Blue Cross Employees to Celebrate Diversity in Monthlong Series
by Amy Barczy
| 2 min read
Being educated about different cultures, communities, experiences and perspectives is essential during this time of national turmoil. Promoting the awareness of diversity and inclusion is critical to the mission of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan – both in community efforts and internally with employees. Earlier this summer, Blue Cross joined affiliate Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association companies from across the country in a pledge to make meaningful change to address longstanding issues at the heart of racial injustice in our society. One of the ways Blue Cross makes diversity and inclusion a priority in the workplace is through virtual webinars to amplify the voices of employees and outside speakers throughout the entire year with more than 200 learning sessions and experiential volunteer activities. This August, employees can attend a specially designed series of virtual sessions throughout the entire month. The “Celebrate Diversity!” series begins with a learning session with Blue Cross employees sharing stories of empathy and compassion during COVID-19 and the racial tensions in their communities. In additional sessions, Blue Cross employees will talk about what it means to be a Black man in America today. Asian-American speakers will share about the prejudice they have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speakers will discuss bi-polar disorder and other mental illnesses, how other cultures view LGBTQ+ individuals, how the French settled Detroit and the history and culture of the Greek community in metro Detroit. Author Antoine Jackson will also share his story of living with a parent with mental illness. The series will culminate with a session featuring Blue Cross President and CEO Daniel J. Loepp who will reflect on COVID-19, health disparities and racial tensions, and employee speakers will talk about the importance of being an ally. More from MIBluesPerspectives.com:
- A Pledge to Make Meaningful Change
- Preparing Children for a New School Year in a Pandemic
- Michigan’s Farmers Markets Adjust to the Pandemic
Photo credit: SDI Productions
