Belonging Spotlight - Alex
Personal Background
- Name: Alex
- Age Range: 31-40
- Gender and Sexual Orientation: Male, Gay
- Ethnic Background: Hispanic
Your Journey to Belonging
Describe a moment in your career when you felt a true sense of belonging.- During a team retreat, our manager openly praised my project ideas, highlighting my unique perspective as an asset. This public recognition made me feel truly valued and accepted.
- Yes, initially, I faced some subtle exclusion in social gatherings. I overcame this by initiating a company-wide inclusivity workshop, which opened up conversations and improved understanding.
Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces
Have you taken any steps to create a more inclusive environment in your workplace?- I started an LGBTQ+ affinity group, providing a space for discussions and support. It has grown to include allies and significantly improved workplace inclusivity.
- A new team member from the LGBTQ+ community was hesitant to participate in discussions. I mentored them, boosting their confidence, and now they’re a key contributor in meetings.
Lessons and Insights
What have you learned about yourself and others while navigating your identity in the workplace?- I’ve learned the power of vulnerability and open communication. It’s amazing how sharing my experiences has encouraged others to open up and fostered a more empathetic workplace culture.
- Be your authentic self and seek allies who support and understand you. Also, don’t hesitate to be the change-maker in fostering inclusivity.
Looking Ahead
What changes or initiatives would you like to see implemented in workplaces to promote diversity and inclusion?- Regular diversity training programs and more visible support from top management in diversity initiatives.
- The initiatives have created a more open, respectful, and inclusive work culture. There's a noticeable difference in how people interact and support each other.
Reflections
What does belonging in the workplace mean to you?- Belonging means being accepted for who I am, having my contributions valued, and feeling comfortable to express my identity without fear of judgment.
- Embracing diversity isn’t just the right thing to do; it brings a wealth of perspectives and ideas, which is invaluable for any organization.
"There are qualities in founders, difficult to find because they are rare, and even harder to teach: Passion, grit, flexibility, open mindedness, and mission driven. In Sunday Afternoon Project we have not just one founder, but two; establishing a certainty that this work will change the world."
Paul O'Brien
CEO a Mediatech Ventures Venturese
"Luis and Hans have absolutely everything you want to see in entrepreneurs, drive, passion and persistence. We have no doubt they will continue to succeed and create safe spaces for us all."
Tina Cannon
President and CEO Austin LGBT Chamber
"Luis and Hans are brilliant business founders who easily could have remained focused building their empire and making more and more money for themselves. That they have chosen to apply their keen entrepreneurial skills and rally their large, passionate networks to create safe and inclusive spaces for those in need of them (which is all of us!) is so very inspirational. I am excited to watch them change the world for the better, and I'm deeply honored to count them as friends!!"
Afam Onyema
CEO and Co-Founder, GEANCO Foundation
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