InclusionAF

Doberman dad Eddie Huang and Mr. Chow were out hanging by the patio to enjoy the UFC. The night was shut down when building-mate and gym owner Matt Sauerhoff left his dog unleashed despite NYC laws. It started as a simple request to leash the loose dog and prevent potential injuries. But it escalated into Matt confronting Eddie to flex his clout, privilege, and entitlement. Here’s how Eddie is responding. https://lnkd.in/gC7QHezS #StandwithAsianAmericans #NotYourModelMinority #EddieHuang

"Not being racist" is standing on middle ground. Problem is, standing on middle ground benefits the oppressor, not the oppressed. A few years back, McKenzie, a friend of mine, confessed her anti-racism journey was difficult, even painful. Growing up in a white evangelical household, she was specifically told not to talk about race. It simply wasn't polite. I later discovered that many of my white friends, colleagues, allies--even my spouse--were also raised to avoid the subject of race like the plague. "Being polite" was a non-racist stance. Here's why this is harmful, even though it sounds nice: ???? It prevented McKenzie from challenging her biases and what she'd been taught. ???? It prevented McKenzie from learning how Black and other racially marginalized folks continue to face discrimination. ???? It prevented McKenzie from understanding how policies, behaviors, and attitudes that establish and reinforce white social dominance — whether it’s overt (hate crimes) or covert (poorly funded Black, Indigenous, and Latino schools). ???? Not challenging these systems put her in a comfort zone. And this comfort zone allows racism to continue and flourish. If you are white and were raised not to talk about race, please understand "not being racist" is NOT helpful. And you need to understand that race has impacted nearly every aspect of racially marginalized people's lives, from the quality of healthcare received (if there is even access to it) to access to healthy foods. Yes, this is painful. Yes, you will make mistakes. And yes, there is a time, place, and manner to bring up racism. But no crisis has ever been solved by people staying in their comfort zone. All this does is give them peace of mind while others continue to be discriminated against. Which is the opposite of polite. And that's the #TuesdayTea! ?? #DiversityAndInclusion #Diversity #Equality #RacialEquity #AntiRacism Image credit: Sheva Guy, PhD, CDP?, Prosci?????. If you aren't already following her, you probably should. Image description: Illustration of being anti-racist vs non-racist, with examples of actions and beliefs for each category.

This made me stop and think. According to Gartner, only 31% of employees are engaged, energized, and enthusiastic about their work. But there's a simple fix: Get your people more "involved". Here's how... ?? Tell Them 'Why' They Matter: Articulate your vision but also help your team members understand why their contributions are important. ?? Celebrate Diversity: Invite unique viewpoints and backgrounds to strengthen your outlook and impact. ?? Be Inclusive: Make sure every voice gets airtime. Provide the more silent team members a space where they are comfortable enough to speak. ?? Promote Collaboration: Push for team effort on projects. It creates a sense of belonging by making your employees feel like they are a part of a community. ?? Leave the Comfort Zone: Challenge team members to diversify their skillset and to push their boundaries. ?? Distribute the Power: Solicit your team's input while making decisions and let them make the call when possible. ?? Welcome Feedback: Design a culture where feedback is consistent, objective, and flows both ways. ?? Provide Support: Show them that you care for their personal and professional growth by giving them opportunities to develop. ?? Praise Generously: Recognize achievements and reward them. Make saying ‘thank you’ the default. Serve, empower and inspire your team. And they will look forward to coming in to work. Repost to your network ? And follow Eric Partaker for more.

Racial microaggressions may seem small, but their impact is anything but. Research shows that repeated exposure to these subtle acts of discrimination can take a serious toll on both mental and physical health. Constantly navigating bias leads to chronic stress, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and other internal health conditions. Over time, this stress erodes well-being, creating disparities that extend far beyond the moment of the microaggression itself. It's a reminder that racial equity isn’t just a social justice issue—it’s a public health priority. By recognizing and addressing microaggressions, we’re not only creating more inclusive spaces but also taking a stand for healthier, longer lives for everyone. Let’s continue the work to combat these everyday harms and build a future where no one’s health suffers because of the colour of their skin. #HealthEquity #EndRacism #MentalHealthMatters

It’s been an incredible summer as I’ve been able to present my “Stand Your Ground” workshop on how to recognize and respond to anti-Asian microaggressions to employees at Digital River, Constellation, and Ascend. ? In the coming months, I have the opportunity to present at Google, Publicis, and a number of other incredible companies whose leaders are willing to put their discomfort to the side in service of developing both Asian and non-Asian employees. ? If you company and your Asian employee resource group are looking for an informative, thought-provoking, and deeply meaningful educational session, please reach out to me at af [at] inclusionaf [dot] com and let’s find time to discuss! Just because API heritage month is over doesn't mean the work stops or the conversations should halt! #inclusionaf #speaking #diversity #inclusion #belonging #dibs #equity #dei #deib #diversityandinclusion #inclusionanddiversity #representation #representationmatters #asian #asianamerican #asianamericans #aapi #panasian

This morning I had the privilege to be the keynote speaker for Constellation’s Asian American Resource Group (partnering with Constellation’s People of Color in IT interest group) and their celebration of AAPI heritage month. I delivered my Stand Your Ground workshop (through InclusionAF) to 53 people in person plus over 200 online - and I was so heartened to get real-time feedback and hear about the experiences of the participants. Many awkward moments were experienced (those of you who know me will not be surprised) and some profound learnings came out as a result. Heck of a day. Thanks to Julie Xia and the AARG for bringing me into Constellation and enabling this dialogue! #inclusionaf #speaking #diversity #inclusion #belonging #dibs #equity #dei #deib #diversityandinclusion #inclusionanddiversity #representation #representationmatters #ascend #ascendleadership #asian #asianamerican #asianamericans #aapi #panasian #microaggressions #awkward #awkwardness #growth #growthmindset #aarg #erg

Asian Americans are the least likely racial group to feel belonging, says the latest The Asian American Foundation STAATUS Index report. TAAF surveyed over 6,272 Americans to better understand how perceptions of AANHPIs evolve over time, calling us to take our responsibility to break the “STAATUS” quo to celebrate and advocate for our community beyond #AsianPacificAmericanHeritageMonth. Of those surveyed, only 38 percent report feeling like they belong in the United States, on social media and in their workplaces, schools and neighborhoods. Among the reasons include the continuing spate of hate and discrimination #AsianAmericans face (60 percent), despite public sentiment that it has gotten better. Only a third of Americans believe #AsianHate has increased, while nearly 1 in 3 Asian Americans reported having been called a racial slur. 29 percent said they have been verbally harassed in the past 12 months. And Asian Americans aren’t alone in thinking that hate has increased against their own group. 73 percent percent of Black Americans, 41 percent of Hispanic Americans and 61 percent of Asian Americans believe hate against their respective groups has increased in the past 12 months. And more Americans (43 percent) believe race relations has worsened in the past five years. Other reasons for not feeling like they belong include feeling like no one wants them in positions of power (37 percent) and different value systems (32 percent). TAAF also points to the persistent myths and caricatures often found in film, television, the news and social media. 58 percent report learning about Asians mainly through the news; and 36 percent, social media. This is made more alarming by the fact that many Americans lack personal relationships with Asian Americans (over a quarter), amidst the ongoing #AntiAsian rhetoric by those in positions of power that sow misplaced suspicion. The importance of a counternarrative is increasingly becoming clear, leading to suggestions that Asian American history be taught in school (41 percent), Asian American visibility be raised (41 percent) and that there needs to be more opportunities for interaction (39 percent). Read more: https://lnkd.in/g8v2rrEP #StandwithAsianAmericans

"Name a famous Asian American." Easy, right? Well, for 52% of the 6,000+ Americans surveyed, no one came to mind. And the one who came to mind the most was Jackie Chan. And he's Not. Even. American. Read more here from The Asian American Foundation's 2024 STAATUS Index: https://lnkd.in/gQdfau-v There's a reason we raise #visibility with these days and months that celebrate different cultures, demographics, and backgrounds. If we don't, then people continue to be under the radar. So for this year's #AAPIHeritageMonth, spread the word, learn more about #Asians and #AsianAmericans. Representation matters. #diveristy #equity #inclusion #belonging #racialequity #AsAm #asianamerican #asian #APAHM #pacificislanders #AAPI #DEI #DEIB #representation #culture