May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to not only honor the influence and contributions of these communities, but also to acknowledge the challenges they face. A recent study of the effects of the COVID pandemic on the AAPI community reported that these people groups, “faced negative health and economic consequences, as well as an increase in incidents of hate…” Even with the pandemic in our rearview, these communities are still suffering the consequences of racism and systemic barriers that are keeping them from quality health care.

Fortunately, there are several major brands that are stepping up to support the AAPI community. In Simply Good, explore Spotify’s AAPI content hub, designed to celebrate Asian voices and influencers. The collection also highlights podcasters and content that tackle challenging topics like racism and xenophobia, as well as share ways to take action.

Discussions about race are not the only hard conversations we need to be having, however. May is also National Mental Health Month, and although it’s been observed for 74 years, a stigma still exists for those living with mental illness – especially in the workplace. In Simply Diversity, I share a dear friend’s experience with mental illness in the workplace, as well as provide two focus areas to help ensure your organization provides a psychologically safe place for your employees.

“But Stacey,” you might be thinking, “I know these conversations are important. I just don’t know how to start them!” In the newest segment of the Rework Work newsletter, Rework Workspace, shares details of my Unconscious Inclusion resource, created to give you and your team the tools to talk about DEI issues in productive and impactful ways.

While we’re on the subject of impact, I’m hoping that what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. Check out What’s Happening for more details about the upcoming SHRM Annual conference!