Littler Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Podcast

In the first of a two-part podcast celebrating Black History Month, Littler associates Jason Byrd (New York) and Jo Gbujama(San Francisco) talk with licensed clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Adia Gooden, about the impact of systemic health inequity on Black Americans, and the importance of self-advocacy and being heard when it comes to resolving health issues.

In the weeks leading up to and during the historic confirmation hearings of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, the first Black female justice was repeatedly recognized by a number of senators for being so “articulate” while being questioned. The “compliment” resonated at the same frequency as fingernails screeching across a chalkboard for many listeners. Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her special guest, Professor Inte’a DeShields: -- Unpack the cultural context of the word “articulate” - Discuss why the word is viewed as a linguistic aggression for Blacks and African-Americans - Consider the word’s relationship to “code-switching” and “racial bilingualism” - Provide a framework for analyzing the appropriateness of the word’s use and more suitable alternatives - Examine different strategies for responding to the “compliment” – particularly in workplace scenarios where there is an interest in preserving the relationship This podcast offers an in-depth discussion about how and why such a seemingly straightforward word has such a bruising impact for so many.

There has been a recent, dramatic rise in antisemitism in the United States. In this podcast, David Goldman, the Executive Director and General Counsel of Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco, shares his perspective on how this trend is impacting our communities and workplaces, and offers some practical insights as to how the development of a shared understanding, along with a combination of empathy and meaningful policy implementation, can contribute to a more respect-based coexistence as we move forward.

In continued celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Littler shareholder Alyesha Asghar speaks with associates Alan Persaud and Grace Waddell about their experience in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Pathfinders Program and the inclusive community of legal professionals they joined by participating.

In this episode of our Women’s History Month podcast series, Conversations with Women, Melissa Cee, Littler’s Chief Talent Officer talks with three Littler attorneys – Lori Brown, Angela Healy, and Lisa Kathumbi – who recently rejoined the firm and how their experiences were shaped by the women who supported their individual journeys.