As a former construction manager, I have tried to provide opportunities for groups that face discrimination. When bidding for a city infrastructure project, I pushed for a portion of work to be set aside for minority- and women-owned businesses. Two subcontractors were selected, one led by a woman and one by a person of color. Though a small start, these businesses gained vital experience that enabled them to win other contracts. Their success shows what can happen when we make room at the table for diverse voices. In my current role as a writer, I aim to highlight issues facing marginalized communities. I recently profiled programs supporting homeless LGBTQ youth and promoting STEM education for girls in low-income areas. By giving a platform to these causes, I hope to raise awareness and spur action. Change happens incrementally through small acts of inclusion and advocacy. While my power is limited, I try to leverage it to widen opportunities for groups facing discrimination. Amplifying voices at the margins is how we build a more just and equitable society for all.
As the owner of a digital marketing agency, I have the privilege of amplifying marginalized voices through the work we take on. Once, a nonprofit supporting homeless LGBTQ youth asked if we could handle their social media pro bono. We brought on interns from the community to lead the campaign. The interns designed social content and strategies custom to the audience. Within months, the nonprofit's following skyrocketed and donations tripled. The interns gained invaluable experience, and the nonprofit can now support 50% more youth. In another case, a women's shelter needed help spreading the word about their services. We held a volunteer workshop where attendees created marketing materials and social media content. The attendees came from diverse backgrounds, and the work they produced resonated deeply with the shelter's clients. The shelter's visibility and funding grew substantially. While I can never fully understand marginalized experiences, I strive to amplify the voices of those who can. My role allows me to offer pro bono services, hire interns from underrepresented groups, and convene volunteers to fuel impactful work. Every voice deserves to be heard. I'm privileged to play a small part in making that happen.As an entrepreneur focused on serving home service companies, I recognize the privilege of having a platform to amplify voices often marginalized. Recently, my agency sponsored a local homeless shelter's fundraiser by donating marketing services and securing sponsorships from vendors. Though a small act, the campaign raised $25K, funding temporary housing and job programs. Witnessing the impact reinforced using my position to lift others. Another time, we offered pro bono services to a nonprofit supporting formerly incarcerated women. Our work optimizing their digital presence led to a 40% increase in donations, allowing expanded programming. Grateful for the opportunity, they now refer us to corporate partners, a win-win. While I can't fully understand marginalized experiences, responsible business means taking action. Whether donating services, sponsoring causes, or mentoring, every effort makes a difference. My role allows uplifting voices society too often silences. Progress happens through allyship, not privilege alone. Though imperfect, I strive to positively impact my community however possible.
I'm fortunate as a white male business owner to have opportunities to amplify marginalized voices. One time, a customer wanted us to install a metal roof on their historically Black church. I made sure my crew treated the building and congregatuon with utmost care and respect. When we finished, the pastor said our work allowed them to redirect funds to community programs. I was humbled to help however I could. My privilege means little without using it to lift others up. Another time, a nonprofit needed roof repairs but couldn't afford them. We donated our labor and got local suppliers to donate materials. The org provides housing and job training forformerly incarcerated women. By repairing the roof, we ensured their important work could continue. Though I can't fully understand others' experiences, I try to be an ally. My role as a business owner allows me to support marginalized groups through donations, sponsorships and practical help. It's a small way I can positively impact my community.
As an SEO expert and owner of an agency, I once had the opportunity to work on a project that focused on small businesses owned by women of color. These entrepreneurs often didn't have the financial resources to access top-tier digital marketing services. So, we created an SEO initiative that provided free consultation and optimization for their websites. We helped improve their online visibility, allowing them to compete in spaces where they were previously overlooked. The impact was profound. Not only did these businesses see an increase in traffic and engagement, but the visibility also gave them a stronger voice in their industries. By using our expertise to amplify their presence, we contributed to their growth in a tangible way, helping them access broader markets and opportunities that they might not have been able to reach on their own.
As the owner of a female-majority recruiting firm working in a male-dominated sector, I have immense power to impact change. One of the first things I do when working with a new client is go over their existing workforce to see what's missing. This goes way beyond experience and skillset; the best companies employee people from a variety of backgrounds. It's not a coincidence. A cacophony of disparate voices strengthens business practices in several ways. First, it ensures less disconnect between employees and customers. Reflecting your audience is such an important part of anticipating their needs. Secondly, it breeds innovation. Companies who stick to the status quo when hiring are typically not energized towards creativity and big ideas. In other words, sameness breeds sameness. When I present the value in adding marginalized voices to our candidate list, I'm not doing so to meet a quota, but truly looking to improve my client's company. Presenting the impact this way makes them more likely to select for underrepresented workers.
As the fourth-generation leader of Lee & Cates Glass, I've made it a priority to use my position to help those less fortunate. During WWII, my great-grandfather accepted three boxcars of glass inventory that enabled us to stay open for business when supplies were scarce. We were able to continue serving customers, many of whom were historically marginalized. More recently, when a local charity needed roof repairs they couldn't afford, we donated labor and got suppliers to donate materials so their work supporting formerly incarcerated women could continue. Though I can't fully understand others' experiences, I try to be an ally. My role allows me to help groups through donations, sponsorships and practival help. It's a small way I can positively impact my community.As a fourth-generation business owner, I've tried to follow my grandfather's example of community service. Several years ago, our local women's shelter needed new windows to improve security. We donated our time and materials to replace all their windows at no cost. Though Lee & Cates focuses on residential and commercial glass, we made an exception in this case. Our installers worked nights and weekends to finish quickly while causing minimal distuption. The shelter director said our donation allowed them to redirect funds to serving more women in need. My role as President allows me to direct resources to support marginalized groups. We've sponsored local churches, donated to charities, and provided pro bono work for nonprofits. While I can't fully understand others' experiences, I try to leverage my privilege to lift up those facing difficulties. It's a small way to positively impact my community.