About 15 years ago, I was working for the CIO of our division who recently had gotten promoted to CIO for the corporation. He came to my desk with the Annual Report and showed me the picture of the Senior Executive Team and asked me what was wrong with the picture. I said, "There's no diversity." "Wow!" he said, "I never thought of it that way. I meant to show you that I wasn't in the picture because my promotion hadn't been announced yet. But I see your point. There is all old white men in this picture. I would just be another old white man to add to the group." And yes, he did use the term "old white men". It cracked me up. The next year, he came to me with the picture in the Annual Report. They had hired an African-American woman to be the head of HR and he was in the picture. The funny thing is they had her front and center in the picture too. I teased him that they still needed to do better in diversity than trying to wrap two minority categories into one position.
Where this leads, I am so proud today to see that and old white man is not leading this country. On top of him being African-American (or really biracial, which I think is even better) I feel like I can identify with him as he's only a little older than me, is married and has children my daughter's age. It's also amazing to see the country being so excited about this historic moment. We actually had the Inauguration on at work today in one of the conference rooms that has a TV. I thought he gave an excellent speech and I thought his little flub at the beginning of the swearing in gave authenticity to how nervous I'm sure he was. Everyone is watching him. May God bless him and our country and guide our new president to do what is right.
Where this leads, I am so proud today to see that and old white man is not leading this country. On top of him being African-American (or really biracial, which I think is even better) I feel like I can identify with him as he's only a little older than me, is married and has children my daughter's age. It's also amazing to see the country being so excited about this historic moment. We actually had the Inauguration on at work today in one of the conference rooms that has a TV. I thought he gave an excellent speech and I thought his little flub at the beginning of the swearing in gave authenticity to how nervous I'm sure he was. Everyone is watching him. May God bless him and our country and guide our new president to do what is right.
Comments
(I wrote the foll. on another blog--but wanted to share here as well, since it was a summary of my take of the day)
Beyond the historical significance, the whole process -- from the very reverent and peaceful transfer of power, to the swearing in, and especially the prayers (Rick Warren) for a nation.
All these reaffirmed my belief in all that is America-- its unending journey to better itself, to right past and present wrongs and its constant progression toward a more perfect union.
I never take it lightly what a blessed country it is.
Anna