Bringing Everyone to the Table: The Impact of Diverse Minds

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on two vital aspects of diversity and inclusion—Intersectionality and Neurodiversity. In our recent Showcase event, “Diverse Minds: Intersectionality and Neurodiversity,” we delved into how these concepts play a crucial role in building a truly inclusive workplace culture.

Intersectionality refers to how various aspects of a person’s identity, such as race, gender, disability, and more, intersect and influence their experiences. Recognizing intersectionality in the workplace means understanding that each employee’s unique experiences shape their perspectives and needs. It’s about creating a culture where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. What connects us all is our diversity.  All of us are diverse in our own unique way.

Neurodiversity highlights the diverse ways in which people experience and perceive the world. It emphasizes that there is no singular correct way of thinking, learning, or acting, and that these differences should not be viewed as obstacles. Humans are inherently neurodiverse in how we process information.

Neurodiversity encompasses individuals from all backgrounds and is not limited to individuals of a specific gender, color, age, or ethnicity, instead, it is commonly intersectional in nature. 

At our virtual “Diverse Minds” event, we explored how these concepts are not just buzzwords but how they overlap to create a workplace where employees with neurodivergent traits (such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc.) may also belong to other marginalized groups based on their race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Participants who attend our program build a deeper understanding and knowledge of important neurodiversity terms and learn practical strategies for recognizing and supporting neurodiverse colleagues and how to incorporate intersectional thinking into everyday business practices.

“As with all diversity, neurodiversity is simply part of life’s richness. Honoring and understanding neurodiverse perspectives creates work cultures that are more fulfilling and work teams that are more successful because they tap into everyone’s strengths and gifts.” – Solomon Masala, Facilitator 

Saterman Connect is committed to helping organizations foster inclusivity and belonging by offering our Power of Language™  programs that address intersectionality and neurodiversity, as well as other areas focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. These initiatives not only enhance workplace culture but also drive innovation and success.

“Understanding neurodiversity in the workplace is essential to creating environments where every individual can thrive. My experience facilitating workshops with clients has shown me that when organizations embrace cognitive diversity, they unlock a wealth of creativity, innovation, and deeper connection among their teams. It’s not just about inclusion; it’s about recognizing and valuing the unique strengths that neurodivergent individuals bring to the table.” 

– Kelly Colon, Facilitator 

Are you ready to make your workplace more inclusive? Connect with us to learn more about how our programs can support your team in embracing diverse minds and experiences. 

**Join our upcoming Fostering Cultural Curiosity Showcase, a Power of Language program, on September 24th, to learn more about ways to practice and embed cultural curiosity in your workplace.**

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT:

KELLY COLON (SHE/HER)

Kelly is the founder of Eledex Consulting, LLC and the author of the book Life Interrupted. Kelly’s work is profoundly shaped by her professional expertise in the built environment, her role as an educator, and her lived experiences as a neurodivergent individual and parent of neurodivergent children. She is dedicated to supporting individuals, families, organizations, and institutions in their journey towards embracing and actualizing cognitive diversity. Renowned for her innovative approach at the intersection of cognitive diversity and the built environment, Kelly is driven by the conviction that everyone, regardless of their differences, has the inherent right to navigate life successfully without facing societal bias. Her work stands as a powerful testament to the impact of advocacy and innovation in creating environments where neurodivergent individuals can feel safe, seen, heard, and valued.

SOLOMON MASALA (HE/HIM)

Solomon brings 30 years of experience as a facilitator and trainer in corporate culture and organizational development. Solomon excels at guiding teams and individuals into more authentic, generative relationships with themselves, others, and the world around them. A pioneer in processes designed to help teams unleash excellence, he focuses on energizing participants and sustaining breakthrough learning for the long run. Beyond his professional achievements, Solomon has a deep love for studying and performing Brazilian and West African percussion, a passion he has pursued for three decades. Born in Jamaica to parents of both African and Jewish heritage, his diverse background enriches his approach to leadership and cultural development.

FALL on the Move!

We are coming off a busy summer schedule and are excited to share the upcoming work we are engaged in for the Fall. Our Power of Language™ and Arrive.Drive.Thrive.® Leadership Academies are on the move… and our Speaker Series events are heating up! 

Power of Language™ 

Fostering Cultural Curiosity (FCC) continues to be one of our most popular Power of Language™ Sessions. [click here to download the program overview]

• FCC (virtual program) to our clients who will roll out the entire program in 2024. 
• Our new FCC eLearning course is launching in September, and two new clients are licensing the program for their LMS. 
• Building Awareness and Micro-messaging are half-day programs we created for two new clients, rolling out in September. 

Arrive. Drive. Thrive® Leadership Academies/Workshops

We launched several academies this summer and the cohorts will continue their leadership journeys this fall. [click here to download the program overview]

• Facilitating Arrive Session #2: Becoming an Inclusive Leader for new/emerging leaders
• Facilitating Drive Session #2: Aim It (second part of our Increasing Self-Awareness through Strengths) for middle/growing managers
• Completed two Thrive Leadership Off-sites for two executive leadership teams in NYC and Boston
• Emotional Intelligence Learning Labs have been created and facilitated for a team engaging in ongoing work with their HR team

Speaker Series Events

Saterman Connect has built an extensive Speaker Network. Our speakers come from various backgrounds and experiences, and love to share their personal stories.

 [click here to download the program overview]

September topics include:

• Context Matters: The Power of a Story
• Engagement and Diversity in a Global Workplace
• Exploring Dimensions of Diversity
• Inclusion in the Workplace 

Power of Language™ Resources and Apparel

Resource Guides: Our Resource Guides are a great way to enhance awareness and have meaningful conversations with your teams and organizations. Visit our store to purchase and download our Resource Guides.

September:

• Hispanic Heritage

October:

• Indigenous People’s Day
• LGBTQ+ History

November: 

• Veteran’s Day
• Native American Heritage

We have NEW apparel in our store! Celebrate Neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+, women, and more any time of the year with our new tees and sweatshirts! Great for gifting to organizations, teams, and individuals.