by Carole Copeland Thomas Carole with 2018 Event Honoree Liz Miranda. Today is the last opportunity for you to help Carole Build Community by joining the Multicultural Symposium Series at $99. Building Community is the essential success ingredient of The Multicultural Symposium Series. It's an opportunity to meet people around the world from all walks of like. And our November 1st Multicultural Conference will bring together business leaders, community advocates, educators, government officials and up and coming professionals who are in their own way advancing the cause of multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusion. It's an exciting time to get involved!
Special pricing ends today, Saturday, June 30th. Only $99. The price goes UP to $179 on July 1st. Sign up your team. Help me reach my goal of signing on 180 new members who want to learn, lead and build a cross-cultural community with people across the world. With your help, the goal can be reached! Learn more at http://bit.ly/2MTWcOH
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 By Carole Copeland Thomas, MBA, CDMP, CITM The Most Common Diversity Categories Here is a list of the most common diversity categories used in training workshops, discussion groups and during conferences and conventions. Diversity categories, titles and, topics evolve and change from time to time like any other dynamic topic, so don't stress out about etching them in your memory bank. It's important to recognize that "one size does not fit all." The terminology for one person may differ from another person in the same ethnic/gender/racial group. For example, some prefer the term Hispanic, while others like to be called Latino. Others may simply prefer Chicano. And women can be addressed as Latina. All four words describe the vibrant, spirited complexity of the Spanish Speaking community in America. So give it a whirl. Choose a word or term and brush up on your diversity proficiency both on and off your job. ==== Multicultural/Diversity/Inclusion/Cross Cultural Class/Household Income/Economic Status African American/Black Biracial/Multiracial White Americans/European Americans/Caucasians Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Chicano Asian American/Pacific Islander/South Asian American Native American/American Indian Arab American/Middle East American Sexual Orientation: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Heterosexual Gender Identities: Male/Female/Transgender, etc. Persons With Disabilities Age Issues Religion/Agnostic/Atheist Education Political Beliefs Nationality Physical Size Human Work Style
By Carole Copeland Thomas, MBA, CDMP, CITM  Multiculturalism represents the landscape of our community as human beings. It’s a bigger concept than diversity because its very meaning requires an open platform for embracing multiple cultures, ethnic groups, and ideologies within a society. Multicultural means many cultures operating in the same space. America, like other countries, is multicultural because different cultural groups maintain a meaningful co-existence within the span of 50 states. Even though there are decades of history where oppression, racism, discrimination and legislative restrictions affected one ethnic group over another, the cultural coexistence remains a vital link to our identity as Americans. Multiculturalism demands that you coexist with others. In a truly multicultural society, one cultural group does not dominate another. The abundance theory is the prevailing rule, where society’s output is big enough for all of our cultures and ethnicities to be represented in an equally respectable manner. We seem to fully embrace multiculturalism in food. Visit any mall or shopping center in any city or town and the food courts are populated with people from all walks of life. From soul food to Cajun cooking, to Chinese cuisine to Indian vegetarian dishes, a typical food court presents the best argument that cultural pluralism can yield good value to any consumer’s taste buds. On the other hand, some aspects of multiculturalism are closely guarded and tolerated only to a point. It’s fascinating to watch professionals in the workplace celebrate the worthiness of multiculturalism on the job. One would think that the level of commitment to cross cultural causes would get packed up and taken straight home to share, just like that leftover shrimp fried rice gets taken home after the party at work has ended. Instead, far too often you witness the reinforcement of cultural silos as employees head to cars, buses, and trains to take them back to their neighborhoods that are all White, all black, all Hispanic, or mostly Asian. The social conformity of our neighborhoods provides the greatest opportunity for us to break through our comfort zones, venture out, and live among other cultures. It represents one of the central frontiers of true multiculturalism. Diversity is an important byproduct of multiculturalism. It speaks to the segmentation of our societies and frames the very categories that define who we are as individuals and members of specific groups or cultural components. I define Diversity from this perspective: Diversity is understanding, appreciating and ultimately managing difference and similarities at the same time. The emphasis is on the word AND. Diversity looks at both difference AND similarities, with one not being more important than the other. That’s where most people make a mistake by focusing on either one’s difference or one’s similarities without realizing that BOTH are in operation at the same time. For example, as an African American female, when speaking at conferences and meetings, I am accustomed to being “the only one,” that is, the only person of color either attending the meeting or speaking at the meeting. To focus on my difference from the rest of the conference attendees is only embracing half the experience. The other half recognizes that there are personal values, educational experiences, regional interests and industry issues that I share as similar points of intersection with those attending the same meeting. To just focus on my ethnic difference cancels out the rich value of those similarities of which I share in common with others. Okay, let me explain it another way. Some years ago I traveled to Kenya for the first time. It was the trip of a lifetime for me. The minute I stepped off that airplane, pulled out my American passport and presented it to the customs officer at the Nairobi, Kenya Airport, my differences AND similarities were on full display with every other American on that plane. Some of the passengers had black skin like mine. My travel mates (now called the Kenya Sistahs) were also African American females. Some of the passengers were white Americans. Others were Hispanics while other were Asian Americans. There were Europeans, Asians, and Africans on the plane, too. So the differences were on full display from ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic class. However, the similarities also represented this collection of travelers. I held an American passport, as did many others on the plane. And meeting other Americans on that maiden voyage trip to mother Africa was so very exciting, since we were all thousands of miles away from home, and it was comforting to connect with other ex-patriots from the States. In diversity work, the similarities are as important as the differences. Similarities are on equal footing with differences. That is so important to remember since there is an incorrect assumption that diversity is polarizing because it only focuses on differences at the expense of similarities. You see it in families all the time. Brothers and sisters with the same biological parents, yet their values and opinions are as different as night and day. I see it in my own adult daughters, Michelle and Lorna. Their political, spiritual and economic opinions are very similar. However, their work habits, approach to preparation and personalities completely different. The same is true for extended families, members of associations and corporate colleagues. Differences should be valued with the same level of importance as similarities. They represent a different slice of the diversity equation. Take advantage of the countless situations that can frame your multicultural and diversity points of reference. It can become a lifelong opportunity for you to enhance your knowledge base while building cross-cultural relationships that can have a positive impact on your life.  Carole Copeland Thomas, MBA, CDMP, CITM is a Boston based speaker and consultant focusing on global diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion. She has been featured in the New York Times, Boston Globe, WGBH Radio, Black Enterprise Magazine, and CBS-TV. Visit Carole online at www.carolecopelandthomas.com
Periodically I need to check in with you, my very special subscribers, to do a "temperature check" on the realities of diversity in the workplace. I have created a quick 10 question survey that should take you no more than TEN minutes to complete.
Here's the link: http://bit.ly/2siDdBY The survey is completely ANONYMOUS, and your truthfulness and honesty will help to keep the tabulations authentic and credible. Some of the questions are required to answer. Some you may skip if you choose. The survey results will be announced in mid-June. I thank you in advance of participating in this important survey process. Please feel free to share this link with our friends and colleagues. We ask that you complete the survey by Tuesday, June 6, 2017. Thank you for your valuable insights. --Carole Copeland Thomas  You Are Cordially Invited To Register Now For
The 9th Multicultural Conference Thursday November 5, 2015 UMass Boston Student Center - Alumni Lounge 2nd Floor 8am to 2pm Internationally Recognized Guest Speakers Almost 20 Speakers In All Distinguished Panel Presentation Sponsored and Designed By State Street Corporation Topic Specific Roundtable Sessions Networking With Results All Focused On Global Diversity • Multiculturalism • Inclusion A Cost Effective Investment For Employee Groups, Emerging Leaders Or Those Who Want To Learn More About Diversity On & Off The Job Register Online At: http://2015mssconference.eventbrite.com or mail your check payable to C. Thomas & Associates 6 Azel Road • Lakeville, MA 02347 $125 Per Person On or Before 10/26 $165 After 10/26 Click Here For Group Discounts Call Carole at 508 947-5755 or email [email protected] Limited Seating • Register Today! • Spread The Word! Carole Copeland Thomas 
He covered a wide berth of information during his presentation on the impact of immigrants in Boston during the November 6th Multicultural Conference. And given President Obama’s latest executive action on our country’s need for immigration reform, Boston will remain an important international destination on the world stage. When it comes to research and expertise of immigration issues, Denzil Mohammed knows it best.
The November 6th Multicultural Conference was a treasured event. Nearly 100 attendees from all walks of life with one goal in mind: Understanding, advancing, managing and appreciating multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. It was nonstop buzz from the early morning networking session to the close of the luncheon in the afternoon. One of the distinguished speakers who helped make this 8th conference a triumphant success was Denzil Mohammed of the Immigration Learning Center. State Street Corporation is the LEAD SPONSOR of the Multicultural Symposium Series. From Trinidad and Tobago, Denzil Mohammed is an intercultural communications professional and journalist who works to build understanding across boundaries utilizing an asset-based approach. He believes immigrants’ success is a crucial component of America's well-being. Denzil became director of The International Learning Center Public Education Institute on November 17th. More highlights from the Multicultural Conference will be uploaded to the website in the coming days. Click Here To JOIN The Multicultural Symposium Series for only $99 a Year. For further information contact Carole Copeland Thomas at 508 947-5755 or email [email protected] 
The November 6th Multicultural Conference was a treasured event. Nearly 100 attendees from all walks of life with one goal in mind: Understanding, advancing, managing and appreciating multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. It was nonstop buzz from the early morning networking session to the close of the luncheon in the afternoon.
One of the speakers who helped make this 8th conference a triumphant success was Dr. Rita Hardiman. At her Roundtable session at the November 6th Multicultural Conference, Dr. Hardiman carefully helped each attendee understand the role of transportation in a diverse marketplace. Her organization, Keolis, was a SPONSOR of the conference and is a new player in Boston. Keolis is the largest private sector French transport group. It runs passenger railways, tramways, bus networks, funiculars, trolley buses, and airport services. Based in Paris, Keolis is owned by SNCF and Quebec Deposit & Investment Fund They are new to Boston, replacing the MBCR (Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company) in running Boston’s commuter rail system. Keolis Commuter Services operates and maintains the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s commuter rail system, carrying more than 127,000 passengers daily throughout Greater Boston. State Street Corporation is the LEAD SPONSOR of the Multicultural Symposium Series. Rita Hardiman, Ed.D, is a multicultural organization development professional with over than 25 years of experience, working with organizations such as CIGNA, Boston Museum of Science, DuPont, and Microsoft. She joined Keolis Commuter Services in March of 2014 as Director of EEO, Diversity and DBE Management. She is responsible for overall workforce diversity with both Keolis employees and subcontractors. This includes overseeing affirmative action, EEO, and DBE programs to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, and Keolis internal policies, which provide for a diverse workplace More highlights from the Multicultural Conference will be uploaded to the website in the coming days. Follow This BLOG SECTION and Read About The Other Featured Conference Speakers. Click Here To JOIN The Multicultural Symposium Series for only $99 a Year. For further information contact Carole Copeland Thomas at 508 947-5755 or email [email protected] 
Thomas Friedman’s best selling book The World Is Flat, certainly applies to the world of diversity. Several years ago I realized that the work I was doing in diversity and multiculturalism not only applied to the United States. I was ultimately connected to a global network of diversity professionals all committed to advancing the work throughout the world.
Garth Dallas is one of those global change agents whose life work is making a significant difference in Liverpool, England, where he resides, and throughout the United Kingdom. We are very fortunate to have him as our Morning Keynote Speaker at the November 6th Multicultural Conference. This is his first appearance in Boston, and his message will detail the European perspective of global diversity and why its significance is having a long-lasting impact on communities throughout the continent. State Street Corporation is the LEAD SPONSOR of the Multicultural Symposium Series. Garth Dallas is a Jamaican-born British entrepreneur and lawyer, who is highly regarded for his work in promoting social inclusion and equality of opportunities in the UK, for over 20 years. He has received accolades and recognition as a high profile and respected voice on Workplace Diversity and Inclusion, Corporate Social Responsibility, Commercial law, and Employment law. Garth claims that being from a large Jamaican family, filled with great diversity of characters, instilled in him, from a very young age the values of ‘collective before self.’ He left Jamaica in 1987 to take up a Chemical Engineering academic scholarship in Hungary. The first year was spent in Budapest learning the Hungarian language, in preparation for spending the next 5 years in a rural university, The University of Veszprem, completing a BSc in Chemical Engineering and a MSc in Chemical Control Engineering, alongside native Hungarians. Those years in Hungary were very significant in shaping his social consciousness and understanding of cultural diversity and the need to extend one’s head above the parapet to act as a beacon of change and awareness. Garth left Hungary in 1994 as a ‘social activist’, having experienced first-hand the turbulent and rapidly dynamic political and social changes in East and Central Europe, some of which were extremely negative in relation to the acceptance of ‘differences’ and the treatment of minorities. He frequently speaks of how those negative experiences helped to harden his resolve and taught him the importance of education and educating others in the beauty and value of diversity. Garth had already embarked on various entrepreneurial projects whilst at university in Hungary and had a burning desire to build his own successful enterprise which would allow him the necessary freedom to explore his vision of influencing change towards achieving a fairer society, in an ever shrinking globe, in the age of globalisation. Before leaving Hungary he applied to the University of Liverpool, in the UK, and was accepted, for their MBA course, thus cementing the next phase in his development as an adopted son of Liverpool, which has been his home ever since. He is a life-long fan of Liverpool Football Club, as are his two sons who were both born in Liverpool, so it was not difficult to settle quickly into the civic, business and social fabric of the fantastic city. After completing a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) he had managerial roles in several companies and built a career in the Management of Diversity and Inclusion. He also completed a law degree at the University of Central Lancashire and qualified as a lawyer, specialising in Business and Employment Law. Driven by a sense of social justice and the belief in an equitable, compassionate world where difference is understood, valued and respected, he was eventually led to create two companies, Global Diversity Partners and Fortis Legal – both heavily linked to principles of fairness and inclusivity. Global Diversity Partners was recently rebranded to Diversity Partners International. It is a specialist diversity and inclusion company that provides a range of related services to private, public and voluntary sector organisations to foster good workplace practices. Fortis Legal offers a comprehensive suite of up-to-date legal compliance, experienced legal representation, proactive legal protection and practical commercial advice supported by strategic planning and implementation mentoring. The path of both businesses has enabled Garth to be involved in community engagement, tackling social exclusion, empowering and developing local community leadership and helping to build various communities’ capacity to meet their own needs. Garth is still driven by what he terms “the absolutely insane lack of fairness, decency and equality in society”. He is the founder/editor of the award winning Diverse Magazine, The Diversity & Inclusion Top 50 UK Companies, and hosts an annual Diversity and Inclusion conference that explore how organisations can gain Business Growth and Competitive Advantage through effective Diversity and Inclusion. He also Chairs the African Caribbean Business Support Group and is a member of the Commonwealth Association of Liverpool, thus maintaining his links to, and providing support to, the Jamaican and Caribbean Diaspora. For more information about Garth Dallas visit his website at: www.fortis-legal.co.uk We hope that YOU will attend this upcoming conference. It will be held at the University of Massachusetts - Boston Campus on Thursday November 6, 2014 from 8am to 3pm. Tickets are only $99, which includes a 12 month membership in the Multicultural Symposium Series. Click Here to register for the Multicultural Conference. Click Here to learn more about the Multicultural Conference. For further information contact Carole Copeland Thomas at 508 947-5755 or email [email protected] 
Employee Resource Groups (ERG) at State Street Corporation are some of the best managed and supported in corporate America. With more than 30 in operation, these ERGs provide internal associations for culturally and professionally-minded colleagues from diverse and similar backgrounds. Ritesh Mehrotra co-leads one of these groups, The Indian Employee Network.
As a Distinguished Panelist at the November 6th Multicultural Conference, Ritesh will share best practices and group dynamics on how his group thrives in an ever growing organization. State Street Corporation is the LEAD SPONSOR of the Multicultural Symposium Series. Ritesh Mehrotra is a hands-on technology leader in enterprise applications development working as an IT VicePresident at State Street Corporation. Ritesh is leading the design and development of Client Data Integration platform for State Street Investment Analytics. He specializes in leveraging talented resources across the globe to deliver a fully functional system and support model. He is a graduate of of Babson College and Boston University. Ritesh’s interest include hearing on mobile computing platform, multicultural team management and industrialized agile. He started with State Street in February 2002 and serves as one of the co-leaders of the Indian Employee Network at State Street. We hope that YOU will attend this upcoming conference. It will be held at the University of Massachusetts - Boston Campus - Student Center (Alumni Lounge 2nd Floor) on Thursday November 6, 2014 from 8am to 3pm. Tickets are only $99, which includes a 12 month membership in the Multicultural Symposium Series. Click Here to register for the Multicultural Conference. Click Here to learn more about the Multicultural Conference. For further information contact Carole Copeland Thomas at 508 947-5755 or email [email protected] 
I learned a great deal team teaching with him over the course of this past summer when we designed a cultural competency course for healthcare professionals in Southeast Massachusetts. He uniquely weaves in the essential components of culture, diversity and inclusion in his presentations...along with a touch of poetry and jazz. Truly unique. Truly Beau. His family is well known in the circles of the National Black MBA Association, and that quest for deeper knowledge and understanding is a hallmark of everything the Stubblefield clan does both professionally and personally.
At his Roundtable session at the November 6th Multicultural Conference, Beau Stubblefield-Tave will weave together the essence of understanding cultural competency in healthcare, business, education and beyond. State Street Corporation is the LEAD SPONSOR of the Multicultural Symposium Series. Beau Stubblefield-Tave is a research-based management consultant specializing in cultural competence. He also serves individual clients as a leadership coach. A Principal with the Center for Culturally Fluent Leadership, Beau helps organizations build their cultural competence capacity: the behaviors, awareness, skills, and knowledge essential to working with and for people from diverse backgrounds. Past clients include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Cambridge Public Health Department and Merck. Beau earned his BA and MBA at the University of Chicago. We hope that YOU will attend this upcoming conference. It will be held at the University of Massachusetts - Boston Campus - Student Center (Alumni Lounge 2nd Floor) on Thursday November 6, 2014 from 8am to 3pm. Tickets are only $99, which includes a 12 month membership in the Multicultural Symposium Series. Click Here to register for the Multicultural Conference. Click Here to learn more about the Multicultural Conference. For further information contact Carole Copeland Thomas at 508 947-5755 or email [email protected] |
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