Welcome to 2025!
The commencement of a new year traditionally serves as a period of renewed optimism for our community, nation, and world. Historically, January has been a time when individuals and organizations often establish aspirations, set objectives, and strive for greater alignment with better outcomes. While the practice of formal New Year's resolutions may not be universally embraced, the desire for personal and collective growth remains a significant human motivation. The Greater Northeast Multiethnic Chamber of Commerce prioritizes the success and sustainability of local businesses. We will achieve this by providing our members with comprehensive resources, including valuable information and expert knowledge. We aim to empower businesses to leverage their strengths and build a strong foundation for long-term growth within our community.
Diversity is huge, but what does it mean today? Language is fluid and changes over time therefore, we have provided definitions for use and to launch meaningful conversations that result in changes and positive impacts on businesses and individuals. It is important to know the difference between diversity in the workplace vs diversity in education, and how it affects our community. The approach to diversity in the workplace differs significantly from that of educational settings. This distinction may help explain the passage of certain legislation in the State of Texas and at the Federal level. -Senate Bill 17: This bill prohibits public higher education institutions in Texas from establishing or maintaining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices. It also restricts the hiring of staff for DEI-related duties and bans the requirement of DEI training or statements. There are existing federal laws that address workplace diversity and inclusion: -Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This landmark legislation prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. -Equal Pay Act of 1963: This law prohibits wage discrimination based on gender.-Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990: This act prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in employment. -Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967: This law protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination based on age.
Diversity is the presence of differences that include demographics (e.g., race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, age, language, education, socioeconomic status, religion, or political affiliation) Diversity can encompass identities and the intersection of those identities, as well as differences in thoughts/cognitions, culture, and experiences.
In a workplace, diverse individuals are brought together to collaborate on projects and achieve specific goals, while in an educational setting, students are primarily learning from each other's diverse perspectives. The workplace prioritizes the practical benefits of diversity, while education emphasizes the developmental aspect for students. In the workplace, diversity is often focused on creating a more innovative and productive workforce by leveraging diverse skills and experiences, while in education, diversity primarily aims to expose students to a wider range of viewpoints and perspectives to broaden their understanding of the world and prepare them for a diverse society. *The terms provided below offer a foundation that allows individuals to explore other aspects of diversity from a common lens. There is no intent to present a hierarchy of any kind, they are used only to inform. Equality- is providing equal access, resources, and opportunities, which includes providing the same rights, materials, and offerings to all. Equity is rooted within the procedures and processes, and how resources are distributed by institutions or systems Equity- elevates equality by recognizing that people start from different places, acknowledging and correcting imbalances of power, both present and historical, for both individuals and groups to which they may belong.
Inclusion- is an outcome to ensure all individuals feel heard, welcomed, accepted, and respected in an organization. In an inclusive environment, individuals feel they have value, they contribute, they feel empowered, and they have a sense of belonging within that environment. Social Justice - focuses on creating an equitable society with systemic equality in opportunity, rights, and justice. Inclusion, diversity, and lack of bias and discrimination, as well as equality and protection in laws and government, are some of the elements of social justice. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue serving our community and supporting local businesses throughout 2025. We have an exciting array of initiatives planned to benefit our community. I extend my sincerest wishes for your continued success and prosperity in the coming year.
Greater is Within!All The Best, Tonya E. Jones
Diversity is huge, but what does it mean today? Language is fluid and changes over time therefore, we have provided definitions for use and to launch meaningful conversations that result in changes and positive impacts on businesses and individuals. It is important to know the difference between diversity in the workplace vs diversity in education, and how it affects our community. The approach to diversity in the workplace differs significantly from that of educational settings. This distinction may help explain the passage of certain legislation in the State of Texas and at the Federal level. -Senate Bill 17: This bill prohibits public higher education institutions in Texas from establishing or maintaining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices. It also restricts the hiring of staff for DEI-related duties and bans the requirement of DEI training or statements. There are existing federal laws that address workplace diversity and inclusion: -Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This landmark legislation prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. -Equal Pay Act of 1963: This law prohibits wage discrimination based on gender.-Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990: This act prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in employment. -Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967: This law protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination based on age.
Diversity is the presence of differences that include demographics (e.g., race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, age, language, education, socioeconomic status, religion, or political affiliation) Diversity can encompass identities and the intersection of those identities, as well as differences in thoughts/cognitions, culture, and experiences.
In a workplace, diverse individuals are brought together to collaborate on projects and achieve specific goals, while in an educational setting, students are primarily learning from each other's diverse perspectives. The workplace prioritizes the practical benefits of diversity, while education emphasizes the developmental aspect for students. In the workplace, diversity is often focused on creating a more innovative and productive workforce by leveraging diverse skills and experiences, while in education, diversity primarily aims to expose students to a wider range of viewpoints and perspectives to broaden their understanding of the world and prepare them for a diverse society. *The terms provided below offer a foundation that allows individuals to explore other aspects of diversity from a common lens. There is no intent to present a hierarchy of any kind, they are used only to inform. Equality- is providing equal access, resources, and opportunities, which includes providing the same rights, materials, and offerings to all. Equity is rooted within the procedures and processes, and how resources are distributed by institutions or systems Equity- elevates equality by recognizing that people start from different places, acknowledging and correcting imbalances of power, both present and historical, for both individuals and groups to which they may belong.
Inclusion- is an outcome to ensure all individuals feel heard, welcomed, accepted, and respected in an organization. In an inclusive environment, individuals feel they have value, they contribute, they feel empowered, and they have a sense of belonging within that environment. Social Justice - focuses on creating an equitable society with systemic equality in opportunity, rights, and justice. Inclusion, diversity, and lack of bias and discrimination, as well as equality and protection in laws and government, are some of the elements of social justice. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue serving our community and supporting local businesses throughout 2025. We have an exciting array of initiatives planned to benefit our community. I extend my sincerest wishes for your continued success and prosperity in the coming year.
Greater is Within!All The Best, Tonya E. Jones
