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February is Black History Month when we celebrate the rich history and accomplishments of black Americans. We would love to highlight some of those accomplishments within our own Fairfax County CERT family by highlighting your stories on our social media channels. If you wish to contribute please: • Email Kelly O. at Marketing@FairfaxCountyCERT.org • Provide your name (We will only use first name and last initial). • A photo of yourself. If you have a couple of you in CERT gear that would be great too. • A short write up about yourself, your accomplishments, and what CERT means to you. • Please keep the writing to a page or less as this will be on our social channels. Here are some things you can talk about but are not limited to: • Do you have a medical, disaster preparedness, emergency response, or military background? • What are some of accomplishments in your life that you are proud of that could encourage others? • What drives you to help others? • Why did you join CERT and what does it mean to you? • Has your training helped you in a real-life event? • What would you say to others who want to make their communities safer and more resilient? Thank you!

Black History Month is a time to reflect and a time to look forward. To recognize this, BIIC is featuring insights from Black professionals throughout the month. Please join us in celebrating the work that is being done to promote positive change within the risk management and insurance industry. Q: What words of wisdom do you have for up and coming Black risk management and insurance professionals? A: Allow yourself time to think, meditate, evaluate, and give serious thought to your behavior, attitude, motivation and desires. Be honest and transparent. Know that you are not alone on your journey to success. Ask questions, seek guidance, and be of help to others around you. Integrity is the key to success. Thank you, LaVonda Lovett of Gallagher.

As we continue to commemorate Black History Month, we wanted to take the opportunity to honor the heritage, achievements, and contributions of a few of our team members at A.G. Risk Management Inc. Meet Quincy Epps, IT Support Analyst at A. G. Risk Management: 1. What has allowed you to grow within the company? My growth within AGRM is a testament to my personal resolve to define my own growth trajectory, complemented by the company’s supportive environment and the tools it provides, fostering a culture where one’s background becomes a foundation for achievement, not a barrier. 2. Why is black history important to you? Black History is the essence of my identity, teaching resilience and empathy; it’s a beacon that guides my dedication to justice and inclusivity, illuminating the path toward a more equitable world. 3. Who are the figures in Black history most significant to you? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and my mother, embodying the principles of equality, unity, and love, stand as my north stars, inspiring me to contribute to the legacy of positive change and understanding. 4. What are some ways each of us can celebrate Black History Month? Engaging in volunteer service and mentorship during Black History Month offers a profound way to honor its legacy, embedding the values of empathy, unity, and respect in the mosaic of our collective human experience. 

Cory Christmas and Venita Johnson are two of the many exceptional people who make working with Highline Warren an unmatched experience. Passionate about supporting personal and professional learning, Cory oversees Highline Warren’s training department. He also spearheads the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) strategy. Cory grew up in Alabama, attended a predominately white college, then moved to a culturally diverse area in California. These experiences cultivated his deep-rooted belief in the power of inclusion and make him a perfect fit for this leadership position. Cory is a vocal advocate for studying history to better understand one another, which is especially valuable as we celebrate Black History Month. “During Black History Month, I have a chance to remember the unrelenting pursuit for equity, fairness, and access to opportunities that shapes my very existence…I encourage others to do the same.” A forklift driver with more than 17+ years at Highline Warren, Venita Johnson is as equally as passionate about treating everyone as equals at work and her daily life. She says, “Everyone should really show up to work and try to work together side by side, as equals.” It’s one of the many reflections she shared when thinking about the significance of Black History Month. “This month gives us an opportunity to remember the impact that black culture has had on society. And that is something to celebrate.” Cory and Venita encourage coworkers and customers alike to participate in Black History Month. They are also shining examples of why working with Highline Warren is an experience like none other. #blackhistorymonth #automotiveaftermarket #celebrateblackhistory #diversityequityinclusion

February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements made by Black Americans. It’s a time of reflection, remembrance, awareness, unity, and hope. This month, Brother and our employee resource group, WeAreBRAAVE, are focusing on “Health in the Black Community" by offering employees opportunities to establish a foundation for building physical, mental, and financial success. Learn more about how employee resource groups at Brother are "at your side" for our employees: https://lnkd.in/e3MHBi8t

In our final spotlight in celebration of this year’s Black History Month, we’re highlighting a leader who has spent his career in the food and service industry: Charmers Redd. When asked what Charmers loves about the food & beverage business, the answer was simple: the people. He believes we are in the people business, serving food — not the other way around. Keeping that in mind, it’s extremely important to form genuine connections and foster environments where people feel valued and understood.    For anyone looking to enter the F&B industry, Charmers’ advice is this: “Prioritize empathy and understanding. Recognize that every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impact on someone's day. Treat each person with respect, kindness, and attentiveness. Also, never underestimate the power of relationships. Networking within the industry can open doors to new opportunities and provide invaluable support and guidance along your journey. Remember, in our industry, people are at the forefront of everything we do. By putting people first and fostering meaningful connections, you'll not only succeed in your career but also contribute to the heart and soul of our business.” 

UGI is proud to celebrate Black History Month, a time to honor achievements of past generations of Black Americans and recognize their contributions today. UGI’s Black Organizational & Leadership Development (BOLD) group is an employee resource group focused on inclusion, equity, education, and empowerment for Black employees and their allies. BOLD focuses on professional development by creating mentoring opportunities, increasing exposure through networking and career development events, as well as broadening our outreach to Black talent. At UGI, we are committed to providing a safe space for all employees to connect, support, and have open and transparent conversations around professional development, cultural transformation, allyship, and community impact. Learn more about our employee resource groups in our most recent ESG report: https://ugiesg.com/

Embracing the Spirit of Resilience and Inclusivity: Honoring Oliver Lewis 🏆 As we celebrate Black History Month, TSW Wordsmith, LLC proudly honors the extraordinary legacy of Oliver Lewis, the African American jockey who clinched victory at the inaugural Kentucky Derby in 1875. His remarkable achievement on the racetrack is a testament not only to his unparalleled skill and determination but also to the enduring power of resilience and inclusivity in the face of societal challenges. A Beacon of Emotional Intelligence and Unity Lewis's victory occurred in a period marked by deep racial divides, yet his poise, empathy, and emotional intelligence shone brightly, bridging gaps and inspiring unity. His ability to navigate the complexities of his environment with grace and strategic focus demonstrates the essential role of emotional intelligence in overcoming adversity and achieving greatness. At TSW Wordsmith, LLC, we draw inspiration from Oliver Lewis's story, recognizing it as a compelling example of how diversity and inclusivity are not just values to aspire to but powerful principles that drive progress and success. Lewis's legacy reminds us that talent and excellence know no bounds and that our collective efforts can overcome even the most daunting barriers. Committing to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion This Black History Month, let us recommit ourselves to fostering an environment that celebrates diversity, practices equity, and ensures inclusion at every level. Inspired by Oliver Lewis's indomitable spirit, let's work together to create a culture where every individual can thrive, where differences are not just accepted but embraced as sources of strength and innovation. Join us in honoring Oliver Lewis's historic achievement and the contributions of countless African Americans who have shaped our history. Together, we can continue to build a more inclusive, empathetic, and just world. #BlackHistoryMonth #OliverLewis #Resilience #EmotionalIntelligence #Inclusivity #DiversityAndInclusion #CompanyCulture

We want to know: how have you been celebrating Black History Month? Spark the Change Colorado honors and celebrates not only this important month, but the many and ongoing contributions of Black Americans in our communities all year long. Check out this article contributed by Spark volunteer, Abbie Kelley! https://lnkd.in/gZsCMxze