At lumenomics, we have always been passionate about diversity, inclusion, and doing our part to create a world where everyone can have a seat at the table. Our focus on this mission has allowed us to build a company comprised of 64% minorities and 43% women, which is no small feat in the construction and design industry. However, in our pursuit of becoming a Women-Owned and LGBTE certified diverse supplier, we began to grow comfortable with how we operated our business. We thought that we were doing enough to create change.
We weren't.
Earlier this year, across our nation, the Black Lives Matter movement powerfully erupted into view, shining a light on our institutions, systems, and culture. It revealed a simple ugly truth: racism was not only alive and well, but designed into the structures and systems of our society. Racism wasn’t just limited to outright hateful actions or words but was an issue that we, knowing or not, could perpetuate daily in our interactions, decisions, biases, and thoughts.
As a company that believes in and espouses the value of diversity, this realization hit us hard. On June 5th, we made a promise to pause and examine our own thoughts, actions, and biases as a company. Following that commitment, a virtual town hall took place where company members shared their feelings, thoughts, and experiences with racism.
The success of the event made us realize that to effectively enact change, we needed to be intentional about continuing awareness and dialogue around these issues as a company- not from the top down, but the bottom up. Creating change and combating systemic racism requires more than simply having a diverse team and certified diverse supplier labels on our packaging; it required elevating marginalized voices within the company and allowing them to be decision-makers that represent who we are.
That's why we've formed the lumenomics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council. The DEI Council is an internal committee of diverse employees who will lead the internal discussion on equity, coordinate and present requests and needs to leadership, and ultimately compose the voice of lumenomics for all issues of social and racial justice. The DEI Council marks the beginning of our work in combating racism, elevating marginalized voices, and dismantling systemic injustices and inequity in our company and industry.
The opportunity to join the council was offered company-wide following the initial town hall, and the spots filled quickly. Today, we're proud to introduce the members of the lumenomics DEI Council. We asked each member to answer a few questions and submit a photo that they feel best represents them.
CODY BENALLY
What do social justice and equity in the workplace look like to you?
Giving people of diverse backgrounds space to share their challenges in the work environment, whether on a job site or with their team. If I can empathize with my teammates on their workplace challenges it'll help me empathize with those facing injustices out in the world.
What or who inspires you to fight for justice and change?
The Standing Rock protest - it was a fight between the native people and a colonizing government out to exploit resources for a dollar. The allyship that came from it was also inspiring—to see the number of people that started to see what measures governments will take against their citizens for resources. We're starting to see that allyship with BLM now too. Also, AOC. From bartender to Congresswoman, I mean, you can't write that.
In these turbulent times, what gives you hope for the future?
Young people getting involved and being informed. Their use of technology is a double-edged sword, but I think they're using it to unite and voice their opinions.
CHRISTINA VANMIDDLESWORTH
Why did you join the DEI Council?
I joined because of my past experience working on diversity goals and standards with the University of Washington.
How has your experience in the DEI Council been?
It has been rewarding to see a company really put thought into action.
Why is the DEI Council important for lumenomics?
I think the council is an excellent outer manifestation of the internal culture Marti has fostered within team lu.
SOPHAL HAMAKER
“In these turbulent times, my kids inspire me to fight for change and give me hope for the future.”
Why did you join the DEI Council?
To share my stories and experiences and to also hear the stories and experiences and learn from it altogether.
Why is the DEI Council important for lumenomics?
As different as we all are, we are all the same and with the DEI Council, I want to make sure we all know that and appreciate that about each other.
What do social justice and equity in the workplace look like to you?
To have a voice and that voice to be heard.
MOLLY MALONE
“This is a picture of me at a friend's wedding. Seeing my friends happy and supporting them as life changes is super important to me”
Why did you join the DEI Council?
I joined the DEI Council because I believe that people matter and that every voice should be heard. I wanted to be a conduit for people's voices.
What do social justice and equity in the workplace look like to you?
It looks like taking a stand on key issues and making sure people's concerns are heard and acted on.
In these turbulent times, what gives you hope for the future?
As more people are speaking up, more people are being educated, which I believe is one of the key foundations for change.
RICKY BAUER
“I picked this photo of me in my pink PPE because I feel it’s important to challenge gender stereotypes and support women in the construction industry.”
What are you looking to do within the DEI Council?
I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and background to help team lu grow outside of their comfort zones when it comes to DEI.
Why is the DEI Council important for lumenomics?
It is important for our staff to feel valued and informed as we explore honoring differences at lumenomics.
What do social justice and equity in the workplace look like to you?
Understanding how people from many different backgrounds can work together to create inclusive and ethical surroundings.
Yorumlar