Navigating Diversity and Inclusion Abroad

On the occasion of?Juneteenth, a pivotal day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, this week's conversation on The Expat Woman Show is focused on?global inclusion and diversity from the perspective of expat women.?

I will be chatting with Lisa R. Mitchell, MBA , Principal of Living a Global Lifestyle and a Founding Member of The Expat Woman, on?Navigating Global Inclusion and Diversity as an Expat Woman.

Lisa spoke a couple of months ago at The Expat Woman's in-person event on this topic and it was so well received, we decided to invite her back to share her insights on this topic virtually, so we could reach more people.

Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, discussions are usually part of the workforce and community here in the US but what about in other countries? And do they include immigrants and women of color?

Topics she will?covered in our interview: What are best practices for diversity and inclusion around the globe? Does any country get it right or at least have a balanced approach? What should expats do and not do in terms of diversity and inclusion? or do to embrace diversity and inclusion in their new home? What lessons can be learned about diversity and inclusion from living abroad?

JOIN LISA AND ME LIVE TODAY ON THE EXPAT WOMAN SHOW, JUNE 18TH AT 9AM PST?OR CATCH THE REPLAY AT THIS LINK

Talking about culture and diversity, check out our latest blog post where some of the members of The Expat Woman, expats from Jamaica, Poland, India?talk about their countries and what they love about it including Lorna Blake , Izabela Jastrzebowska MA, JD ??Coaching Suits You?? , Ramani Manasa Muktevi, MBA and Samantha Frearson-Tubito

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day is a profound reminder of the struggle for equality and the ongoing fight for racial justice.

Are There Similar Holidays in Other Countries?

Many countries have their own commemorations related to freedom and equality. For example, in South Africa, Freedom Day on April 27th celebrates the first post-apartheid elections held in 1994. In Brazil, Black Awareness Day on November 20th honors the contributions of Afro-Brazilians and highlights the fight against racial discrimination.

Best Practices for Diversity and Inclusion Around the Globe

Globally, diversity and inclusion practices vary widely, often influenced by cultural norms and historical contexts. However, some best practices have emerged, including:

• Creating Inclusive Workplaces: Organizations are increasingly adopting policies to ensure representation of diverse groups at all levels often through their Employee Resource Groups.
• Cultural Sensitivity Training: Many companies offer training to help employees understand and respect cultural differences. Cultural Intelligence trainers are seeing an increase in companies hiring for their services.
• Support Networks: Expat groups and professional networks for women and people of color can provide crucial support and advocacy like The Expat Woman

Tips for Expats to Embrace Diversity and Inclusion

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the local culture, history, and social dynamics of your new home.
2. Engage with Local Communities: Participate in local events and organizations to build connections.
3. Be Open and Respectful: Approach cultural differences with curiosity and respect.
4. Advocate for Inclusivity: Support and promote diversity initiatives within your workplace and community.
5. Share your Culture: Find opportunities to showcase and talk about your country, customs and culture and also encourage others to do the same.

And Here are some of the?Most Diversity Welcoming Countries in the World.

While no country has perfected the approach, some stand out for their efforts:

• Canada:? Canada’s is ranked at the top with a?welcoming?immigration policy and?a strong focus on?multiculturalism
• Sweden:?Sweden is one of Europe’s most welcoming countries for diversity.?recognized for its efforts in integrating immigrants and promoting equality.
• New Zealand:?New Zealand has a significant immigrant population and is recognized for embracing multiculturalism and supporting indigenous rights.

Also many countries have their own commemorations similar to Juneteenth,?related to freedom and equality. For example, in South Africa, Freedom Day on April 27th celebrates the first post-apartheid elections held in 1994. In Brazil, Black Awareness Day on November 20th honors the contributions of Afro-Brazilians and highlights the fight against racial discrimination.

OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

June 20th, 5:30pm in San Francisco,?Connections, Conversations and Culture:?Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month Event.

Join us for a fun and inspiring evening of networking, conversations with international women and allies from diverse professions and backgrounds too celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month on June 20th at 5:30pm at Cloudflare, SF.

Speaker Topics

Culture Shock in the US: My Personal Experiences and Advice with Nyna Caputi , Founder and CEO of The Expat Woman ( Originally from India)

Building a New Life: How I made the US my Home with Estefania Barsante, Founder and CEO of EB HR & Coaching ( Originally from Brazil )

Expat Life: How I Survived my First 6 Months in the US with Iliana Quinonez , Founder and CEO of IQ Accelerate ( Originally from Mexico )

Expat Insights: Embracing Japanese Life as an American with Munisha Mirchandani , Certified Lifestyle Wellness Coach ( US Expat in Japan )

The event is open not just to expat women but to anyone interested in networking and meeting our speakers and guests and celebrating and learning about different cultures.

GET YOUR? TICKETS HERE

Masterclass: Introduction to Understanding Accents with Anne Maki, June 26th at 9am PST

Understanding accents?empowers expats and non-expats as listeners and speakers engaged in conversations around the world to better understand verbal messages of people who speak with accents that are different than their own for improved comprehension and relationship building.

Participants will learn?some common accent patterns used by second language speakers of English?

How to better understand speech patterns of Native speakers of English as well as other non-native speakers.

Free for The Expat Woman members

$29 for Non-members ( includes recording) Register Here

THE EXPAT WOMAN MEMBERSHIP

Doors to?The Expat Woman membership ? CLOSE on June 21st at 11:59pm PST. When we open again, the price may increase

Get locked in at?$29/month ( cancel at anytime )?or $290 per year (two months free)?for as long as you are a member.?

So grab your spot asap by ?SIGNING UP FOR THE MEMBERSHIP HUB NOW

We would love to welcome you as a new member.

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Best,

Nyna