We Are La Familia!

Research proves over and over again that diversity in the workplace is a competitive advantage for any corporation. But, do we really believe it and live it out? 

Humana, headquartered in Louisville, KY, is a "noteworthy" company for DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity. When I began working there a decade ago, I loved looking around the room and seeing people who didn't look like me or have the same background as I did. Whenever we joined in collaboration sessions, I believe it was our differences that made our solutions so rich. Because we had such a close proximity to them, our customers felt closer to their Humana network, because they could relate to Humana's employees (Lauri, 2012). 

Fast forward to 2017. In Ohio, the University of Cincinnati and GE continue to embrace the topic of Diversity and Inclusion and to address global demographic trends, diversity management, gender shifts, and diversity return on investment (ROI). It is very exciting to work in a melting pot of so many different types of people, from various backgrounds, walks of life, beliefs, and struggles. How are they being so successful?

Make a concentrated effort to recognize diversity and learn from each other. Within GE, employees have an opportunity to explore the culture of our various affinity groups. GE Aviation & GE Global Operations recently hosted students of the University of Cincinnati, in a panel discussion about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. From Global Ops, I represented the Women's Network.

I had a chance to take a selfie with some of GE's potential workers of the future!

It's never too early to start the conversation about diversity!

I'm glad that GE has teamed up with the local university here so that students understand how we're building a culture where they can bring 100% of themselves to work.

My GM, Joe Allen is a longtime advocate of diversity and inclusion, partly because he recognizes the value of having it in the workplace, but mainly because he loves "people". Joe was a co-panelist for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund's "Sweet 16" event this year, along with Edgar Sandoval of World Vision. It was a night of excitement, seeing the HSF scholars! These students have so much potential.

As I participated in the gala, I've learned a lot about how the Hispanic community supports student success through "La Familia". Edgar Sandoval shared his thoughts about La Familia. His description was of a group of people who are the support arm for each student, a circle of anything the student needs to, in Edgar's words, "be not only successful, but SIGNIFICANT"! It doesn't have to be biological family. You could be a neighbor who cares, it could be a religious leader, it could be a grandmother, or even a corporation who sees the value in supporting initiatives that give underprivileged groups resources to help them thrive.

Although I am not of Hispanic decent, I can synthesize this experience to people in my circle who have poured into me and loved me onto success! ???? We are La Familia...???? When it comes to diversity...JUST JUMP IN AND DANCE!

References:

 Lauri, M. (2012, March 01). Diversity as a competitive advantage. Retrieved from https://www.barrettrose.com/diversity-competitive-advantage-2/