Page 12 - LRCC FOCUS March 2020

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Left: Former MSU basketball star
and successful local businessman
Andre Hutson shared his thoughts
on leadership and the challenges
he faced transitioning from sports
to business.
Center: Tedi Parsons of 2B Inclusive
led the LL cohort on a discussion of
diversity, equity and inclusion in the
workplace
Right: The day featured a tour
of Peckham which creates job
opportunities for those with
disabilities.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Are Leadership Lansing

Focus in February

ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT THEMES stressed during the February Leadership at their five social enterprises that provide paid job training opportunities to
Lansing workshop was diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and how it’s not a people with disabilities. A key takeaway from the session is that just because
‘one and done’ process but a continual effort organizations should always seek you can’t see a disability doesn’t mean it is not there.
to improve.
Andre Hutson, former Michigan State University basketball star and successful
The group heard from Tedi Parsons, managing partner of 2B Inclusive, LLC, local businessman, shared his insights on leadership during a post-lunch
who led the class in a discussion around DEI in the workplace and how everyone presentation. Andre talked about the challenges he faced making the transition
can advance the cause of DEI in their organization. from sports to business and his commitment to serving youth through his own
foundation and youth coaching activities. n
The day also included a tour of Peckham, including a behind-the-scenes look

Michigan Women Forward Kicks Off Women’s History

Month in Lansing

BY CASSADEE JACKSON, KOLT COMMUNICATIONS

MICHIGAN WOMEN FORWARD is excited to open the is committed to empowering young women and girls
doors to the new location of the Michigan Women’s that will help shape the future as leaders, inventors,
Historical Center and Hall of Fame. Michigan women dreamers and doers.
have shaped today and benefited our tomorrows. The
community is now able to explore their stories of “The HERstory Hall of Fame has a full digital exhibit
perseverance, innovation and inspiration in downtown of the inductees from the past 37 years,” said Bergman.
Lansing. “We are excited to bring that to life in our new space.”

“The timing for opening our new location could not Michigan Women Forward has been dedicated to
be more perfect,” said Meaghan Bergman, program women’s success and equal opportunity for more than
manager for Michigan Women Forward. “March is 34 years. The Michigan Women’s Historical Center
Women’s History Month and we are planning some and Hall of Fame serves the purpose of honoring
wonderful events. We can hear from Dr. Portia Lockett women pioneers of Michigan. The site houses
at the WomanUp & Learn Educational Summit numerous stories of brilliance, talent, perseverance,
on March 13. On March 19, we will also host the and achievement of Michigan’s female trailblazers.
Determined to Rise: Panel Discussion on Women’s Nominations for 2020 are currently being accepted.
Suffrage to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the
passage of the 19th Amendment.” The Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall
of Fame is located at 105 W. Allegan St., Suite 10, Lansing, Mich. Museum
In her role, Meaghan spearheads two of the four pillars that make up tours are available on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s between noon and 4:30 p.m.
Michigan Women Forward: the HERstory Hall of Fame and UGoGirls. She Tours can be scheduled in advance by calling (517) 489-3486. n

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