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  • New law requires minority entrepreneurs to write essay to prove their race is a “social disadvantage” for SBA 8(a) loans, and have you heard of Auticon, the IT firm that exclusively employs adults on the autism spectrum?

New law requires minority entrepreneurs to write essay to prove their race is a “social disadvantage” for SBA 8(a) loans, and have you heard of Auticon, the IT firm that exclusively employs adults on the autism spectrum?

DEI in 5: Biweekly DEI News

Canva text to image AI-generated abstract interpretation of a growth mindset. A green head is shown with yellow, orange, and purple textured blobs on top to represent the brain. Clouds surround the head. The background is a teal blue

To truly foster a growth mindset, we have to be intentional about pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zone. 

Surrounding yourself solely (or even mostly) with like-minded individuals can unintentionally stifle your personal (and/or professional—if you prefer to separate the two) development and growth. Sure, it can make building connections and fostering a sense of belonging easier—it’s usually easier to connect when you share something in common—but will it actually contribute to growth and promoting diversity? Historically, the answer has been no.

Some of the most profound learnings and opportunities for growth stem from the interactions that we have with other people who bring fresh perspectives or even challenge our existing ways of thinking. So, are you working with a growth mindset or not? Here are a few things to consider:

  • Examine Your Social Circle: Take a moment to think about the people you spend the most time with. Do you find that your social interactions predominantly involve individuals who are similar to you in terms of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences? If so, why do you think this is the case?

  • Identify Barriers to Diverse Interactions: Consider what might be preventing you from interacting with people who are different from you or who may challenge your existing beliefs. Are there specific fears, biases, or comfort zones that you recognize as obstacles?

  • Reflect on Growth and Learning: Reflect on your recent experiences and interactions. Have you felt a sense of personal growth and learning from these interactions, or do you find that your perspectives remain largely unchanged? What are the factors contributing to your personal growth, or lack thereof, through your social interactions?

Now, if you've made it this far and you're wondering to yourself, 'how might I seek out some new perspectives?'🤔 Don't worry; I have a few suggestions that you'll likely find easy to incorporate into your life:

  1. Diversify Your Social Media: Actively seek out and follow people on social media who have diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and viewpoints. Engaging with their content can expose you to new ideas.

  2. Explore Unfamiliar Topics: Challenge yourself to attend events, seminars, or workshops on topics that are outside of your expertise or comfort zone. Interacting with participants from various backgrounds and with different topics can broaden your horizons.

  3. Culinary Adventures: Make an effort to try cuisines from cultures you're less familiar with. Dining at diverse restaurants or trying a new recipe and learning the history behind it can be a great way to learn about different traditions and people—and to try something new.

  4. Cultural Exploration: Watch movies, shows, or check out podcasts from different perspectives, beliefs, and/or cultural standpoints. Stories often provide unique insights into the lives and experiences of others.

  5. Volunteer for a Cause: Get involved in volunteer activities that align with your values or interests. Volunteering introduces you to individuals who share your passions while also connecting you with diverse perspectives."

The Latest Episode of DEI in 5: Are we really DEI ‘experts?’

I’m so grateful for Clarissa “Clo” Fuselier of Inclusion.Logic. Today we had a really insightful conversation about what it means to be an ‘expert,’ the various titles that DEI folks can take on (e.g., ‘expert,’ “professional,’ ‘practitioner,’ and champion), the need for DEI folks to maintain a growth mindset, and more. Check out the latest episode of DEI in 5 for a playback 👇🏾

Did you know that newer cars (aka, giant computers on wheels) are tracking, using, and even selling a TON of drivers’ personal data? “Mozilla’s latest edition of Privacy Not Included reveals how 25 major car brands collect and share deeply personal data, including sexual activity, facial expressions, and genetic and health information.” Caleb and I talked about this, belonging in the workplace, and more on the latest episode of Leadersh*t.

The Latest DEI News

Politics & Law

  • New Law Requires Minority Business Owners To Write An Essay Proving 'Social Injustice' To Qualify For SBA 8(a) Loans [Afrotech]: “According to Business Insider, the Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action when it comes to college admissions is now affecting business owners in a huge way. In response to a July 2023 ruling by a federal judge in Tennessee, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will now require minority entrepreneurs to write an essay to prove that their race is a “social disadvantage” when seeking certain loans from the SBA.””

  • New California law would force firms to report diversity metrics [TechCrunch]: “SB 54 passed the state Senate with a vote of 32-8; next, it will go to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. The bill requires venture capital firms operating in California to report the diversity breakdown of the founders they fund to the state; this includes reporting on the gender and ethnic and racial background of the founders, in addition to the dollar amount given to them.

  • Gibson Dunn Changes Diversity Award Criteria as Firms Face Suits [Bloomberg Law]: “Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher changed the eligibility criteria for its diversity scholarships, becoming at least the second major law firm to take the step as rivals face lawsuits targeting similar programs. The firm’s $50,000 diversity and inclusion scholarship goes to students “who have demonstrated resilience and excellence on their path toward a career in law,” under the new language, which is a change from “students who identify with an underrepresented group,” according to the archival Wayback Machine website.”

Workplace, Professional Development, & Employee Wellbeing

Have you heard of Auticon?

“Auticon is the world’s largest autistic-majority company and a quickly growing tech consulting firm staffed by specialists on the autism spectrum. Its services range from data analytics to quality assurance and software development. The company also offers neuro-inclusion and broader DEI services, helping clients leverage hiring practices and become destination employers for neurodivergent talent. North Texas-based CEO David Aspinall anchors the U.S. operations, but the firm maintains offices in three continents.”

Life, Society, & Environmental

That’s all for today!

Be well,

Adriele

P.S. If you aren’t already subscribed to DEI in 5 on YouTube, what are you waiting for? 🙃