Why Language Matters

Colorism is treating someone differently due to the hue of their skin tone. Typically it's the preference for light skin over dark skin, and is reflected in beauty standards, hiring practices, and many other of our societal systems. This typically results in people who have a darker skin tone being treated with prejudice or discrimination, but we'll hear from our guests about all different types of colorism that they've experienced. 

Join a conversation with Badiana, Sam, and Thomas from Sunrun's Black+ ERG. They'll discuss their thoughts on Black representation in America, and the experiences that have shaped them. 

Learn about Lunar New Year from members of our Asian+ ERG. They tell us about their favorite foods and traditions during this special time for so many. 

What are ‘gender roles', how do they affect us, and why are they even a thing? Join our discussion with Joel, Badiana, Markus, Phish, and Ro to explore how we think about masculinity, gender roles, and how we present ourselves in today's world.

The words we use make a difference in how we make others feel. But if we don't know much about each other's culture or experiences, it's difficult to know which words are best to choose.Join a conversation with Michelle and learn about how she was able to rise up and success in her job and family life, despite tough lessons, barriers, and trauma.

The words we use make a difference in how we make others feel. But if we don't know much about the other person's culture or experiences, it's difficult to know which words are best to choose. Cultural Conversations are safe and interactive events for you to learn about fellow Sunrunners, their culture, and their lived experiences.Join us in a conversation with Deanna while she tells her inspirational story of overcoming obstacles and becoming a self-made entrepreneur by leaning into her familial and cultural roots. 

The words we use make a difference in how we make others feel. But if we don't know much about the other person's culture or experiences, it's difficult to know which words are best to choose. Cultural Conversations are safe and interactive events for you to learn about fellow Sunrunners, their culture, and their lived experiences.Join our conversation with Kenzie, who created a Queer Theater group to expand the queer narrative and tell stories of the LGBTQ community more authentically. 

The words we use make a difference in how we make others feel. But if we don't know much about the other person's culture or experiences, it's difficult to know which words are best to choose. Cultural Conversations are safe and interactive events for you to learn about fellow Sunrunners, their culture, and their lived experiences.Join our conversation with Ro Murdock- a self-proclaimed Star Trek nerd who has recently discovered who they can be and the impact they can make just by being themselves!

The words we use make a difference in how we make others feel. But if we don't know much about the other person's culture or experiences, it's difficult to know which words are best to choose. Cultural Conversations are safe and interactive events for you to learn about fellow Sunrunners, their culture, and their lived experiences.Join our conversation with Badiana Badio, a first-generation Haitian American who wears flower crowns, loves dogs, has a passion for helping people feel like they belong, and so much more! 

The words we use make a difference in how we make others feel. But if we don't know much about the other person's culture or experiences, it's difficult to know which words are best to choose. Cultural Conversations are safe and interactive events for you to learn about fellow Sunrunners, their culture, and their lived experiences.Join our conversation with Cathy Oh, a first-generation Korean American who loves kpop, tacos, miniatures, and so much more! 

We've been collectively traumatized by the events of the last 15 months. Now that COVID cases are dropping and vaccinations are out, restrictions are being lifted, and people are excited to get back to their “normal” life again. But what does that look like? How will we get there? And how will we make sure we're bringing everyone with us into a more aware, safe, and inclusive world? Join us to hear our perspectives on what the new "normal" will look like to each of us, and how we think we might get there without damaging relationships. 

Juneteenth, Freedom Day, or Emancipation Day, serves as a celebration of freedom for Black people who had been unjustly and cruely enslaved in the United States. Join Markus, Emmitt, Charesse, Bejeray, and O'Rob in discussing and celebrating Black & African American history, culture and its influence on today's world.

Pride+ explores the reclamation of the word “Queer”, what the word “Pride” means to differing people,  other terminology and definitions found in the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as how to be a great ally to all members of this community. Join us in a celebratory episode for Pride Month.

In this episode, we're connecting with people from all walks of life to assist in creating an episode dedicated to highlighting our collective stories. 

Microaggressions are the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership. In this episode, we hear from members of our Asian+ employee resource group about the microaggressions they experience as members of the Asian community in a post COVID-19 world. 

What's the difference between Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, and Emotional Support Animals?  Where are they each allowed to go (in public), and why is it important to use the right term?Join us with Eric - long time dog trainer - to learn about the differences and how to get the right training for your pet or working dog. 

In today's episode - The “R” Word - we talk about a common slur that's been used, and normalized, for decades. It's a word that might be so deeply ingrained in your vocabulary, that you don't know the painful history and feelings it evokes from so many people. 

Gendered language is commonly understood as language that has a bias towards a particular sex or social gender. So, why in 2021 are we still using these types of words? Join Nicolle, Badiana, Hilary, Sarah, and Caroline in a discussion about how gendered language affects us, and how to make small changes to be more inclusive. 

What's different about being a woman in sales? Join Badiana and our guests Liz, Rena, and Trista as they share their experience as a women in sales, the mentors and allies they've found helpful in their career, and tips they have for women new to, or thinking about pursuing a career in sales. 

Have you been taught to not see the color of people's skin? Do you find it uncomfortable and difficult to engage in conversations about race in America? If you're wondering why our title is called "The Dangers of Colorblind Thinking", you may find this episode impactful and useful in changing the way you think, and talk about race. 

2020 quickly became the year of unprecedented events. What we've experienced the last 12 months has been nothing short of traumatic and it's natural to be feeling grief or loss right now- grief for those that have been hurt, or have passed away, loss for a life we had planned on living last year, and even this year. With so many people in pain, we decided to dedicate this session to grief and loss- how we experience it, the different ways it can manifest itself, and how we can help others who are in the grieving process. 

What is Code Switching, why do we do it, and what are the costs and benefits? Join our conversation where we discuss real-world experiences and outcomes. 

Join Hilary, Badiana, Markus, Phish, and Nicolle as we discuss how small actions and choices can make your friends and colleagues feel safer and more included with your use of pronouns.