How everyone can practice D&I... compassionately.

Welcome to the May edition of #TanaSpeaks with Dr. Tana M. Session. This is a monthly newsletter designed to expand your perspective in the workplace. Don't miss an issue and be sure to +subscribe!

"In a time of destruction, create something." - Maxine Hong Kingston

This quote struck a cord with me. It reminded me that it can be easy to destroy...to HATE. Sometimes even I fall back into the old thinking of 'us vs. them.' But we can't let this type of thinking take over.

In my line of work, I have come to understand that Diversity is an ongoing journey. And it doesn't stop there. Now we need to bring the full scope of Diversity, which includes Equity and Inclusion, to foster true Belonging. How can we create a culture of true innovation if we cannot allow our employees to be their full selves? Everyone, including myself and your leaders, has something to learn and something to gain from doing their part to create a place of Inclusion and Belonging for all. Corporate America's long history of discrimination and inequality affects communities beyond the business world.

In honor of National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I wanted to share this statistic with you. Interestingly, the place where the AAPI community is at highest risk is not in public; but rather in their place of work: 35.4% of discrimination toward members of the AAPI community is a direct result of workplace discrimination!

Now...you would think that based on so-called 'positive' stereotypes that perhaps the AAPI community wouldn't be treated this way. But in actuality, research shows that those who hold such notions (such as the 'model minority' myth) are, in fact, more likely to hold prejudices against AAPI persons.

Be thoughtful and intentional. Diversity is a marathon... not a sprint! This work will never be truly "done" because there's always room for improvement, whether it's due to gender, race, age, religion, disability – the social categories are endless. And isn't that what we want?

According to the UN, May 21 is World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue & Development. It's time for business leaders to listen in and be COMPASSIONATE. Too long have we been telling our teams to leave personal conversations at the door. What's been realized all this time is we've been telling our employees to leave a part of themselves at home and not allowing them to be their true authentic selves at work, thus reducing the likelihood of engagement and increased productivity and innovation. It's time to tear down all barriers to entry for all employees.

Catch me on KTLA/The CW #1 Morning News Show

KTLA INTERVIEW April 30, 2021: https://youtu.be/04qfLZV7gmA

Reflecting on this year's National Diversity Month, I shared some strategies and tips for ways your organization can improve on their diversity goals.

ICYMI: I'm on LinkedIn Learning

Uncovering Unconscious Bias in Recruiting & Interviewing

By Dr. Tana M. Session | Find my NEW LinkedIn Learning course today!

Support Our Mission

I'm pleased to announce the official launch of my new nonprofit "From Foster Care To Fabulous Foundation." Our mission is to provide financial assistance and other resources to foster parents of children aged newborn to four (4) years old. If you know my story...then you know this is personal and near & dear to my heart. We have partnered with foster care agencies in New York, Los Angeles & Atlanta to help us identify foster parents in need.

Please support our mission by making your first 2021 tax deductible charitable contribution via our website "Donate Today" page. Just click the image or link above to access the donation link now!!! Thank you in advance for your support. 

Preorder Before It's Too Late!

Working While Black shares the journey of black professional women in Corporate America as they rose through the ranks against all odds and a system stacked against them. Through their stories and prescriptive remedies, readers will develop strategies for career success and have a true call to action.

You can still preorder a copy of my latest book, Working While Black: A Woman's Guide to "Stop Being the Best Kept Secret(R)" on my website. Release date is TBD by the publisher (Q2 2021).