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.

1 in 5 Nonprofit Workers Can't Afford Basics

Should a desire to serve mean you are cursed to making less than a living wage? A new report uncovers that over 20% of nonprofit workers struggle to afford basic living expenses, with even higher rates among workers of color, women, and people with disabilities. Despite championing social justice, nonprofits face internal inequities affecting their own staff. When we read this article, we saw how historically underrepresented workers could experience the wage gap even within and compounded by the mission-driven sector, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change. Learn how collective action can promote financial equity and support for all employees.

Read more from Isaiah Thompson at Nonprofit Quarterly.

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.

G2A.COM’s Inclusive Marketing Wins Big

 G2A.COM’s Celebrate Gamers' Diversity campaign, which highlights women and underrepresented voices in gaming, won first place for Best Digital Marketing Campaign at the 2024 eCommerce Awards. With nearly 40% of its workforce and 50% of its top management team comprised of women, G2A.COM demonstrated the power of inclusive marketing. The campaign led to double-digit increases in brand engagement, proving that prioritizing diversity can drive both social impact and business success.

Read more from Matt Burkey at PRNewswire.

DEI Insights Roundup

• Blue Cross MN Tackles Health Inequities with Four-Pillar Equity Center: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has launched the Center for Racial and Health Equity (CRHE) to address systemic racism's impact on health outcomes. The CRHE operates on four foundational pillars: EMBED equity into all business practices, PARTNER with communities and leaders to improve health outcomes, TRANSFORM policies to dismantle biases within healthcare and beyond, and HEAL communities affected by racial and health inequities. This article shows attempts at meaningful change by embedding equity into core operational strategies and frameworks and advocating for systemic transformation. Read more from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota at Sahan Journal.

• For Credit Unions, DEI Is Key to Serving Latine Market & the Industry’s Future Growth: Víctor Miguel Corro, CEO of Coopera Consulting, highlights why embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is essential for credit unions aiming to thrive in a diversifying market. He offers actionable strategies like defining DEI internally, leveraging data analytics, fostering cultural inclusivity, and providing bilingual support to better serve the growing Hispanic community. When we read this article, we saw how historically underrepresented workers could drive organizational success by championing DEI initiatives that unlock growth opportunities. Read more from Víctor Miguel Corro at CU Management.

• Lesbian Firefighter Wins $1.3M Settlement After Decades of Harassment: Rebecca Reynolds, a lesbian firefighter from Kansas City, was awarded a $1.3 million settlement after enduring over 21 years of harassment and discrimination by her male coworkers. Despite reporting the abuse—which included derogatory comments and severe incidents like a coworker urinating in her office—the department failed to take action. These kinds of working conditions are the reason DEI-rooted conversations are necessary and highlights the dangers of not taking equity seriously and undermining safe workplaces for everyone. Read more from Ryan Adamczeski at The Advocate.

• When DEI is De-Prioritized: Kansas City’s Fire Department exemplifies the challenges of overcoming a culture of white-male-only leadership. Interim fire chief Ross Grundyson, who lacks the legally required credentials, has held the fire chief position for nearly two years while qualified women and people of color were sidelined. This investigation uncovers the department’s ongoing pattern of favoritism and exclusion, perpetuating a cycle of white male leadership. DEI ensures that underrepresented workers get a fair shot at progress and power—this case shows how removing qualified candidates due to cultural biases can lead to unqualified, dangerous leadership. Read more from Mike Hendricks at Kansas City Star.

DEI Insights Closer

Author Jhumpa Lahiri Protests Museum's Ban on Kaffiyehs

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has declined an award from the Noguchi Museum to protest its new policy banning staff from wearing political clothing—a move that led to the firing of three employees who wore kaffiyehs in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Her stance highlights the importance of workplace policies that respect freedom of expression and promote inclusivity. When we read this article, we saw how historically underrepresented workers could advocate for equitable workplace policies and challenge actions that suppress free expression.

Actionable Resources

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

Applying Indigenous Wisdom for Improved Youth Mental Health

Discover how integrating Indigenous practices like "rampant relationality" and traditional healing methods can transform youth mental health support. This article offers actionable strategies—such as connecting youth to cultural activities, prioritizing relationship-building, and embracing community-defined practices—that organizations can adopt to foster connection and well-being, especially historically underrepresented youth. When we read this article, we saw how these insights create more inclusive and healing environments.

 Read more from Virgil Moorehead Jr. at SSIR.

Resource Roundup

• Best Cities for Disability-Friendly Living: A new WalletHub ranking names Scottsdale, Arizona, the top U.S. city for people with disabilities, based on factors like accessibility, affordable living, and healthcare quality. With over 33 indicators evaluated, this ranking highlights cities that prioritize safe, inclusive environments for those with disabilities. Scottsdale’s wheelchair-accessible amenities and strong Medicaid program make it a standout. For those seeking a better quality of life, this report offers vital information on where disability-friendly living truly thrives. Read more from Shaun Heasley at Disability Scoop.

• Authentic LGBTQ+ Support in 2025 Brand Strategy: As brands face growing DEI backlash that harms their ability to support the LGBTQ+ community, experts emphasize the need for long-term, authentic engagement that goes beyond Pride month. Successful companies embed LGBTQ+ support into their mission, values, core business, and year-round actions. Involving LGBTQ+ creatives and investing in local and national organizations ensures campaigns resonate authentically. Preparing for backlash with clear communication plans and internal champions strengthens a brand’s commitment to diversity, driving both loyalty and impact. Read more from Michelle Greenwald at Forbes.

• Protecting Your Loved Ones in For-Profit Nursing Homes: As for-profit companies take over more senior care facilities, the quality of care often declines—sometimes with devastating consequences. This investigation into Kei-Ai Los Angeles reveals how families must remain vigilant to ensure their loved ones receive proper care. With the rise in complaints and lack of government oversight, this case shows how crucial it is for families to research facilities, advocate for their elders, and engage with community-led initiatives to provide additional support. Read more from Randall Yip at AsAmNews.

Voices of Empowerment

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

Michele Wong McSween Brings Together Powerful Group of Asian American Authors

Michele Wong McSween, author of My First Mandarin Words with Gordon & Li Li and organizer of the first-ever Asian American BookCon, demonstrates a powerful business case for cultural leadership. By addressing a market gap in bilingual Mandarin-English children’s books, she created a platform that bridges generations and empowers communities. McSween’s work extends beyond literature—she’s building an ecosystem that celebrates Asian American voices, connecting authors, publishers, and readers to fuel a rising tide of representation in the industry.

 Why read this? McSween’s leadership shows how identifying unmet cultural needs and creating solutions can have lasting business and community impacts.

 Read more from Darein Burton at Perspectives on Leadership.

Empowerment Roundup

• From Undocumented Immigrant to Beauty Industry Trailblazer: Gisselle Hernandez turned her journey from an undocumented immigrant facing abuse and fat-shaming into the foundation of Glamlite Cosmetics, a multimillion-dollar beauty brand defying industry norms. By embracing her uniqueness and overcoming 47 rejections for funding, she secured major deals and champions diversity in business. Read more from Yamily Habib at Fierce by Mitú.

• A Grandma and A Student Leader: At 44, grandmother of eight Geneva Kazena is redefining what's possible by returning to school and being elected Student Government Association president at United Tribes Technical College. After years dedicated to her family, she's now pursuing a degree in elementary education to inspire her community and future generations. When we read this article, we saw how historically underrepresented workers could embrace leadership and make impactful changes at any stage of life. Read more from Adrianna Adame at Buffalo's Fire.

Cultural Highlights

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

Rez Ball Scores 3 Pointer—Indigenous Stories Shine on Netflix

"Rez Ball," directed by Navajo filmmaker Sydney Freeland, spotlights Indigenous talent in a groundbreaking Netflix film. Following the Chuska Warriors, a Native American high school basketball team aiming for a state championship, it challenges stereotypes and avoids the "White savior trope." Featuring Indigenous actors and crew, it shows how underrepresented voices can lead and inspire change in mainstream media. When we read this article, we saw how marginalized professionals are breaking barriers and telling their own stories.

Read more from Kalle Benallie at ICT.

Culture Roundup

• Strangelove – A Groundbreaking Queer Latine Series: Jorge Xolalpa’s Strangelove breaks new ground as an unapologetically queer Latine series centered on the lives of four queer men in Los Angeles. Released during National Hispanic Heritage Month, this show offers a refreshing and real portrayal of underrepresented stories in Hollywood. By tackling complex topics such as identity, privilege, and queer relationships, Strangelove makes a bold cultural statement. When we read this article with the lens of empowering underrepresented workers, it's clear that Xolalpa’s journey exemplifies resilience in the face of systemic barriers. Read more from Jorge Xolalpa at Out.

• Can Beyoncé's Swag Boost Denim's Comeback: Levi's is teasing a game-changing collaboration with Beyoncé, merging the iconic denim brand with a global superstar's influence. As denim enjoys a fashion resurgence, this partnership could redefine fashion trends and amplify representation in the industry. Read more from Kristian Burt at CNBC.

• Painting in Silence—Amplifying Iran's Hidden Voices: Meet Luckybamero, a queer digital artist from Iran who uses digital paintings to illuminate the struggles and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community in a society where open expression is suppressed. His art blends historical and contemporary themes to challenge norms and advocate for personal freedoms. The beautiful imagery in the article is worth your time. Read more from Luckybamero at Out Magazine.

Policy Spotlight

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

Advocating for Indigenous Rights on the Global Stage

Indigenous leaders from around the world are making critical strides in international diplomacy, using platforms like the United Nations to advocate for the rights of their communities. The Indigenous Peoples’ Guide to the United Nations provides a step-by-step roadmap for engaging with UN bodies, helping Indigenous Peoples shape global policies on everything from cultural protections to sovereignty and climate change. When we read this article with a lens of historically underrepresented workers, it's clear that international advocacy isn't just about diplomacy—it's about leveraging global influence to create local change.

 Read more from The Implementation Project at Native American Rights Fund (NARF).

Policy Roundup

• States Escalate Anti-Immigration Laws, Challenging Federal Authority: Anti-immigration legislation at the state level has skyrocketed by 357% since 2020, with states like Texas and Florida enacting laws that defy federal immigration policies. These measures, such as Texas's SB 4 and Florida's SB 1718, have significant impacts on Latino and immigrant communities, leading to legal battles and substantial economic costs. When we read this article, we saw how historically underrepresented workers could be directly affected by shifting state policies that threaten their rights and opportunities. Read more from Daniel Parra at City Limits. *This article originally written in Spanish.

• Increased Anti-Trans Legislation Threatens Rights Ahead of 2024 Elections: A surge in anti-transgender laws is unfolding across the U.S., with new voter ID restrictions in 27 states potentially disenfranchising over 647,000 eligible transgender voters in the upcoming 2024 general election. The Trans Formations Project reports that these legislative changes not only impact voting rights but also access to gender-affirming identification and education. Read more from the Trans Formations Project at Them.

Expert Spotlight

Deep dives with an industry expert.

Cultural Strategist Tiana Webb Evans: Shaping the Art World's Future

Meet Tiana Webb Evans, a cultural strategist redefining the art landscape in this insightful profile by Kimberly Drew,  With over 20 years of experience, Tiana founded ESP Group and launched platforms like Yard Concept and Jamaica Art Society to amplify Jamaican art and support underrepresented creatives. Balancing roles as a mother and leader, she champions sustainable growth and pushes boundaries to create equitable spaces in the arts. When we read this article, we saw how historically underrepresented workers could leverage their expertise to drive meaningful change and uplift their communities.

 Read more from Kimberly Drew at Cultured Magazine.