Hello beautiful people!

I am so honored to be in Community again with all of you and to share this space and time.

The theme of this issue is Holiday Reflections and Hopes, as I am always in an introspective and reflective mood this time of year. I also try to stay in a Joyful and Hope-filled space.

The traditions, the memories, the family dynamics, and time with friends always create unique stories and experiences during the Holiday season. I also find myself traveling back to childhood photos and memories in December. I am so grateful to have my sister, Jill, to help me sustain these stories and build the puzzles again with me. To be honest, not all of the memories are delightful and memorable.

Some of the memories are painful, almost traumatic, but as I age, I find I have more tools and mechanisms for handling those stories well. I am grateful for personal growth, gained wisdom, and the ability to learn and cope more effectively.  

This year, as I decorated my home, hung the stockings, lit the spruce candles, and baked some goodies, I had to acknowledge that I was entering 2025 with a certain amount of anxiety. I am painfully aware that the world and our community are challenged this holiday season, especially with the transfer of power in Washington D.C. 

Global Leadership Expert | Cultural Transformation Specialist | Executive Coach

Rashad Nelms is an accomplished global leader and executive coach with nearly two decades of experience delivering transformative impact across diverse sectors and geographies. Known for his expertise in international organizational strategy, leadership development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Rashad has worked with C-suite executives, government leaders, and nonprofit organizations to build resilient teams, foster innovation, and scale high-impact initiatives.

Currently serving as Interim Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Indiana University, Rashad leads institutional strategies across nine campuses, managing a $7 million budget and a team of 80+ professionals. Under his leadership, the university has enhanced community engagement, improved faculty and student diversity, and gained national recognition for its DEI efforts.

Rashad's global experience includes leadership roles with the United Nations World Food Programme, where he spearheaded programs for over 20,000 staff across 80 countries. His work has driven sustainable impact in regions such as Pakistan, Zambia, South Sudan, Italy, and Bangladesh. Notably, he mobilized $60 million in humanitarian funding for Bangladesh and co-developed innovative DEI programs and initiatives to advance diversity across international operations.

With a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School and certifications in executive coaching and emotional intelligence, Rashad is a sought-after speaker and advisor. His work empowers leaders to thrive in complex environments and cultivate cultures of belonging that unlock the potential of diverse talent.

Most importantly, Rashad is a true and honest friend and an ally to our community. I am constantly challenged and invigorated by our conversations and I am grateful to have someone like him in my life. Our community is better off with his intelligence, support, and genuine caring.

Follow Rashad on LinkedIn

8 Essential Qualities of Successful Leaders

My personal favorites are the top 2: Authenticity and Curiosity

TRANSCEND 

A first-of-its-kind retreat for trans masculine athletes of color. Trans people, and specifically trans athletes, have been experiencing unprecedented discrimination and increasingly hostile attacks. Among other egregious legislation, 26 states now ban trans youth from participating in sports at school. Sadly, we can only suspect this to worsen in the next four years.

Regardless of how they push us down, we must continue being there for ourselves. TRANSCEND will provide attendees with the space, healing, and community that trans people so desperately need and deserve.

Donate through the Transgender Inclusion and Education Foundation, which is underwriting the retreat here.

The LGBTQ+ Take on Employee Resource Groups Proves the Model Needs a Makeover

Members of Do the WeRQ - an LGBTQ+ community for adland in the U.S. know that queer ERGs have been posited as a source of commitment to a massively growing group, redefining culture and business practices…

10,046 instances of book bans in the 2023-2024 school year.

Florida and Iowa recorded the highest number of book bans during the 2023-2024 school year with over 4,5000 book bans in Florida and over 3,600 in Iowa. Disproportionate to publishing rates and like prior school years, books in this prominent subset overwhelmingly include books with people and characters of color (44%) and books with LGBTQ+ people and character (39%).

U. of Michigan regents ban use of diversity statements, recommit to broader DEI goals

The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor will no longer consider diversity statements in faculty hiring, promotion, and tenure decisions, the provost, Laurie K. McCauley, announced Thursday.

My commitment to you and our community is that I will use my platform to educate, advocate for, protect, and amplify the stories of our LGBTQ+ family and allies.   This newsletter is one tool in my toolkit, but stay tuned for new and exciting ways to connect in 2025. 

There is one more issue on 12/20/2024, but let me wish all of you a Peaceful and Joyful Holiday season now. 

Love and Hot Chocolate Hugs, Jim