Page 12 - LRCC FOCUS March 2020
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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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