Here's how you can create a diverse and inclusive professional network.

Creating work locally. Its the time to start projects in small towns and rural areas, engage young workforce in training and deployment. This experiment may create better workforce, cost effective implementation and bridge the digital divide. Inclusive approach may help in creating a great professional team to work and developing capabilities of locals in development sector.

Start by joining local groups and meetups. I have joined developer groups and attended events like AWS meetups. These activities have helped me connect with a diverse group of professionals and gain new insights and perspectives.

For those unfamiliar with Italian, "grinta" translates to grit and determination. Its etymology traces back to the Gothic word "grimus," meaning irate or furious. While modern society often discourages expressions of anger, harnessing this emotion can lead to positive outcomes. From battling serious illness as a child to facing aggression in my teens, each hardship fueled my determination to persevere. Whether overcoming academic setbacks, a layoff or a heartbreak, the unwavering drive to confront adversity has been a constant in my life. Unexpected obstacles inevitably arise. Arming yourself is key to gaining the confidence needed to overcome them. My preferred weapon is "grinta", what would be yours?

Building a diverse and inclusive professional network locally involves intentional efforts. Here are some steps you can take: 1. Find the 'Outliers' in Your Industry: Seek out individuals with unique experiences, backgrounds, anc Build relationships with them, listen, learn, and collaborate 2. Adopt the 'Explorer' Archetype: Cultivate deep curiosity and genuine interest. Be willing to share ar synergize. Proactively connect with people from different backgrounds and perspectives ! 3. Search for Experts in Unfamiliar Areas: Identify topics where you're uncomfortable or wish to hear 4. Connect with New People Regularly: Increase your presence on platforms like Linkedin and industry peers to learn about each other.

Building a professional network online is essential for career growth and knowledge exchange. 1. Linkedin: As the largest professional network, Linkedin allows you to connect with industry peers, join releva groups, and share insights. You can also explore alternatives to Linkedin, such as: ? Xing: Similar to LinkedIn, Xing is popular in Europe and offers networking opportunities worldwide ? Meetup: Use Meetup to find local events and connect with like-minded professionals ? Bark: Connect with local professionals seeking services or offer your expertise ? Opportunity: A platform focused on professional matchmaking 2. Social Media: Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook can be valuable for networking. Engage in industry

Networking isn't just about what you can get; it's about giving back and building meaningful relationships 1. Diverse Connections: Volunteering allows you to connect with people in your local chapter and board members of national organizations. 2. Soft Skills Development: As a volunteer, you'll gain skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and organization. These skills are valuable in any workplace and can enhance your existing role or improve your chances of getting hired 3. Generosity and Goodwill: Be proactive in offering support, resources, and advice to your network. Share relevant articles, connect individuals, and volunteer your time and expertise. Building goodwill strengthens your network

When it comes to the Social Work field and you are working for an inclusive society, it's very important that you understand the POV of the diverse groups' identities to tackle the same. So it's important to attend diverse events and network with diverse people and listen to them actively. It's also important to recruit diverse volunteers in your team who could bring new perspective to your team and inculcate a new sense of change and aim to the team.