Ally’s Post

Excited to join Inc. Magazine and my fellow panelists M.V. Lee Badgett and Marc Coleman for an important conversation on the LGBTQ+ community and economic freedom and empowerment. It’s an important topic at a precarious moment for our movement. Back in 2011, I helped lead the campaign for marriage equality in New York. Our win there created enormous momentum that culminated in the Supreme Court granting us the freedom to marry in all 50 states. It felt like continued progress was inevitable. I no longer feel that way. The Court that overturned Roe has already signaled that Obergefell could be in similar jeopardy. The onslaught of anti-trans state legislation continues. We still haven't passed the Equality Act. LGBTQ+ people have insufficient representation in the C-suite and in corporate boardrooms. Nearly half of employed LGBTQ+ Americans still believe being “out” at work could hurt their careers. Things could still get worse. The "anti-woke" movement and the prospect of another Trump presidency loom large. Many corporate leaders are stepping back or staying silent at the very moment we most need them to champion equality and opportunity for all. And this is all happening at a time when almost three-fourths of Americans support marriage equality and policies that protect LGBTQ+ Americans from discrimination. This Pride season, we can't take our progress for granted. It's time for our community and our allies to champion inclusion loudly and proudly in our workplaces, in our communities, and from the businesses we support.

As Pride month in the United States draws to a close and brand leaders begin preparing for their strategic planning cycles, we want to offer some insight into the enormous growth opportunity the LGBTQ+ community represents for brands that understand them as human beings and meaningfully connect with them year-round. In today’s economy, few brands can afford to ignore one of the fastest-growing consumer segments, both in terms of size and spending power. Yet winning with them requires understanding them first as complete people so that you can craft products, messages, and experiences that accurately reflect and resonate with their evolving human priorities. Download our latest report by Aidan Borer, Human-ology’s Director of Human Insights, on how the priorities of LGBTQ+ adults are changing globally, and what this means for brands. Download the free report on our website: https://lnkd.in/eaRF-ftg #inclusivemarketing #consumerinsights #marketresearch

Where does my creative inspiration come from in my work? Everyone and everywhere! A store front, a digital Ad, a book, art walk, the tree in my front yard or a conversation that sparks the next thing! I saw a billboard today that read “There is no expiration date on ambition” What steps, actions or trainings are you taking today to surround yourself with like minded and inspiring professionals that do what you love to do? Keep seeking the aspirational stories and people that keep you hungry for more. Our North Star 💫 is always within reach. Two industry trade shows I’ll be attending to fill up my inspiration cup for 2024 are the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance Board Experience: “TheAlliance 2023" and the Inman Connect. Let’s connect there and share ideas! (Some growth mindset photos, that demonstrate what can happen when two Sisters create a on purpose team- we followed our ambition and built, one year at a time!) #careercoaching #careerdevelopment #teamcollaboration #realestate #realestateexpert #sisterteam #inspiration #clientsuccess #learnerengagement #johnlscott

At Delta, we are committed to actively seeking diversity, pursuing equity, and promoting inclusion. While there is still a long way to go, we are proud that others are recognizing our progress. Here are five reasons why I’m #DeltaProud today: 1. Delta is ranked # 13 on Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best Employers for Women 2. For the eighth year in a row, Delta scored 100% on the Disability Equity Index as one of the nation’s Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion 3. Forbes named Delta one of its Best Employers for Diversity 4. Black Enterprise recognized Delta as one of its Best Companies for Diversity 5. Newsweek identified Delta as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+

Thank you DEI Board for publishing this key insights read on the importance of supplier diversity for business success, and strategies for structuring your program, collaborating with partners, and measuring effectiveness. For too long, Tier 2 has been seen as secondary. But it should be viewed as a means of capital and celebrated. When small and diverse owned businesses can work side by side with large primes they benefits are mentoring + coaching for scaling techniques and probably one the most effective and important in today’s inflationary economy , tier 2 supply chain partners can get paid from primes in less than 15 days and not wait for the customers net 30/60/90+ payment terms. Tier 2 is a solve for access to capital 💵💲

Partnering with businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities in your supply chain is a critical component of any effective DEI strategy. We talked to #DEIBoard Member Kristin Malek, Global Director of Business Diversity at CDW, and Dow Global Leader of Employee Experience and ERGs Shruti Bahadur to get their insights on implementing supplier diversity at an enterprise level. Download the guide here: https://wom.us/3Vh6CvE #supplierdiversity #supplierdiversityprogram #diversebusiness #supplychain #DEIstrategy

Want to know how brands like The North Face are championing Pride all year round? In our latest Drop, Daniel Stevens from Influencer’s in-house creative and strategy team Impact Studio, explores how brands can work with creators to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities throughout their campaigns, throughout the year, and what brands like The North Face are doing to lead the way. Read the full Drop on The Drum now! #influencermarketing #bcorp #pride

Happy Pride, everyone! 🏳️🌈 As an LGBTQ+ founder, I'm proud of the strengths we bring to the table; at work, and in our lives. We've had to navigate societal barriers and find novel solutions just to live authentically — and that's even more true for the trans, Black, and Brown members of our community. Our ingenuity is a powerful force — we think outside the box and embrace risk. LGBTQ entrepreneurs expand possibilities for everyone, yet there's a massive underinvestment in our ideas. Less than 1% of VC funding goes to LGBTQ+ founders, which is especially stark when coupled with the fact that only 0.5% went to Black-founded companies and ~2% to women-founded firms in 2023. Nearly 10% of Americans identify as LGBTQ+. This Pride month, let's celebrate the trailblazing spirit of LGBTQ+ innovators and recommit to dismantling the systemic barriers that still hold us back. Our community's creativity and determination can fuel transformative change — but only if we get a true seat at the table (and are listened to). It's time to double down on investing in LGBTQ visions for a more equitable world!

#PrideMonth is not over. In fact, in some cities like Tacoma, WA, it is just starting! This year there seems to be more backlash against our community, but as this piece by NPR points out this backlash is a result of increased visibility, and has been perpetuated by a small group of bad actors. "Corporates have NOT stepped away from the LGBTQ+ community and nor are they going to. Honestly, in order to future-proof their business, they have to include our community. When you look at GenZ reporting, 30% identify as or are LGBTQ. That is the future consumer and employee." With visibility comes backlash. Our community has had peaks and lulls between progress and backlash. "What the people who lead these backlashes don't understand is that every time they go after us it inspires people to come out and be visible." When it comes to corporate sponsorship much of the pressure to participate comes from employees. Today we are seeing ERG groups fight back against the backlash. Let's continue to be visible and let everyone know that we are not going anywhere. If you are in #FinTech and #FinServ and want to work with the LGBTQ+ communities, stay strong on your conviction because the future is #Gay! If you want to find out about UNITY™ Programship at Females and Finance and the other affinity groups of Females and Finance Community, please follow us, join the group and tag others who you know are part of our community! Sheryl Hickerson, Peggy Haslach, CFP®,CLU®, Katie Kimball Dyer Tara Meehan Karen Melo Ticas, CFP®, RICP®, WMCP® https://lnkd.in/gGCA8c88

🌈✊🏾June is a powerful month for celebration and reflection, marking both Pride Month and Juneteenth. In my blog post, I explore the intersectionality of these significant events and the importance of creating safe and inclusive workspaces for all communities. Diversity isn't just about numbers; it's about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Whether it's supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues during Pride or recognizing the historical importance of Juneteenth for Black Americans, every effort counts towards building a truly inclusive workplace. Every step we take towards a more inclusive environment is a step towards a better workplace for all > https://bit.ly/3yLHcyM #BMC #PrideMonth #Juneteenth #Intersectionality #InclusiveWorkplace #DiversityAndInclusion #SafeWorkspaces