Some fun excerpts from the applications of the three Republicans chosen
Andersen:
My children's preschool taught inclusion and respect in simple terms and led by example. When my oldest child went to elementary school, diversity was respected but not prioritized. Building on my experiences of seeing the benefit to the community when all voices are heard, I used the opportunity of my volunteer work to increase and support respect for diversity. My work has included adding: appreciation of all religions in class activities; an anti-bullying training into faculty and school curriculum; an acceptance of learning differences in college prep school; and a mandatory, all-inclusive family unit into curriculum. The family unit work evolved into a standing Diversity Committee and NIA, supporting students of color. I am pleased to say that for many years now, that same school has diversity as part of its mission.
Financial Contribution
Date of Contribution, if known*12/31/2018
Organization*NARAL Pro-Choice America
Location*Washington, D.C.
Amount*$300.00
Financial Contribution
Date of Contribution, if known*12/31/2018
Organization*Nature Conservancy
Location*Arlington, VA
Amount*$257.50
Fornaciari:
Neal exhibited this same alignment of values and behavior with respect to diversity and inclusion (D&I). Sandia executives recognized the value of having a diverse workforce and creating a culture where all members of the population were included (had a voice, shared a sense of belonging, and were valued for their contributions). It took people like Neal to do the hard work of making progress. Neal participated very early in Sandia's D&I initiative with intensive training for corporate executives. He quickly became an advocate and leader in a very positive, non-adversarial way. In one case involving my organization, I initiated an intervention to understand intense dissatisfaction that some workers in my organization were having in their work with another organization. Neal identified gender and race as contributing factors in the conflict. He took the lead in bringing in a D&I workshop specifically for white male management - providing a safe space for exploring bias and exclusion, and the negative impact they have on motivation and performance. This was followed up with workshops for the broader population. These interventions and workshops contributed to greater understanding of and value for diverse perspectives and behaviors. Ultimately, the working relationships between individuals and organizations improved significantly. Our staffs now were included in working sessions - by invitation and by participation. Neal was not at the top of the hierarchical ladder, and his relationships with the management in the other organization were of critical importance, but he demonstrated courage and integrity in confronting the problem and helping to resolve such difficult issues. His passion and commitment for diversity and inclusion were evidenced by his continuing role as a leader in the D&I initiative across Sandia, a voluntary activity.
Taylor:
To employ a euphemism, the diversity of California can be understood through its food. I could not imagine life without Mexican food or Italian cuisine. I appreciate when my friends or coworkers bring lumpia as well as egg rolls and share their family traditions. I enjoy experiencing Ethiopian food in Los Angeles, the historic delicatessens of the Fairfax district and the Spanish food of San Diego. I attended college in Georgia in the early '90s and at the time the state had a burgeoning Latino community but not to the extent of California. While I was at college, I missed the diversity that was common in my home state. I missed the sounds, the smells, and the culture. Exposure was a key that was lacking. I was, and we all are, better individuals because of the diversity in our lives. That diversity is to be appreciated and respected.
