CSAA Insurance Group Attends Creating Change Conference 2024

CSAA IG employees Paul Diaz , Amber Koski and Chanavong Nhao attended this year's Creating Change Conference, an incredible skill-building event for the LGBTQ community and allies.

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“My biggest takeaway was the excitement of being part of the LGBTQ movement again. When I was younger, I was really involved with the big movements of the 90s - we would march cities chanting, "we here, we are queer, get used it” - but once I met my husband Tony we have spent less time as part of the LGBTQ community or movements. At Creating Change, I spent time around so many people with different backgrounds and this helped me realize that I have a lot of knowledge to share. For example, I was around during the AIDs crisis and I was around when the queer community was not accepted. Now, as a community we've moved forward, but we still face struggles, particularly in the trans community.? This experience inspired me to use my expertise to make a difference."?

- Paul Diaz, Talent Acquisition Specialist

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“CSAA IG has been a sponsor of LGBTQ Task Force for 6 years, enabling employees like me the opportunity to attend the annual Creating Change Conferences. I have worked within the DEI space for 5 years and Creating Change offered an experience unlike any other. It brings together individuals from the nonprofit and corporate sectors, education, healthcare, social activists and grassroots organizers to college students, all individuals who share a drive to make change centered on equity, accessibility and powered by the people. The discussions, panels and presentations are fueled by this unique makeup of individuals. Attending this conference was transformational and exemplifies CSAA IG’s life-long commitment to advancing equity and inclusion within our organization knowing that work extends beyond our walls.”

- Amber Koski, Inclusion and Community Impact Specialist

“I’m humbled that my employer, CSAA IG, provided me the opportunity to attend the Creating Change Conference. Growing up Cambodian American, I didn’t have too much exposure to LGBTQ individuals or organizations. My time at Creating Change has been such an eye-opening experience and one that I wish I was more actively involved with sooner. I attended sessions tied to the Asian American Institute, LGBTQ Veterans, Building Inclusive Digital Contents, and so much more – there was even a karaoke event that I could not miss! Through the sessions, I loved being able to hear all the diverse voices & perspectives on how we can empower ourselves, our communities, and keep the work moving forward.

On paper, human resource professionals often think about how we attract and hire folks from diverse backgrounds. The conference helped ground me in the idea that it's not just how we attract and hire talent, but how humanize the experience and ensure that even once hired, everyone is able to experience an inclusive & equitable workspace. There's so much work to be done and these are not solutions that come overnight, but I can say with confidence that CC2024 has energized me even more to continue the work we do within our DEI strategies & programs! For a personal take-away, I'm excited to be more involved with our PRIDE employee resource group and of course, stay connected with the amazing new colleagues & friends I got to make through the conference.”

- Chanavong Nhao, Sr. Talent Acquisition Consultant