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Blog Explore our DEI articles, interviews with industry leaders, and more.

person standing on rock amid fog
By TL McMinn / September 1, 2022

Two Souls and Two Thoughts: Code-Switching as Survival in White Dominant Corporate Culture

What is ‘code-switching’ and how is it different from ‘covering’? Find out in this article as we examine the effects of code-switching in the workplace.

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Image of person on cliff overlooking water and mountains
By Cassie Myers / September 1, 2022

Conflict Series: Analyzing Conflict

In the second article in our Conflict Series, we explore three tools readers can use to analyze conflict in an organizational context.

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woman with hands in front of face
By TL McMinn / August 2, 2022

Covering Up: The implications of identity covering at work

In this article we explore “Covering” - what it is, why it’s harmful, and how you can help reduce the need to cover through a culture of acceptance.

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three glasses each with one yellow flower in it
By Cassie Myers / August 2, 2022

Conflict Series: What it is and why you should care

In this first article in our Conflict Series, we explore three main types of organziational conflict, interpersonal, intragroup and intergroup conflict and how they can appear in the workplace.

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image of two paths in forest
By TL McMinn / July 7, 2022

Disclosing Disability at Work: Those who have a choice, those who don’t, and those that choose not to

Not everyone has the option of disclosing their disability to their employer. This article unpacks the benefits and disadvantages that disabled folks encounter when, or if, they get to make that decision.

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laptop on beach
By Cassie Myers / July 7, 2022

An Impossible Offer to Accept: Inequities in “Paid Time Off”

Americans leave up to $172 billion in paid time off (PTO) on the table annually (Intuit).To put it simply, while it can be an easy choice for employers to offer PTO, it is not as easy for an employee to accept the offer. 

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rainbow made of paint
By TL McMinn / June 1, 2022

The Influence of Being “Out” 2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness at Work

The choice of whether or not to be “out” is deeply personal and can impact aspects of someones life including work and what 2SLGBTQIA+ wellness looks like.

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person in converse standing on line on the road
By Cassie Myers / June 1, 2022

Boundaries in the Workplace: Actions to Establish and Maintain Workplace Boundaries

To navigate the complexities of boundaries, we offer a method individuals might use to establish boundaries in the workplace.

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white man in suit
By TL McMinn / May 2, 2022

Professionalism as Assimilation: How and Why We Should Change It

Professionalism is an exclusionary practice that forces team members into assimilation. We unpack professionalism in the workplace and offer alternatives.

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wooden world map
By Sinduya Sivayoganathan / April 29, 2022

Cultural Humility: A Necessity for Inclusion in the Workplace

Cultural humility and cultural competence are two very different things. We unpack this difference and the importance of cultural humility for workplace inclusion 

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bucket on table
By Cassie Myers / April 29, 2022

But my organization isn’t diverse!: Growing diversity, equity and inclusion in “homogeneous” organizations

There are vast corporate training options. In this blog we unpack the role DEI training plays in a strategy and tips for designing DEI trainings.

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rows of books on a shelf
By Cassie Myers / March 31, 2022

DEI Training: How does it fit into your wider strategy?

There are vast corporate training options. In this blog we unpack the role DEI training plays in a strategy and tips for designing DEI trainings.

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image of pencil with shavings on a page
By TL McMinn / March 31, 2022

Am I “worthy”?: Perfectionism and Ableism

We unpack the all too critical connection between perfectionism and ableism and how they can hold back all members of your team.

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image of zoom open with small faces
By Sinduya Sivayoganathan / March 31, 2022

Sexual Harassment: A Continued Epidemic in the Remote Workplace

Today, sexual harassment continues to persist in the workplace. We unpack what sexual harassment can look like online and how workplaces can take action.

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image of prayer beads, mat, dates and a cup of water
By Cassie Myers / March 31, 2022

Ramadan 2022: A Collection of Support Resources

In this blog we share a series of resources for those recognizing Ramadan and allies to promote inclusion this Ramadan and beyond.

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image of eye in the darkness
By Sinduya Sivayoganathan / February 28, 2022

Whiteness in the Workplace: A South Asian Perspective on the White Gaze

The white gaze is intimidating, oppressive and at work in the workplace. In this blog we unpack how from a South Asian perspective.

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Typewriter notebook on blue background with 'Stop bullying' written on cover
By TL McMinn / February 28, 2022

From the Schoolyard to the Boardroom: The Impact of Workplace Bullying

Bullying can be detrimental on an individual’s physical and mental health. We unpack bullying in the workplace and how you might act against it.

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Person with lunaria analytics open on a computer
By Cassie Myers / February 28, 2022

DEI Data: What it is and its impact on your DEI efforts

DEI data is a growing priority for practitioners and organizations alike. Learn what it is and how it impacts your DEI efforts.

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People in a group having a conversation
By LunariaAdmin / January 31, 2022

Brave Conversations: A free guide

Download our free guide on what brave conversations are and how to have them.

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image of 5 Black women looking cheerful
By Cassie Myers / January 21, 2022

Black History Month: What it is and How non-Black People Can Respectfully Engage

In this blog we unpack what Black History Month is and offer practices for non-Black people to ensure their engagement this February and beyond is positive.

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Black man with stickies that read "norms, expectation, society"
By Cassie Myers / November 29, 2021

Are You Benefiting from Racism? The System that Advantages and Disadvantages

Racism is a system that advantages and disadvantages simultaneously. In this blog we unpack some of the ways people benefit from racism in the workplace.

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image of sign that reads "We welcome all races and ethnicities, all religions, all countries of origin, all gender identities, all sexual orientations, all abilities and disabilities, all spoken languages, all ages, everyone. We stand here with you. You are safe here"
By TL McMinn / November 28, 2021

Looking back, planning forward: The history of DEI and priorities moving into 2022

In this blog we reflect on the work that created the DEI space we have today and foreshadow some changes we imagine happening in 2022.

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someone holding the star of david
By Sinduya Sivayoganathan / November 26, 2021

Yes, You Can Talk About Religion At Work: Religious Celebrations At Work

In this blog we share intentional actions employers can take to ensure team members feel safe showing and celebrating their religious beliefs at work.

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trans flag
By TL McMinn / November 1, 2021

It is Not a Need if it is a Part of Who You Are: Being trans in the workplace

Learn about the history behind and the stats of the reality of being trans and gender non-conforming people in the workplace, and what you can do about it.

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close-up of two people holding hands
By Sinduya Sivayoganathan / November 1, 2021

Tolerance Is Not the Endgame For Inclusion: Why it’s important to understand the difference between tolerance and inclusion.

Feeling tolerated and included are not the same. We unpack the difference between tolerance versus inclusion in the workplace and why you should care.

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hand reaching out of stormy water
By Cassie Myers / November 1, 2021

Gender Based Violence in the Workplace ‘Ordinary’: What You Should Know About Gender Based Violence in the Workplace

Gender Based Violence survives on what is often hidden in the 'ordinary'. In this blog we unpack what this looks like in the workplace and how to respond.

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profile of woman with brown hair covering her face looking out window
By Sinduya Sivayoganathan / October 1, 2021

Addressing the Reality of Mental Health Stigma In the Workplace

In addition to external interpretations of mental health and illness are internal thoughts, voices and prejudices against oneself. In this article we share how to address self-stigma for better support for the mental health of all employees. 

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wall with words on the wall made of pink lights reading, "we are all made of stories"
By TL McMinn / October 1, 2021

2SLGBTQ+ History Month

October is LGBT History Month. In this blog we share the important days that make up this month, and how to honor them October and beyond.

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four wooden rectangle smiley faces
By Cassie Myers / October 1, 2021

The emotional labor of diversity, equity and inclusion

When we fill a role, we often revert to what is included in the average job description. In this blog we unpack how, some jobs, including those DEI roles, require emotional labor that is costing your team members. 

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Two colleagues a transgender woman and a non-binary person laughing in a meeting at work
By TL McMinn / August 30, 2021

Words Can Hurt Me: Why Inclusive and De-gendered Language Matter in the Workplace

Words can hurt me. Many people share my fears and have ones of their own, but no one should be afraid of going into any space, let alone your job.

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By Sinduya Sivayoganathan / August 30, 2021

Fears of DEI: Working Past Them So We Can Move Forward

We are unpacking the three common fears that teams face when starting their DEI journey and how to work past them to move forward.

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An office in a highrise with a view of the city with workers
By TL McMinn / August 10, 2021

Redefining ‘space’: Designing An Inclusive Workplace

Thinking about the way we work is not the only consideration that needs to be reflected on; we may need to reconsider how we define and think about “space”.

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image of a road leading into the distance
By Sinduya Sivayoganathan / July 30, 2021

Championing DEI Beyond Employee Engagement

Having a disability is not inherently problematic and does not impact a worker’s productivity or success. To allow people with disabilities to succeed, we have to go beyond accommodation to inclusion.

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People marching, first person in a wheelchair, second person tall with arm up, third person short, and last person with a prosthetic leg and arm up
By Ayesha Masud / July 30, 2021

Disability: Beyond Accommodation to Inclusion

Having a disability is not inherently problematic and does not impact a worker’s productivity or success. To allow people with disabilities to succeed, we have to go beyond accommodation to inclusion.

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collection of wallpaper
By Cassie Myers / July 6, 2021

You Must Include Colorism If You Are Addressing Racism At Work

While race is socially constructed, it still has very real implications on someone's life. So when we discuss racism we must include colorism.

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Calendar icon
By LunariaAdmin / June 30, 2021

Lunaria DEI Calendar

Introducing Lunaria's important dates calendar!

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computer with love spelled out in rainbow letters
By Ayesha Masud / June 25, 2021

Sustaining Your 2SLGBTQ+ Advocacy Beyond Pride Month

With Pride well underway and nearing an end, it is important to focus on continuing and maintaining 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy work.

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Wanda Deschamps, founder of Liberty Co.
By Sinduya Sivayoganathan / June 18, 2021

The Reality of Masking: Understanding the Neurodivergent Perspective

Wanda is the openly autistic founder and principal of Liberty Co, a consultancy which supports neurodiverse population participation in the workforce.

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Two white hands shaped as hearts in front of Pride flag
By TL McMinn / June 7, 2021

Why Celebrating Pride in the Workplace is Important: Lunaria Blog

For folks on the LGBTQ2SIA spectrum, June is an important month. June marks what is commonly considered the beginning of the Gay Pride Movement in North America.

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someone holding a plant
By Sinduya Sivayoganathan / May 26, 2021

It’s not Diversity Fatigue, It’s Inequity Fatigue

“Diversity Fatigue” is not an issue with diversity or DEI work. It is an issue with being able to achieve inequity; it is an “Inequity Fatigue”.

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Night sky with crescent moon
By Kamil Ahmed / April 13, 2021

Ramadan at Work 2021

Ramadan 2020 for working individuals will present unique challenges. We put together a guide for supporting Muslim employees and colleagues this year.

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title: lunaria learns with ok2bme logo and lunaria logo
By LunariaAdmin / March 24, 2021

Lunaria Learns

We partnered with OK2BME to curate Lunaria Education Units on gender and sexuality. Access the free units for a preview of how we help DEI grow.

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Man and woman working at computer in the workplace.
By Laura Morrison / March 12, 2021

Creating a Supportive Workplace: understanding invisible disabilities

We sat down with Hailey Hectchman from Causeway to learn about creating supportive workplaces for people with invisible disabilities.

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Two women laying down smiling up at the camera.
By Laura Morrison / March 3, 2021

International Women’s Day 2021

Author: Laura Morrison International Women’s Day is a time for both celebration and reflection. After a year filled with uncertainty,...

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Fight anti-Blackness at work
By Cassie Myers / February 1, 2021

4 Ways to fight anti-Blackness at Work

Improving the experiences of black employees is difficult and demands intentional work from allies. Take action today at your work.

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Black Professionals to follow
By Kamil Ahmed / February 1, 2021

Black Professionals you should Follow

A growing list of engaged Black professionals across North America you should follow and reach out to for speaking opportunities.

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A non-Black individual sits on a stone bench reading in a black room.
By Kamil Ahmed / February 1, 2021

Black History Month in 2021: Black Voices

We asked Black professionals in Canada and America one question: what does Black History Month in 2021 mean to you? Read their responses.

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Photo of an open window against a plain white wall.
By Kamil Ahmed / January 26, 2021

HR trends in 2021: Influencer Insights

2021 has hit the ground running. Don't fear, Lunaria's 2021 HR trends are here! Gain strategic foresight from HR influencer insights + Lunaria experts.

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Rows of identical green chairs with one yellow chair.
By Laura Morrison / January 6, 2021

It’s time to Ditch Culture Fit for Culture Add

Culture fit is a common term used in recruiting that enables affinity bias. Ditch culture fit for culture add and hire talent that helps you grow.

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By Cassie Myers / December 30, 2020

Taking Diversity, Equity and Inclusion into 2021

A new year can mean new opportunities for workplace culture. Leverage the season and its sentiments to shore up support for diversity, equity and inclusion.

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Three windows with light beaming in
By Kamil Ahmed / December 8, 2020

#12Days4Good Community Spotlights

We're thrilled to be 1 of 12 participants in this years #12Days4Good Campaign by Kindred Credit Union. Our deed? Shedding light on community do gooders!

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Pillars in a building
By Laura Morrison / December 7, 2020

The 6 Pillars every Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy Needs

Developing the right DEI strategy for your team is a complex and nuanced process, but there are 6 pillars that should be a part of any DEI plan. Start here.

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People enter a maze from different directions like the effects of inclusive marketing
By Kamil Ahmed / November 23, 2020

Let Your Audience In With Inclusive Marketing

What is inclusive marketing and how you can adopt it to better connect and converse with diverse audiences to grow your business.

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Group of adults standing on top of a rock together
By Cassie Myers / November 10, 2020

Professional Affinity Groups in North America

Professional Affinity Groups are professionals organizing around a common identity. Engage with them as part of your commitment to DEI to support employees.

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Graphic of silhouettes of differently abled bodies moving in various directions.
By Kamil Ahmed / October 29, 2020

Valuing Accessibility in the New Work Age: calling for change not convenience

We chat with disability advocate Hillary Scanlon about accessibility in the new work age and explore opportunity for meaningful change towards inclusion.

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Woman works from home at night in her living room.
By Laura Morrison / October 10, 2020

5 Ways to Support Employee Mental Health in Challenging Times

How are you, a manager, supervisor, or employer, caring for your employees through this time? Here are five ways you can foster a supportive workplace.

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Image of two individuals walking side by side in a large field.
By Cassie Myers / September 25, 2020

Acts of Allyship

Acts of Allyship is an ongoing project spotlighting allyship practices from individuals we encounter in our work, as told through their words.

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Photo of a chameleon changing colors
By Kamil Ahmed / September 22, 2020

So you think you can Change (manage)?

The word of the year is "change". We sat down with change expert Krista Schaber-Chan to discuss how employers can foster a culture of change resilience.

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Young person works at desk by themselves.
By Guest Author / September 21, 2020

Including Interns

Explore the experience of interns at work as proffered by contributing writer Rabia coupled with action items to intentionally be inclusive of interns and other short-term staff.

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By Laura Morrison / September 18, 2020

Domestic Violence in the Workplace

Domestic violence is workplace violence. Being prepared to handle domestic violence in the workplace is an important aspect of risk management.

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Animated graphic of people examining a resume.
By Shelina Sarin / August 6, 2020

Equitable Hiring Practices

There are six key organizational practices that enable an equitable candidate experience.

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Pride crosswalks in Atlanta
By Kamil Ahmed / June 29, 2020

Intersections in Pride: An interview with Celia Sandhya Daniels

As a trans women of color, Celia has battled stigma & discrimination. She speaks passionately about the challenges confronted by LGBTQ+ folks at work.

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A black woman is seen wrapping her arms around another black woman.
By Kamil Ahmed / June 15, 2020

Juneteenth: Honoring Black history at work

Juneteenth marks the second independence day in the United States and a commitment to DEI demands its recognition at work. Here's how to engage in 2020.

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Black man is seen working on laptop. The camera sits behind a white mans head.
By Cassie Myers / June 3, 2020

Looking to fight anti-Blackness? Take action at work

Improving the experiences of black employees is difficult and demands intentional work from allies. Take action today at your work.

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Three women sitting and speaking to one another.
By Shelina Sarin / May 31, 2020

Women in Leadership in the Workplace

Research shows reaching gender parity provides a number of organizational benefits for companies, and allows women to thrive in the workplace.

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Black women works at laptop. Overlay text: Digital by Default
By Shelina Sarin / May 27, 2020

Digital by Default: 5 Considerations for the New Workplace

Equity needs to be at the forefront of all decision-making by leadership when transitioning to remote work to realize this new era of working digitally.

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Large group of people posing for camera
By Kamil Ahmed / May 20, 2020

Why you should keep DEI on the to-do-list. Start today.

Diversity & inclusion initiatives play a role in organizational resilience and recovery. Companies should keep D&I on their to-do-lists in 2020

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Neon sign of handshake
By Kirsten Mosey / April 22, 2020

Social Connections at Work: How to encourage social inclusion for happier teams.

Social connections has proven to increase employee engagement and decrease stress. Use our tips to encourage social inclusion in remote work and beyond.

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Screenshot of Lunaria team meeting virtually over Google Hangout
By Kamil Ahmed / March 20, 2020

Working from Home: Tips from our team, to yours

We collected some insights from our team members around remote work success and are excited to share them with you.

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Head shot of will wheeler, founder and director of The Dyslexic Evolution
By Cassie Myers / March 9, 2020

Lunaria Learns: Supporting Neurodiverse Employees

We interviewed Will Wheeler the founder of The Dyslexic Evolution. Learn about Will's journey with dyslexia and how to support neurodiverse employees.

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Man standing in shallow water under blue sky with reflection of man visible
By Kamil Ahmed / February 25, 2020

A lack of reflection could be limiting your actions

When we explore & accept the complexities in our own identity, we can learn how to connect with and value the different perspectives and journeys of others.

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Selam & Lena
By LunariaAdmin / February 4, 2020

Selam Debs: Black History Month and Inclusive Workspaces

Black History Month is finally upon us. For many of us BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color), this is a...

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Lunaria Learns
By Cassie Myers / January 24, 2020

Lunaria Learns: Quit & Stay

January 24th is recognized as International Day of Education. At Lunaria, we love to learn and share our learnings with...

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By LunariaAdmin / December 11, 2019

Engage donors this season with a holiday wish list

30% of all charitable giving occurs in December. Encourage donors with a holiday wish list using Lunaria's free template!

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By LunariaAdmin / November 28, 2019

Threading DEI Through HR

Great D&I starts from the top-down. Threading D&I through HR is now easier than ever.

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SurveyHolding
By Cassie Myers / November 26, 2019

Why people are not responding to your survey.

Low response rates, or no responses, is an issue facing many surveyors. High response rates are important to get value...

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By Cassie Myers / November 4, 2019

How to use language to improve employee belonging.

The language we use is a powerful tool to improve employee belonging. The average person speaks 13,500 words daily. If...

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A practical tip sheet to inclusive meetings
By Cassie Myers / October 28, 2019

Meet with belonging: a practical tip sheet

Meetings are opportunities to create a sense of belonging and encourage wider company inclusion. We are sharing practical tips used at Lunaria for inclusive meetings.

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By LunariaAdmin / October 21, 2019

The ROI of DEI

Being a great company means having a diverse workforce. Diversity as we now know equates to higher revenues and greater profits for companies that focus on their diversity and inclusion practices.

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By LunariaAdmin / September 16, 2019

Legislation impacting your DEI decisions.

This blog and all articles by Lunaria are meant to shed light on important legislation that might impact workplace DEI,...

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By Le-Tien Duong / September 4, 2019

Our new name: Lunaria

In Summer of 2017, SheLeads started as a small idea that hoped to make big changes. Over the past 2...

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Evaluation data can tell you a lot about the current state of your organization.
By Le-Tien Duong / September 3, 2019

What can you do with DEI data?

I personally love initiatives like L’oreal’s Naya Aghaaz program and Accenture’s leading parental leave policies. They are so impactful, and...

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lunaria-gender-data-blog
By Le-Tien Duong / July 19, 2019

The World You Can’t See: Data from a Gendered Perspective

In a world where data underlies every decision, numbers talk. Our world is built on the questions of who, what and how many.

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lunaria-innovation-inclusion
By Le-Tien Duong / June 27, 2019

Is Innovation Inclusive?

Our founder Cassie joined other entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystem leaders in Ottawa for the Ontario Inclusive Innovation (i2) Action Strategy Conference.

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By LunariaAdmin / June 1, 2019

The Value in Evaluation

In our article Why Evaluate, we turned to some of the organizations we work with to understand the why behind their data collection. In this article, we are unpacking evaluation more to help you estimate the return you get from your investment in evaluation.

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lunaria-blog-value-evaluation
By Le-Tien Duong / May 23, 2019

Why evaluate?

Evaluation is difficult. There is overall pressure to do well as an organization, desire to keep the people you serve happy, and the need to understand how it all works. We asked our organizations to define the motivation behind their evaluation and chose 5 answers to share with you.

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