How do you reply to a classmate about Inclusion at work starts with how we treat ourselves. The chapter "Creating Inclusion for Oneself: Knowing, Accepting, and Expressing One's Whole Self at Work" (Ferdman & Roberts, 2014) explains we first need to understand what makes up our own identity. This includes explicit characteristics like race, ethnicity, sex, etc., as well as cultural characteristics like how we were raised, gender and more. When we feel personally comfortable in the workplace, we feel better and are also better able to connect with others. But being authentic isn't easy and there are many reasons why people may be reluctant to show up as their authentic selves, especially in the workplace. We take our cues from the way others around us act. That is why establishing a culture of trust and inclusivity is so important. We want to encourage people to bring their unique experiences and perspectives to the workplace without fear of judgment or criticism, because that is the best way to generate innovative ideas. When only a few people are ever willing to talk, it stifles innovation. In my work, it is very important that people feel willing to express themselves fully because many of our team members have important lived experience that connects to the residents we serve. For example, the majority of our philanthropic investments are focused on the city of Detroit, which is 77% Black. One of my team members is a Black woman who was born and raised in Detroit, attend