Northrop Grumman Launches Education Initiative and Other Diversity News

One of DiversityWorking.com's prestigious diversity company partners, Northrop Grumman - a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions – is in the news lately and here are some of its big stories.

A press release by Business Wire announced the company's Northrop Grumman Foundation , in collaboration with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), just launched the Northrop Grumman Foundation Teachers Academy, a comprehensive education initiative for middle school STEM teachers (grades 5-8) that aims to promote student achievement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), by aiding in the enhancement of teacher confidence and classroom excellence in science, engineering and technology, at the same time, increasing the understanding of teachers regarding the skills needed for a scientifically literate workforce. According to the press release published on MarketWatch, the program will start to support 25 teachers from school districts in select Northrop Grumman communities. - Read more at:

The promotion of and commitment to diversity and inclusion are part of Northrop Grumman's Corporate Responsibility. It believes that valuing diversity and fostering inclusion is essential to promoting innovation and increasing productivity and profitability.

Likewise, Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and is committed to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans.

The company has long been recognized for this, and attesting to this are the numerous diversity awards it has received from various organizations and communities that value diversity. One of the latest recognitions, according to a Globe Newswire press release, is the recent awarding of two Northrop Grumman's employees, Kaiann Fu and Padmapriya Vijayasarathi, at the 20^th Ammual Women of Color STEM Conference for their achievements in their particlular fields. - See more here:

One of the company's latest achievements is seen to provide job opportunities, according to the Los Angeles Times. Aerospace giant Northrop Grumman Corp. won an intense four-year competition Tuesday to build the nation's new fleet of stealth bombers, a project likely to create thousands of jobs in Southern California. - Read more here:

DiversityWorking.com, the largest diversity job board online, is a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Through DiversityWorking.com, you can post jobs for veterans who can readily fill your diversity and equal employment opportunity requirements. Visit DiversityWorking.com now.

Is This Diversity Working: Asian Americans and the "Model Minority" Myth

Is this diversity working? The 2^nd installment of this series focuses on Asian Americans and the 'model minority' myth, a label deemed offensive to many.

Recently, the column “The Asian Advantage” by Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times, stirred uproar among the Asian American community, and the 'model minority' resurfaced once again in conversations, according to The Washington Post.

While many Asian American commenters said they appreciated Kristof’s attempt to clarify his points, the post likely befuddled others. What could be objectionable, after all, about a column representing as fact the achievements of Asian immigrants in America? But to many Asian Americans, the column’s opening gambit isn’t just awkward. It’s offensive — and dangerous. - Read more at:

The report above quotes Kristof as saying, “My column last weekend on Asian-Americans sparked lots of conversation and criticism,” he wrote, addressing at length the various objections to and interpretations of the column. “Thanks for joining the conversation, whether you were patting me on the back or whacking me over the head.”

In his column, in which he discusses factors that contribute to the “Asian Advantage,” Kristof wrote as an opening, and to which many Asian Americans took offense: THIS is an awkward question, but here goes: Why are Asian-Americans so successful in America? Later in his column, he continues:

“So the Asian advantage, Nisbett argues, isn’t intellectual firepower as such, but how it is harnessed. Some disagree, but I’m pretty sure that one factor is East Asia’s long Confucian emphasis on education. […] There’s also evidence that Americans believe that A’s go to smart kids, while Asians are more likely to think that they go to hard workers....” - Read more at:

Many responded to Kristof's column, and among these is an article by Sahra Vang Nguyen, who wrote: There is no "Asian Advantage" -- there are only skewed stats to purport the model minority myth and a divide within the racial justice movement.[...] First off, when people say "Asian American," please remember that this describes a massive conglomerate of 48 countries, with distinct cultural differences and political histories in the United States (from exploited railroad labor, to the brain drain, to war refugees). - Read more at: 

In another article, Asian American students explain how the 'model minority' tag does not accurately picture their particular situations.

“I’m Chinese American, studying economics at an Ivy League school, good at piano, class valedictorian from high school. I guess you could say I fit the model minority myth,” she says. “My aspirations are not culturally programmed. I have struggled with anxiety, fought with my parents about my future and faced microaggressions growing up in rural America,” Zhang says.

Katie Zdunek, a journalism major at Western Kentucky University, agrees. “These stereotypes negate individual needs, talents, and experiences. It’s demeaning!” Zdunek says. - Read more: 

  

Asian Americans have raised their voices against being labeled as a 'model minority' time and time again, yet the tag remains. Aside from the fact that Asian Americans come from diverse ethnic and cultural groups, and therefore, the phrase overlooks the struggles within each of these diverse subgroups, the phrase also “justify oppressive racial structures,” one article notes.

The “model minority” stereotype distorts the causality of differential academic and career success among various minority groups. A failure to succeed is attributed to inherent flaws within the character of an individual or the minority group as a whole. However, the historical facts indicate that the structuring of U.S. policy (mostly by white males) – be it through the Immigration Act, NAFTA or slavery – heavily determined the success of any given minority group. Likewise, structural discrimination against African Americans and Latinos in prison sentencing, employment and police brutality today is ignored in favor of blame-the-victim explanations promoted by the “model minority” ideology. - Read more at:

Thus, if the phrase carries negative implications and perpetuates unjust structures, policies, and discrimination, is it not indeed time for such myth to be dismantled? Is this diversity working? You may share your thoughts with us.

DiversityWorking.com, the largest diversity job board online, is a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Through DiversityWorking.com, you can post jobs for veterans who can readily fill your diversity and equal employment opportunity requirements. Visit DiversityWorking.com now.

Middle School Election Results Held Up For Winners Not Diverse, Principal Says

Diversity or democracy?

This has been the question raised partly in protest of a middle school principal's delaying the recently held student election, saying the winners are not diverse enough.

It is also a question that has opened discussions on the influence of race/race issues in politics - in schools and outside.

When San Francisco middle school principal Lena Van Haren saw which kids on her campus had been elected to the student council, she was disturbed at the lack of diversity among the winners. There were no Latino or black candidates chosen for the top four spots. - Read more at:

The incident happened at Everett Middle School in San Francisco’s Mission District. The voting was held Oct. 10, but the principal sent an email to parents on Oct. 14 saying the results would not be released because the candidates that were elected as a whole do not represents the diversity that exists at the school…. - Read more at: 

  

According to the above report by The Washington Post, school principal Haren said that her school consists of 80 percent students of color and 20 percent white students, yet the results of the election did not show enough representation of the student population. “That is concerning to me because as principal I want to make sure all voices are heard from all backgrounds,” Van Haren said…., the WP continues.

Reports also say this action angered many students and parents, and there are those who did not agree with that particular move by the principal, who according to reports eventually announce the election results on Monday after pressure from parents and the district administration.

Opinion writers also disagree with the prinicpal's action, including the writer of the WP article, Eugene Volokh: And exactly what “learning experience” would the children get this way, whether about racial tolerance or democracy?

I’m inclined to say, by the way, that attempting to “add positions in an effort to be more equal” by (presumably) filling them with children of a particular race would likely violate the Equal Protection Clause and federal civil rights law. 

  

From a Fox News article: "The problem, it appears, is that the principal didn’t like who got the most votes. In other words – too many white kids got elected.[...]“This is complex, but as a parent and a principal, I truly believe it behooves us to be thoughtful about our next steps here so we have a diverse student council that is truly representative of all voices at Everett,” she wrote in a message to moms and dads.

So the principal seems to think that boys and girls should vote for representatives based on the color of their skin and not the content of their character?"

The same article above also mentions a student's reaction: “I feel like it is disrespectful to all the people who were running,” student Sebastian Kaplan told television station KRON. “The whole school voted for those people, so it is not like people rigged the game, but in a way – now it is kind of being rigged.”

From one parent, as reported by the SFGate article above, reacted: “The thing that’s so frustrating to me, as a parent and an engaged citizen, is you release the results and then you form committees,” David said. “How can you say, ‘In the name of social justice, we’re going to withhold election results’?”

Another parent says that school officials should have decided, prior to the election and students’ campaigns, how they wanted to ensure the election results would be more diverse. [...]“So if we can’t teach them the right way of how it’s supposed to work, then we are really letting our kids down,” Gutierrez said. “My heart goes out to the kids because they’re confused still about what’s the issue.” - Read more here: 

It seems like from the different news curated above, the principal's action -- which she resorted to if only to highlight the value of diversity -- is deemed bad for democracy, bad for the students, bad for school politics.

Here are some questions to ponder. We invite our readers to share their thoughts.

Now, is this diversity working at all?

In the business world, and other sectors of society, diversity is already being realized as a good value to pursue, because the pursuit of diversity promotes inclusion, thus help in the eradication of discrimination of any form.

Why do you think the principal's intention to have an elected student council as diverse as the school's student population stirred negative reactions?

  

What makes people feel strongly against diversity?

What are some ways to show diversity's working in a democracy?

This article is the 1st of a series on the topic, "Is Diversity Working?"

DiversityWorking.com, the largest diversity job board online, is a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Through DiversityWorking.com, you can post jobs for veterans who can readily fill your diversity and equal employment opportunity requirements. Visit DiversityWorking.com now.

 

Compass Group North America, Diversity-Committed, To Be Awarded with Diversity Leadership Award for Corporations

Compass Group North America, the leading foodservice management and support services company, and a recent addition to DiversityWorking's prestigious list of diversity company partners, is indeed diversity-committed, staying true to one of its guiding principles: Developing our People and Valuing Diversity.

As such, it has been recognized for its diversity and inclusion efforts, and is to be awarded with the Diversity Leadership Award for Corporations by the Society for Diversity, an organization that acknowledges corporations, non-profits, educational institutions and individuals who have exceptional practices and define the leadership standard for diversity and inclusion. […] - See more at:

The company's winning attitude towards diversity and inclusion is reflected in dealing with its people who find themselves openly accepted and valued for their contribution. They all work as a team to create a work environment that is challenging and provides the opportunities and support for everyone to develop, learn and succeed.

These are the values the company and its people live by helping each and everyone establish Compass Group as a reputable name in the industry:

• Openness, Trust and Integrity;
• Passion for Quality;
• Win Through Teamwork;
• Responsibility ;
• Can-do
  

These values and the other Compass Groups' guiding principles, which also include Safety, Health and Environment First; Delivering for Clients and Consumers, among others, remind each one in the company of their mission: “to consistently delivering superior service in the most efficient way, for the shared benefit of our customers, shareholders and associates.”

True enough, Compass Group North America has consistently grown though all the years since it began in 1994, with more than 220,000 associates in all 50 states, ten provinces and two territories. And it is still on its way to greater success.

DiversityWorking.com, the largest diversity job board online, is a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Through DiversityWorking.com, you can post jobs for veterans who can readily fill your diversity and equal employment opportunity requirements. Visit DiversityWorking.com now.

IHG Execs Calls for Cooperation As Company Continues Expansion

The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's established names in the hotel industry continues its expansion, as it adds more hotels and locations to its portfolio. To ensure greater success as it meets the demands of the time, its corporate leaders have called for cooperation among its franchisees.

The executive leadership of InterContinental Hotels Group preached the need for cooperation with franchisees during the first day of the 2015 IHG Americas Owners Conference Wednesday, according to Hotel News Now. The report also mentions four areas wherein its excutives have seen the need for cooperation: technology, loyalty, quality assurance, and revenue management. It likewise quotes IHG's CEO Richard Solomons: “When we think and act as one, we’re unstoppable,” Solomons said. “We need one another. Not just as business owners and hotel owners, but as real people.” - See more at: 

HospitalityNet reports on one of IHG's expansions: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of four Holiday Inn Express® hotels in Germany in four key cities, reinforcing the company's strong position in the German market.

According to this report, IHG has at present the largest share in Germany's branded hotel market with ove 4,400 rooms, based on figures gathered on June 30, 2015. - Read more at:

Another IHG expansion announced through a press release involves the joint venture of Noble Investment Group ("Noble") and IHG to develop a dual-branded EVEN^® Hotels and Staybridge Suites^® hotel in downtown Seattle. The nine-story building, expected to open in mid-2017, will be located at the intersection of Mercer Street and Fairview Avenue North adjacent to the Amazon urban campus in the rapidly growing South Lake Union area. This new dual-branded hotel will be the first EVEN Hotels property on the West coast and the third Staybridge Suites property in the Seattle market. - Read more:

The West Coast’s first hotel under InterContinental Hotels Group’s new Even brand is scheduled to open in Seattle in 2017. A 123-room Even hotel and a 112-room Staybridge Suites will be part of a development in Seattle’s South Lake Union district. - See more at:

The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is one of DiversityWorking.com's long-time prestigious diversity company partners.

DiversityWorking.com, the largest diversity job board online, is a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Through DiversityWorking.com, you can post jobs for veterans who can readily fill your diversity and equal employment opportunity requirements. Visit DiversityWorking.com now.

Microsoft Launching of Surface Book Brings PC Industry Out from Slumps

Microsoft Corporation is stirring things up in the world of personal computers with the recent launching early this week of Surface Book, the company's first laptop, together with its other products that includes the smartphones Lumia 950 and Lumia 950XL. At the same time, it is set to open its new NYC superstore later this month.

According to an article by Nick Wingfield of the New York Times, Microsoft' s mission to rev up the PC industry seems to be getting positive results and bringing optimism at a time when people are mostly keeping on with their old PCs and turning more to mobile devices for their computing needs.

“Initiatives like Surface and Surface Book have helped the industry wake up and say, ‘We’ve got to make the industry cool and sexy again,’” said Frank Azor, executive director and general manager of Dell’s XPS line of PCs.

The stated reason that Microsoft got into the PC hardware business three years ago, with the original Surface, was not to put PC companies out of business. The company said the goal was to better illustrate the capabilities of its software, providing devices that would inspire PC makers to be more innovative. - Read more at:

In its own article, International Business Times also tells of how Microsoft is giving Apple and other PC makers strong, healthy competition. Microsoft on Tuesday left little doubt it plans to remake itself in the mold of archrival Apple, introducing a number of sleek, artfully crafted devices that rival and, in some cases, surpass the best Tim Cook and company have produced this year, including the iPhone 6S and iPad Pro. It’s the clearest sign yet that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella sees hardware as integral to his company’s future as software is, and he is bent on creating an ecoystem that extends from smartphones and tablets to apps and the cloud. [...]“We’re making great progress toward the aspiration we shared with you in January,” said Nadella, in his customary black shirt and jeans, at an event in midtown Manhattan. “Moving people from needing Windows, to choosing Windows, to loving Windows.” - Read more at:

Microsoft’s new flagship store along New York City’s famed Fifth Avenue is certainly massive, though significantly less jawdropping than Apple’s iconic location just five blocks away.

The store is set to open on Oct. 26, the same day Microsoft will begin selling a slew of devices the company announced at a press event on Tuesday. - Read more at:

Microsoft is one of DiversityWorking.com's long-time prestigious diversity company partners.

DiversityWorking.com, the largest diversity job board online, is a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Through DiversityWorking.com, you can post jobs for veterans who can readily fill your diversity and equal employment opportunity requirements. Visit DiversityWorking.com now.

DiversityWorking.com Announces Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) As New Diversity Company Member

DiversityWorking.com a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace, is pleased to announce the inclusion of Silicon Valley Bank, to its prestigious list of diversity company members.

Named by Forbes one of America’s best banks (2015) and one of America’s best-managed companies (2014), as well as one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For, Silicon Valley Bank provides targeted financial services and expertise through its offices in innovation centers around the world. It was established in 1983, and for over 30 years, has been a strong leader in the industry, helping innovative companies and their investors move bold ideas forward, fast.

A great part of its success lies in its unified team with diverse talents, passionate about ideas and driven to make a difference who work in a welcoming and collaborative environment, a safe and healthy workplace, organizational transparency, and attractive compensation. Thus, SVB is recognized a great place to work.

In its continual search for engaged, able and qualified employees, Silicon Valley Bank has partnered with DiversityWorking.com, whose mission is to help companies promote their jobs, build their brand and send targeted and qualified diversity candidates directly to the best jobs possible.

To know more about Silicon Valley Bank and its job opportunities, please click here.

DiversityWorking.com Announces Compass Group North America as New Diversity Company Member

DiversityWorking.com, a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace, is pleased to announce Compass Group North America as one of its newest diversity company members. Compass Group USA is the leading foodservice management and support services company which began operations in the USA in 1994, and with headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Through the years, it has built its good reputation and established a strong foothold not only in the US, but also in Canada as well, serving eight million meals a day, and with more than 220,000 associates in all 50 states, ten provinces and two territories.

Working dedicatedly towards its vision to be a world-class provider of contract foodservice and support services, renowned for our great people, our great service, and our great results, Compass Group North America has indeed been recognized as such. Among the many honors it has received is being named by the National Business Group on Health as One of Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

It has also been recognized for its commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. Compass Group is a diversity growth-oriented organization, committed to providing equal growth opportunities for its associates. In its search for the best, dedicated diverse talents, it has partnered with DiversityWorking.com, whose mission is to help companies promote their jobs, build their brand and send targeted and qualified diversity candidates directly to the best jobs possible.

To know more about Compass Group North America and its job opportunities, please click here.

Harmony of Diversity Marked Pope's US Visit

In the aftermath of Pope Francis' six-day visit to the U.S., one of the striking imprints he must have left in the hearts of many is the 'harmony of diversity' brought to the fore in many of the papal events and in his speeches.

One of these events was the interfaith religious ceremony held at the ground zero site at the 9/11 Museum in lower New York. New York City is nothing if not bold and we, its residents, are nothing if not in your face about our beliefs. This service was a New York City in-your-face gracious presentation that showed the world not only what we are, but also who we are. The news commentators on MSNBC kept pointing out the diversity of New York City, and so, of course did the pope. This event was organized precisely to show the harmony in diversity, which actually does work in New York, writes Jo-Ann Mort in her article on Haaretz. - Read more at:

Other events that highlighted Pope Francis' message of inclusive love which made a big impact on those who witnessed this included his visits to member of minority groups, such as people with disabilities.

Janice L. Benton helped plan participation by people with disabilities in the pope's events in Washington and Philadelphia.[...]"The church was vibrant with diversity" at the Serra Mass, and "inclusive of all gifts and abilities. The entire 'family' was at the table together," said Mary O'Meara, executive director of the archdiocesan Department of Special Needs Ministries. "Persons with disabilities were welcomed, valued and celebrated," she said later in a statement.- Read more at:

In one of his homilies, delivered during the Mass at Madison Square Garden in New York, the Pope spoke of and praised the richness of diversity of large cities.

During his homily, he praised large cities like New York for their diversity but also said their size can make people feel alienated unless they allow God to bring them together.

“Living in a big city is not always easy. Yet big cities are a reminder of the hidden riches present in our world, in the diversity of its cultures, traditions and historical experiences. In the variety of its languages, costumes and cuisine,” he said. - Read more at:

The Pope also expressed his strong support for immigrants in the U.S.

"Do not be discouraged by whatever challenges and hardships you face," the pope told the many Hispanics and other recent immigrants in the crowd on Saturday, adding that he felt "particular affection" toward them.

During his first visit to the country, the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics on Thursday had urged Americans in a historic speech to Congress to reject "a mindset of hostility" toward immigrants. - Read more at:

DiversityWorking.com, the largest diversity job board online, is a career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Through DiversityWorking.com, you can post jobs for veterans who can readily fill your diversity and equal employment opportunity requirements. Visit DiversityWorking.com now.