Embracing diversity: A mid-year reflection and the path forward
Dear Members, Supporters, and Friends of the RDCC,
I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made together and to share my personal journey and the road ahead for the Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce.
When I founded the RDCC, I envisioned a Romania where diversity is not just accepted, but celebrated.
The first half of this year has been marked by significant strides in our collective efforts. We have seen an increase in the number of minority-inclusive and minority-owned businesses interested in our Chamber, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Our advocacy for inclusive policies has led to meaningful dialogues with key stakeholders, resulting in multiple companies adopting more inclusive hiring practices and creating safer work environments for all employees, regardless of their background or identity.
Some of the highlights were our ED&I in Eastern Europe, Gender Equal, and LGBT+ at Work conferences, which brought together leaders from various industries to discuss and promote inclusivity. The stories shared and the connections made during these events were nothing short of inspiring. Hearing firsthand accounts of resilience and success from individuals and businesses alike reminded me of the incredible potential that lies within our communities.
I have also had the honour of being invited to speak at trailblazing events organised by companies and organisations looking to break the mould and create a better world every single day in Romania – and I’d like to thank them for welcoming the RDCC perspective and offering their support for our work.
However, our journey is far from over. The months ahead will undoubtedly present challenges, but they also hold immense opportunities for us to continue making progress. We must persist in our advocacy, ensuring that the voices of minorities are heard loud and clear in boardrooms, government offices, the larger economy, and society as a whole.
In the second half of the year, we are extraordinarily excited about our AccessABILITY Expo, an event bringing together all the stakeholders in the Romanian and regional disability space. We aim to create a space of progress, inclusivity, and learning for our community. And as some 1 million Romanians live with a visible or invisible disability, it is a privilege to be one of their advocates. You can learn more about this event below.
On a personal note, I have lived in Romania for two decades, and choosing to always be my true self has not been easy. There have been moments of adversity and discrimination, but also countless instances of support and solidarity.
I have experienced both the challenges and the triumphs that come with being part of a minority community. These personal experiences fuel my passion and commitment to our mission of advancing the rights of minorities within the business sector, but have also underscored the importance of the work we do at the RDCC.
As we look forward, I encourage each of you to stay engaged and continue to advocate for a diverse and inclusive business environment. Attend our events, participate in our initiatives, and most importantly, support each other. Our strength lies in our communities and our shared commitment to a better future.
Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication.
With gratitude and hope,
Founder & Board Member
Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce