Month: May 2024

Maximus is proud to be recognized as a VETS Indexes 5 Star Employer in the 2024 VETS Indexes Employer Awards. This marks the third consecutive year we have been honored by VETS Indexes for our commitment to supporting veterans and the military-connected community. We’re proud of our dedication to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting military veterans and their families and fostering an inclusive workplace that values the unique skills and experiences they bring to our organization.

“The extraordinary efforts of Maximus to hire, retain and support veterans and the military-connected community have earned the organization one of our highest awards,” said George Altman, president of VETS Indexes.

“Competition for the VETS Indexes Employer Awards was tougher than ever in 2024, as a record number of organizations participated. Even with hundreds of employers in the running, the veterans program at Maximus stood out from the rest. Congratulations to Maximus on this outstanding achievement!” Altman said.

Learn more about Maximus’ commitment to veterans and their families in the 2023 Sustainability Report.

Year-round, Comcast NBCUniversal is dedicated to showcasing the far-reaching impact on culture and society made by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. The month of May marks a special moment for us to further amplify AANHPI stories on-screen and beyond to celebrate the rich diversity of the Asian diaspora and spotlight its groundbreaking contributions to media, entrepreneurship, digital equity, education, and more.

Xfinity

Xfinity TV customers can access thousands of hours of high-quality Asian and Asian American entertainment in one curated destination via Xfinity On Demand. This year’s editorial collection theme is “Ascend,” symbolizing and celebrating the AANHPI community’s continuous efforts to rise, move forward, and expand representation on and off screen, with thoughtfully selected programming highlighting critically acclaimed and award-winning shows and films showcasing Asian talent and stories.

Special guest editors including Lee Sung Jin, director of the mega-hit series BEEF; Sarayu Blue; Malia Pyles; and Gordon Cormier offer their curations of must-see viewing recommendations. Joining the collection for the first time this year are curations from our impact partners including Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), and Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), as well as recommended selections from Comcast’s Asian Pacific Americans Employee Resource Group.

For the fourth consecutive year, Comcast is collaborating with Gold House, the nonprofit collective of Asian founders, creators, and leaders dedicated to more authentic multicultural representation and societal equity. This exclusive collaboration includes AANHPI movie and TV recommendations to watch this month and the prestigious Gold House A100 List featuring high-impact cultural leaders and changemakers. We are also partnering with Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) and are proud to present seven complimentary independent AANHPI films through the collaboration with CAAMFest.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Gold House, the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), and our impact partners in celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month to offer our customers even more curated content this year than ever before,” said Caroline Kim, Senior Director, Multicultural Video & Entertainment, Xfinity Consumer Services.

As one of the nation’s largest distributors of multicultural programming, we are passionate about celebrating the AANHPI community year-round, with a special emphasis during this culturally important time of year to highlight the best and most diverse AANHPI programming and entertainment available to our customers.

CAROLINE KIM
Senior Director, Multicultural Video & Entertainment, Xfinity Consumer Services

Customers can also check out new networks available on the platform including AsianCrush and RetroCrush, and enable a new feature on X1 called Themes that allows them to customize the look of their device with a lucky cat, hibiscus, or yoga icons.

To supplement our collection of entertainment during AANHPI Heritage Month, on the week of April 29th, Hi-YAH! and KOCOWA were part of “Free this Week,” a program we launched last year that delivers customers more value by unlocking a new selection of free content each week from top streaming services and premium networks, with no strings attached.

All year long, Xfinity TV customers can browse and easily access this collection by saying “Asian American” into the Xfinity Voice Remote. The collection is available on Xfinity X1, Xfinity Stream, Xfinity Flex and Xumo Stream Box.

Comcast Newsmakers

This May, Comcast Newsmakers is spotlighting champions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities with new interviews focused on efforts to improve access to post-secondary education and expand leadership opportunities for AANHPI women. Featured guests include Noël Harmon of APIA Scholars and Sue Ann Hong of the Center for Asian Pacific American Women (CAPAW). Watch the interviews online, or say “Comcast Newsmakers” into your Xfinity Voice Remote.

NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal’s “AANHPI Amplified” campaign is showcasing the power of bold voices in Asian American Pacific Islander communities. Throughout May, NBCUniversal is featuring events and programming across their portfolio of brands to honor and uplift the cultures, resilience, and powerful contributions of the AANHPI community at NBCUniversal and across the world.

Digital Equity & Social Impact

Comcast is dedicated to advancing digital equity for all through Project UP, including AANHPI communities. We’re proud to partner with local nonprofits across the country like Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, which is increasing digital literacy and inclusion by providing language education and career-development resources for AANHPI adult immigrants. Our work with the Association of Chinese Americans in the Heartland Region and Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Associations Coalition in Philadelphia supports digital skills-enhancement programs and accessibility to digital devices for AANHPI young adults and refugee communities. We’re also funding foundational digital-use programs and resources to strengthen students and underserved AANHPI communities with the Asian Counseling and Referral Service in Seattle, Asian Resources, Inc in Sacramento, and Chinese American Service League in Chicago.

Nationally, we’re teaming up with Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies to support digital inclusion initiatives and combat anti-Asian stereotypes in the media.

Our Employees

Comcast employees are celebrating AANHPI heritage across the country with local and national events exploring traditional outfits, professional development, physical and mental wellbeing, Asian cuisine, and more.

Connection Through Creation

Our Connection through Creation program highlights content creators who are using art and the Internet to create community, honor culture, and spark positive change. Stay tuned throughout the month to see inspirational artwork from Paulina Hoong and Devona Stimpson across Comcast’s social media and Xfinity platforms.

These initiatives are all part of our commitment to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and leverage our platforms to share the expansive identities of AANHPI communities and their impact on our company and country.

Devona Stimpson

Artist and muralist Devona Stimpson discusses the importance of AAPI representation in art and the impact Internet connectivity has made on her creative career. Follow her on social @devonastimpson. 
Watch the video here.

Paulina Hoong

Watercolor artist Paulina Hoong shares how growing up and working in her parents’ Chinese restaurant influenced her decision to create AAPI-inspired art. Follow her on social @menminmade.
Watch the video here.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

By Brenda Barron

Do you ever feel like a fraud, despite all the success and recognition that you have achieved? Do you worry that one day everyone will realize just how unqualified you are for your job or position? If so, then you may be experiencing impostor syndrome.

Impostor syndrome is an internal feeling of insecurity and self-doubt which can have major impacts on both your personal and professional life. It can cause mental health problems like anxiety, depression, or could even paralyze you with fear when faced with challenges.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to overcome this condition and build your confidence again. Today, we’ll explore what impostor syndrome is, its symptoms and effects, as well as ways to combat it effectively.

This post also includes insights from entrepreneurs who’ve graduated from Empower by GoDaddy, our global social impact program, equipping entrepreneurs in underserved communities with training, tools and peer networks to accelerate their journeys.

Let’s define impostor syndrome

Impostor syndrome, also called impostor phenomenon or impostorism by some, is a psychological issue in which individuals are plagued with self-doubt and insecurity despite their successes. Despite the evidence of accomplishment, they feel unable to accept credit for it.

“The cost can be high if you give in to the doubt. Opportunities cannot be gained if you don’t own and believe that you are not an imposter. It can prevent you from gaining more experience or even trying. I’ve often felt like an imposter but instead of giving up or not trying, I did try. The things I didn’t know, I learned and kept moving forward. You make your reality. If you adopt the aspects of the imposter mindset, I feel that then becomes your reality.”

— Chong Mi Land, Owner of Land of Moon and Empower by GoDaddy graduate (San Diego, CA)

Impostor Syndrome is marked by a sense of inadequacy and hesitancy, leading to distressing mental states. Those affected are often unable to recognize the part their own capabilities have in their successes, instead attributing it mostly to luck or external factors. There’s an overall sense of phoniness about one’s abilities.

And it’s not an uncommon occurrence. According to a review of numerous studies conducted by the National Library of Medicine, anywhere from 9 to 82% of those surveyed experience impostor syndrome or symptoms that could be best described as such.

Likewise, Psychology Today reports that up to 70% of adults might experience “impostorism” at some point in their lives, indicating the prevalence is quite high across all groups.

“I believe that imposter syndrome can be a barrier to achieving your full potential. Giving in to the falsehoods perpetuated by that inner critical voice can hinder the growth of your self-esteem. Personal growth often arises from learning through trial and error, and if we become fixated on our mistakes, we may miss the opportunity to turn today’s successes into even greater achievements tomorrow.”

— Tanika Nelson, Owner of Nika’s Cupcake Bar and Empower by GoDaddy graduate (Baltimore, MD)

It’s important to note that having impostor syndrome does not mean you are not capable or talented; it simply means you are struggling to recognize your own worth and achievements.

The good news is that there are ways to cope with impostor syndrome and build self-confidence. But more on that in just a bit.

The history of impostor syndrome

Impostor syndrome has been around for decades, but only recently has it become a widely discussed phenomenon. In 1978, psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes coined the term “Impostor Syndrome,” a phenomenon in which individuals with proven successes still feel inadequate or fraudulent. Since its inception, impostor syndrome has been intensely examined and is now acknowledged as an ordinary occurrence among high achievers.

The 5 types of impostor syndrome

There are five distinct types of impostor syndrome according to Valerie Ed.D, author of a book intended for high achieving women called, “The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It.” These types are centered around a variety of personality traits and include the Perfectionist, the Superhero, the Natural Genius, the Soloist, and the Expert.

The Perfectionist

This best describes someone who sets impossibly high standards for themselves and feels like they can never measure up to them. They may feel like they need to be perfect in order to be accepted or successful and put in countless hours of hard work. However, it’s often never enough and this approach to life can lead to serious burnout.

The Superhero

The Superhero is someone who takes on too much responsibility and puts pressure on themselves to do everything perfectly. They may feel like they need to do it all in order to be successful.

The Natural Genius

Now, this type is someone who believes that success comes easily for others but not for them. They may feel like they don’t have what it takes to succeed and that their accomplishments are due to luck or external factors rather than their own abilities. This can create a low sense of self-worth.

The Soloist

Also referred to as The Rugged Individualist, this type describes someone who believes that they must do everything alone in order to succeed. They may feel like asking for help will make them look weak or incompetent.

The Expert

Lastly, there’s The Expert, or someone who believes that they must know everything in order to be successful. They may feel like they need to constantly prove themselves in order to be accepted or to get ahead.

No matter which type of impostor syndrome you identify with, it’s important to remember that you are capable of achieving your goals and dreams without having to live up to impossible standards set by yourself or others around you. Recognizing your strengths and weaknesses can help you build confidence in yourself so that you can achieve success without feeling inadequate or fraudulent about it.

What causes impostor syndrome?

Impostor syndrome is thought to be caused by a combination of different factors such as perfectionism, unrealistic expectations, lack of self-confidence, and the pressures of success. It can also be triggered by experiences of failure or criticism.

Additionally, certain social and cultural norms may contribute to the development of impostor syndrome. For example, in some communities, there is a strong emphasis on academic success or perfectionism that can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

College students — both undergraduate and graduate students — are often under an immense amount of pressure to perform. Securing a new job in a high-pressure field can bring on impostor feelings, too.

Ultimately, impostor syndrome is caused by a combination of internal and external factors that make it difficult for individuals to recognize their own achievements and capabilities. It’s important to be aware of these factors in order to take steps to manage and overcome impostor syndrome.

Symptoms of impostor syndrome

The impostor phenomenon can manifest itself in a variety of ways. According to Verywell Mind, some of these ways include:

Feeling like a fraud or an impostor.Constant fear of being exposed as a fraud.Believing that any success is due to luck rather than personal abilityRefusal to accept compliments or acknowledgements of accomplishmentSelf-doubt and lack of confidence in one’s abilitiesPerfectionism and an inability to complete tasks or projectsFeeling like one needs to do everything alone in order to succeedFear of failure or taking risksDifficulty celebrating successes, even small ones.Sensitivity to criticism

Individual experiences may vary, but the above is generally considered to be the basic symptoms of this mindset.

How to deal with impostor syndrome

The good news is that impostor syndrome can be managed and even overcome with the right strategies.

Self-doubt is a natural thing. When we see other people doing great things it’s easy to be in awe of that and compare ourselves to the very best. I think we do set the bar high for ourselves and even if we meet that bar, it is constantly moving higher. Imposter syndrome is a very real thing that affects many people for various reasons. I’ve often had these feelings of wondering if what I’m producing is good enough or if I’m working hard enough due to the bias against my gender and race.

— Chong Mi Land

It’s important to recognize that you are not alone in feeling this way, and it does not reflect your true capabilities or achievements. The following strategies may help you to manage and overcome impostor syndrome:

Acknowledge your feelings. It’s important to recognize that these feelings are real and valid, even if they don’t reflect reality.Develop self-compassion. Talk to yourself with kindness and understanding rather than criticism.Practice positive self-talk. Remind yourself of your accomplishments and strengths rather than focusing on your failures or weaknesses.Set realistic goals. Break down large tasks into smaller, achievable steps and focus on your long-term well-being, not just the short-term ability to push yourself to the brink.Celebrate small successes. Recognize and reward yourself for even the smallest accomplishments.Reach out for help. Seek feedback and support from those around you. Speaking with your mentors, in particular, can be helpful for recognizing your own personal growth, according to the American Psychological Association. Opting for therapeutic intervention and speaking with a mental health professional can be helpful as well.Prioritize self-care. Make time to relax, recharge, and take care of yourself.

By recognizing your feelings and taking steps to manage them, you can build confidence in yourself and achieve success without feeling fraudulent or inadequate.

I believe many entrepreneurs may struggle to fully embrace the recognition of their achievements because this challenge often stems from our initial motivations, which tend to be rooted in selflessness. We typically embark on our entrepreneurial journeys because we observe a need or possess a heightened sense of awareness, crafting our endeavors from those convictions. Consequently, when accolades and praise begin to pour in for work, as we never sought acknowledgement, it can feel foreign to us. While the recognition is undoubtedly well-deserved, it may take time for us to truly acknowledge and appreciate it.

— Tanika Nelson

With the right strategies, anyone can overcome impostor syndrome and reach their full potential in a healthy way.

Closing thoughts on impostor syndrome

Impostor syndrome is a real phenomenon that can be debilitating, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s important to recognize the signs and take steps to manage and overcome the feelings associated with it. By acknowledging your achievements and strengths, developing self-compassion, and celebrating small successes, you can move past the feeling of being a fraud or impostor and achieve success with confidence.

Remember: everyone has doubts and moments where they compare themselves to others—it’s natural. But you are capable of achieving your goals and dreams without having to live up to impossible standards set by yourself or others.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice from GoDaddy on any subject matter.

Investing in climate solutions can be a powerful way to improve lives, address historic inequities, create jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions all at once.

One organization that keenly understands these connections is Sustainable Georgia Futures (SGF), a recipient of the 2024-2025 Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions & Equity Grant.

A conversation with Adrienne Rice of Sustainable Georgia Futures

We recently had the chance to connect with Adrienne Rice, the founder and executive director of SGF, about the important work the organization is doing to improve lives and scale climate solutions in our state.

Read on to be inspired by their work around energy efficiency, weatherization, solar energy, and workforce development in historically disadvantaged communities.

Tell us about the work that Sustainable Georgia Futures does in the community.

SGF is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to creating green economy pathways for Black and people of color in our state. We are a Black-woman-led collective of expert organizers and community leaders working to build power in Georgia’s marginalized communities to advance an inclusive economy and promote environmental justice. 

We seek to achieve our goals through actions including:

Holding Climate Justice Education Meetings to build consensus on issues and address and devise action plans.Community organizing with a focus on addressing climate change and systemic racism.Offering a paid fellowship program that provides education about climate change, training in organizing strategy, and introductions to industry leaders.Hosting trainings, workshops, and other educational events for the community.

Congratulations on receiving a 2024-2025 Climate Solutions & Equity grant. Tell us about the projects this grant will fund.

Grant funds will be used to expand the already established WeatheRise energy efficiency program that provides weatherization improvements for low- to moderate-income Black households in Atlanta.

Beginning this summer, SGF will work alongside other local groups including the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA), Southface, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy to develop a Pilot Solar Pre-Apprenticeship Program that will provide hands-on experience with Atlanta-based solar installers.

Apprentices will be able to earn three different well-respected solar installation certifications. Training these apprentices will help ensure that people in previously disinvested communities of color have equitable opportunities to be hired in the wave of solar-related jobs that are coming to Georgia.

This truly groundbreaking initiative was designed to address energy burdens within Georgia’s Low and Moderate- Income (LMI) Black households as well as to address the current lack of Black apprentices in registered apprenticeship programs. The program seeks to address the immediate issue of high energy burdens and creates long-term opportunities for economic empowerment within frontline communities.

By equipping participants with the skills and knowledge needed to address energy inefficiencies, this program seeks to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all residents.

>> Drawdown Georgia’s free toolkit offers advice for improving energy efficiency in your home, including tips for finding loans, tax credits, and more to make these upgrades more affordable.

Tell us about energy burdens in Atlanta and why they tend to be so high for low- to moderate-income Black households in the city. 

Energy burden, particularly in cities like Atlanta, is a pressing issue, especially for low-income, Black and minority communities. These populations often face disproportionately high energy costs compared to their income due to various systemic factors. When looking at energy costs as a percentage of household income, a high energy burden is defined as anything above 6%, and a severe energy burden is above 10%. The median energy burden of Black households in Atlanta is 33% higher than that of non-Hispanic white households.

One of the key factors contributing to this disparity is systemic environmental racism. This includes historical injustices such as unfair housing laws and redlining, which have led to the concentration of low-income and minority populations in areas with inadequate housing infrastructure and higher energy costs. Factors like unequal wages and lack of access to affordable housing also exacerbate the energy burden for these communities.

Addressing the energy burden requires tackling systemic racism and addressing its root causes. At SGF, we recognize the interconnectedness of workforce development, climate change, and systemic racism. By empowering Black and Brown communities and providing opportunities for them to participate in and benefit from a regenerative economy, SGF aims to dismantle oppressive systems and create positive change.

Addressing the energy burden and its underlying causes requires a paradigm shift in how society approaches and supports marginalized communities. Organizations like SGF are working towards a more equitable and sustainable future by building power within these communities and advocating for systemic change.

Why are energy efficiency/weatherization and workforce development projects so important for your community?

We believe that providing training in clean energy technologies such as solar and weatherization opens up new career pathways for community members, allowing them to join the growing clean energy workforce. This helps individuals secure employment and contributes to the expansion of this emerging economy.

Moreover, by involving community partners and experts, the program ensures that training is tailored to the specific needs and realities of the communities it serves. The localized approach fosters a sense of ownership and investment among participants, increasing the likelihood of program success and sustainability.

Additionally, by focusing on skill-building and professional development, the program equips participants with valuable tools and knowledge that can be applied beyond energy efficiency. This can lead to broader economic opportunities and entrepreneurship within the community.

The Pilot Weatherization and Solar Pre-Apprenticeship Programs have the potential to be a transformative model that not only addresses energy burdens but also empowers Black communities and promotes environmental justice in Georgia. By fostering skills, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable practices, this program aligns with SGF’s mission to build a more resilient, equitable, and environmentally conscious future.

How can people follow the work you do and/or get involved in your projects?

To learn more about SGF or get more involved, please sign up for our monthly Climate Justice Education Meetings (CJEM) on our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.