Johnson Lambert began the year with the continuation of one of our employees’ favorite DEI programs: monthly courageous conversations, exploring a new dimension of diversity, equity, and inclusion each time.

In January, we discussed Haitian Independence Day, learning more about Haiti’s history as the first country to abolish slavery. Groups discussed the impact of Euro-American countries claiming first-abolitionist bragging rights and the importance of learning a wide variety of perspectives, even on history.

In February, the firm discussed Black History Month after viewing  a video that focused on being “color brave” vs. “color blind”. Challenging all individuals to courageously and openly speak about race, breakout groups were asked to reflect on times they felt uncomfortable in conversations of race and what would have remedied that feeling of discomfort.

In March, with the focus of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we watched a video about gender roles and individually pondered the question, “are you a feminist?” Groups discussed how the smallest of actions can help break down gender barriers and stereotypes, and we all can move workplace culture in a more equitable direction.

In addition to our courageous conversation series, another highlight of our DEI program employees are embracing in 2022 is our newly-added, additional paid day-off to celebrate a cultural or religious holiday or commemoration significant to each employee. Some employees used their floating holiday to celebrate the spring religious holy days, including Learning & Development Manager Hannah Price. Read more from Hannah below.

“This year I chose to use my floating holiday on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter when Christians remember Jesus’s death. Thanks to COVID, I hadn’t attended any Holy Week services in person in a few years. My husband and I attended a mid-day service at our church that reflected on the seven last quotes of Christ from the gospel, pairing each with a musical or spoken reflection on the event. Even on this somber holiday, I was glad for the opportunity to be together with other Christians, and to have a break from work to create space for reflection on the death and resurrection of Christ. I spent the rest of my Easter weekend celebrating with friends, eating delicious food, and making the most of a snowy Minnesotan Spring!”