🚨Careers in Colour #8: Last day to apply to be part of cohort #1 of our Alliance and a recap of our event
Race for inclusion at work: Accelerating Cultural Diversity Together
🚨 REMINDER: If you’re interested in being involved in our Alliance, apply today using this form to be part of our first cohort!
A recap of our event
This month, we held our first event of the year in collaboration with MindTribes. Race for inclusion at work: Accelerating Cultural Diversity Together was hosted by the Allens Cultural Awareness Network and held at the Allens Sydney office and we were fortunate to have Div Pillay (She/Her) - CEO and Co-Founder of MindTribes, Michelle Lim (She/Her) - Organisational Culture and Change Lead at Reserve Bank of Australia and Tharani Jegatheeswaran (She/Her) - Partner, Sydney Consulting Leader at Deloitte Australia join our panel.
The discussion for the evening was moderated by Afeeya Akhand, a researcher at Australian Strategic Policy Institute and a member of the CiC team.
The panellists shared lots of meaningful perspectives with the topic of conversations that evening ranging from the benefits of collaborations internally and externally, to what Employee Access Groups (EAGs) can do more, and to unpacking what sparked each of their passions and motivations behind working in this space.
Tharani highlighted the importance of having sponsorship from senior leaders in the organisation, coalition and eco-systems to create critical mass for effective change. Read some of her takeaways here.
Michelle pointed out the necessity of diversity, equity and inclusion, and the importance of data measurement. For example, breaking down data of CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) further into CALD (non-European background). Read some of her key takeaways here.
Div emphasised the importance of culturally and psychologically safe workplaces for EAGs to function effectively, the importance of executive sponsors being chosen by EAGs, and that proactive indicators of racism are needed.
It was fantastic to see an engaging audience during the lively Q&A. Alex from the CiC team concluded the evening by introducing the CiC Alliance (the Alliance). The Alliance is Careers in Colour’s Coalition for Employee Advocacy Group (EAG) Leaders focused on Racial and Cultural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in the workplace. To find out more about the Alliance, please click here.
We thank our panellists and everyone who attended and Allens for hosting us for this event. If you have any feedback on the event, please complete the form here or please contact us if you have any suggestions for future events.
📖 In the newsroom and things to check out
Dr Chao Ma, PHD and the ANU Centre for Asian-Australian Leadership recently published an academic paper on the issue of perceived employee overqualifications with ethnic minorities.
Race Discrimination Commissioner Giri Sivaraman is leading an independent study into racism in the University sector.
FECCA is conducting a community survey on ending racism. They want to hear from a broad range of people about their experiences, knowledge and insights on ending racism. Complete the survey here.
The 2024 Watermark Board Diversity Index was released showing that while the percentage of non-European directors have doubled (increased to 6.6%), Anglo-Celts remain dominant (91.2%) on boards.
Diversity Council Australia (DCA) in conjunction with The University of Sydney Business School and the University of Technology Business School/Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research have recommended the ASX require companies that are listed, to report on the cultural and racial diversity of their board membership.
The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) have published the APS Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Employment Strategy and Action Plan.
APSC have also announced a 24% CALD target for Senior Executive Service ranks.
Looking great podcasts to listen to? Check out…
Business in Colour hosted by Div Pillay and Sadhana Smiles. The podcast inspires, empowers and mobilises leaders and allies to understand and act for greater diversity
Calling BS Podcast with Belle and Shaz, hosted by Dr Belle Lim and Shaz Sivanesan. The podcast explores a wide range of topics, and aims to make conversations and issues accessible and inclusive of migrant audiences.
🗓 More events and opportunities
The Australian Human Rights Commission has launched Speaking from Experience, a project that centres the voices of people with lived experience in workplace sexual harassment reform. The Commission aims to hear from all survivors, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, culturally and racially marginalised workers, young workers, workers with disability and LBGQTI+ workers.
The Centre of Multicultural Political Engagement, Literacy and Leadership (COMPELL) are looking for passionate volunteers to fill various roles, including workshop facilitators, event coordinators, data collectors, social media managers, and community outreach ambassadors.
Applications are open for Future Women’s first free FW Jobs Academy NSW intake for women who want to be part of a program dedicated towards supporting their return-to-work journey.
Hue is running workshops on Understanding Race and Racism and Allyship across June and July. Find out more here.
