Connection

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

Roam Fest: Building Inclusive Communities in Outdoor Recreation

Roam Fest, a vibrant mountain biking event, is redefining inclusivity in outdoor recreation by welcoming femme-identifying cyclists from all backgrounds. From the BIPOC Fellowship to adaptive cycling initiatives, Roam Fest breaks down barriers, creating a space where historically underrepresented femme communities can connect and thrive. With its focus on DEI and community-building, the festival is a model for making outdoor sports accessible to everyone.

When we read this article through the lens of historically underrepresented workers, it showed us how intentionally inclusive programming and product development can foster meaningful connections and a sense of belonging while untapping new, lucrative markets of otherwise overlooked customers and participants. It’s a great case study for us all but especially for marketers and fundraisers.

Read more from Kelly Bastone at 5280.

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.

Why DEI Is Not Going Anywhere: 4 Evidence-Based Reasons

Despite recent media narratives about companies scaling back DEI efforts, the reality is different. DEI remains essential for business success, with companies recognizing the competitive advantage of diverse teams and inclusive environments. Gen Z’s strong commitment to DEI in their job search, the continued relevance of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and a broader focus on diversity beyond public visibility are driving forces behind why DEI isn’t going away. For underrepresented workers, understanding these dynamics is crucial to staying informed and empowered.

Read more from Julie Kratz at Forbes.

DEI Insights Roundup

• Why Rolling Back DEI Is Bad for Business: Major brands like Molson Coors, Ford, and John Deere are scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs under pressure from conservative activists. But experts warn that retreating from DEI commitments can damage brand credibility and leadership integrity. While companies may feel the need to respond to public pressure, the long-term benefits of DEI—such as stronger teams and greater business success—are undeniable. Staying committed to inclusivity is key for future growth and reputation. Read more from Allison Morrow at CNN Business.

• Deliberate Disruption—New Book Shows Why DEI is More Critical Than Ever: Shirley Engelmeier’s latest book, Deliberate Disruption: Unraveling the Anti-DEI Ideology & Getting Back to Why DEI Works, tackles the growing anti-DEI movement head-on, calling it a sophisticated disinformation campaign aimed at undermining progress. Engelmeier reminds organizations that DEI is not just a moral obligation, but a crucial business strategy for thriving in an increasingly diverse marketplace. Her book offers clear strategies to confront disinformation and reaffirm the power of DEI in driving business success and staying competitive in a $7 trillion market shift. Read more from Shirley Engelmeier at InclusionINC.