At Mission Met, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) aren't just buzzwords; they're the compass guiding our ship. We're not content to merely talk about these principles; we're committed to putting them into action and sharing our journey with you, our readers. (Speaking of which, let's rewind a bit and peek into how we crafted our very first DEIJ statement.)

Recently, we took a significant leap forward by rolling out our inaugural DEIJ training session for our team. This wasn't just another mandatory workshop; it was a step toward cultivating a culture of inclusivity and justice within our organization. Each team member is tasked with exploring a topic close to their heart, linking it back to DEIJ principles, and sharing their findings with the rest of us.

The Topic: Project Management

Our first session was led by Myk Reyes, our virtual executive assistant based in Asia. He dove into the key concepts of project management, intertwining DEIJ considerations. Myk, the backbone of our administrative support system, decided to broaden his horizons by delving into project management. He saw an opportunity to marry his newfound knowledge with DEIJ principles to empower underrepresented groups.

To continue his education and to inform this presentation, Myk embarked on a project management course to bolster his skills, eyeing a future as a project manager. Along the way, he realized that integrating DEIJ practices into project management could be a game-changer. From enhancing creativity and innovation to improving risk management, the benefits were crystal clear. Myk also discovered tangible ways project managers could prioritize DEIJ, from diversifying team composition to fostering open communication and celebrating diversity.

One quote that resonated with Myk was, "The more diverse our team, the better our ideas will be, the better our work will be, and the more we’ll learn from each other." It reinforced the importance of infusing DEIJ into project management methodologies.

As a prospective project manager, Myk is eager to explore strategies for fostering equity and belonging in diverse teams while tackling biases head-on. His goal? To become a collaborative leader who brings out the best in every team member.

Key Takeaways

We’ve captured some highlights from our first training in DEIJ-infused project management below, and you can also check out the DEIJ and Project Management presentation slides.

1. Project Management Fundamentals: We revisited the ABCs of project management, emphasizing its critical role in accountability and risk management.

2. The Project Lifecycle: From initiation to closure, we navigated through the five phases, understanding the importance of flexibility and adaptability.

3. Project Management Methodologies and DEIJ Integration: We explored how agile methodologies align seamlessly with DEIJ principles, fostering inclusivity and collaboration.

4. Unlocking Potential with DEIJ: By intertwining DEIJ into project management processes, we unlock creativity, innovation, and equitable treatment.

5. Personal Reflections on DEIJ: We heard heartfelt stories from our team, underscoring the transformative power of DEIJ in both professional and personal spheres.

Looking Ahead

As we chart our course forward, we're excited about upcoming topics like unconscious bias, diversity in marketing, increasing inclusivity while consulting, and much more. Our commitment to DEIJ remains unwavering, and we invite you to join us in working toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world.

As always, we’ll be sharing upcoming presentations and what we learn. We’re looking forward to writing to you again next month.