Insurance Diversity Digest - Celebrate Black History Month & Lunar New Year

Diversity Proponent

We welcome February with a tribute to Black History Month (not as an addendum to American history) but as an inextricable part of our nation's history. We invite you to go beyond celebrating the rich traditions of African and Black Americans that recognize the profound contributions and achievements of such inspiring community leaders. We hope you continue to educate yourselves on how to center the narratives of Black people and culture and learn ways to support Black-owned businesses that have been devastated by the fallout of the pandemic.

Beginning February 12th, we will also observe the start of the Lunar New Year. This auspicious occasion is aptly named because it marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendars traditional to many east Asian countries including China, South Korea, and Vietnam, which are regulated by the cycles of the moon and sun. As the New York Times explains, "A solar year—the time it takes Earth to orbit the sun—lasts around 365 days, while a lunar year, or 12 full cycles of the Moon, is roughly 354 days." This is akin to the Islamic and Jewish calendars, which are also defined by the moon cycle.

And finally, we would love to hear from you! In the vein of continuous learning, please take less than a minute to share your thoughts by responding to 3-questions that will help us better connect with you!

In Solidarity,

The Insurance Diversity Initiative Team

"There is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it; if only we're brave enough to be it."

Amanda Gorman

National Youth Poet Laureate

WE WANT YOUR OPINION!

IN THE COMMUNITY

RECAP on OUT LEADERSHIP QUORUM SUMMIT

FEBRUARY 2 - 5, 2021

Out Leadership, the oldest and largest coalition of global companies working to improve LGBTQ+ equality in the world through the power of business, hosted its first ever Quorum Summit, a first-of-its-kind global talent and advocacy initiative focused on increasing LGBTQ+ representation on corporate boards. The four-day event featured key speakers from Quorum sponsors KPMG, Ropes & Gray, Goldman Sachs, Egon Zehnder International and from Out Leadership.

"For too long, LGBTQ+ inclusion has been overlooked and undervalued as a crucial part of diversity metrics on corporate boards. Out Leadership is changing that," said Out Leadership CEO and Founder Todd Sears. "For the past seven years, we've been filling critical knowledge gaps to bring intersectional diversity to a new level through our Quorum initiative. We're proud of the momentum our work has created, especially in the last twelve months from California AB 979 to the Nasdaq's diversity proposal.”

In a candid discussion led by Out Leadership’s Fabrice Houdart, Commissioner Ricardo Lara spoke fervently on his commitment to expanding board diversity for California’s insurance industry where insurance companies reported that less than 1% of over 1,300 board directors identified as LGBTQ+ according to the latest California Insurance Diversity Survey.

If you missed the event, you can still register to view the webinar recording entitled “Companies & Government Agencies Working Together on Changes for Board Diversity.”

SPOTLIGHT ON DIVERSITY

10 WAYS TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT HOME

Originally Published: February 01, 2021

Feb. 1 marks the start of Black History Month, which honors the great contributions the Black community has made throughout U.S. history. The creation of the month-long celebration stems back to 1915, when noted historian and scholar Carter G. Woodson created a themed week to honor Black history. And in 1976, February was officially recognized as Black History Month, which over time graduated from being nationally celebrated to globally like it is in current day.

The existence of Black History Month has helped give tribute to significant achievements from the Black community, and there are plenty of ways that everyone can commemorate from the comfort of home. From supporting Black-owned businesses to donating to charities supporting anti-racism efforts and watching educational documentaries, here are 10 activities to take part in — not just this month, but all year round.

Read the full article.

GOVERNING BOARD DIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT

RACE & ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE BOARDROOM

Originally Published: September 24, 2020

Our country is grappling with a global pandemic and an enduring racial justice movement. The conversations are moving beyond the streets and into the executive suites, and we can't help but ask: Will it be different this time around? Will we make greater strides towards progress this time around? This article hits hard at answering these questions and the role Corporate America plays in terms of equity and justice.

Read the article and watch the 1-minute video from KPMG Board Leadership Center.

UPCOMING CDI MEETINGS & TASK FORCE MEETINGS

This section of the newsletter contains all of the information regarding upcoming Commissioner Virtual Townhalls and Insurance Diversity meetings. All meetings are open to the public.