Belonging is not about fitting in | Lola Adeyemo | TEDxTemecula

Lola Adeyemo takes us on a journey to belonging through her stories and experiences as an immigrant in the United States. Her talk provides stories to help individuals understand the different barriers to belonging that can exist in different spaces and concludes with a call to action that everyone can relate to. Lola Adeyemo is an Employee Resource Group(ERG) Expert, Author, and Corporate Speaker passionate about building inclusive workplaces. She partners with business leaders, DEI leaders, talent champions, and employee resource groups (ERGs) to accelerate inclusion within global corporations. Her company EQImindset (EQImindset is from EQuity and Inclusion Mindset) provides resources that support the entire ERG lifecycle from launching new ERGs, coaching existing groups, facilitating internal ERG workshops, and nurturing an external community of cross-company ERGs. She leverages some of her experiences as a Scientist, Project Manager, and Supply Chain professional across global corporations to tell stories while designing and facilitating impactful sessions for inclusive communities in the corporate workplace.
Her book “Thriving in Intersectionality: Immigrants, Belonging and Corporate America” inspired her non-profit, Immigrants in Corporate Inc., where she centers the immigrant experience and perspectives in building a corporate workplace where immigrants can belong and thrive. As a mom of 3, Lola constantly works on thriving at home and work and advocates for policies that enable all individuals to balance every aspect of their identities and passion to thrive personally and professionally! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@cartergomez5390]

Belonging means that you have a sense of community wherever you are and you can construct your community what whoever you feel safe with.

[@ifedolapofasheun4120]

So true Lola, Great speech and awesome reflection.

[@obafemiilori8963]

Such great story telling to pass the message across. Thanks for being true to your convictions.

[@servewithexcellence365]

Excellent speech, Lola! I’ve listened to it twice now- absolutely love this message about what belonging really means- how it’s being a part of something and being accepted as we embrace our identities!❤

[@yewandeshofela6540]

Great speech Lola!👏👍 It is a daunting process of learning and unlearning to ‘belong’, and it can sometimes take its mental and emotional tow just to prove how much value you carry especially in the corporate space. Everyone has a role to play; those at the end of being accepted with a sense of belonging, and those on the other end of accepting others and making it easy for others to belong!

[@adetolaadeh]

Wow....beautiful and superb speech .

[@BuksEducators]

Very good speech and educative. Keep soaring high Lola

[@anuoluwapoaigbe8734]

Well done Damilola, always proud of you and your journey.

[@nikeajayi4564]

What an amazing speech. The realization that you don't belong can be really daunting

[@lolaadeyemo3517]

Thanks a lot!

[@jenncassetta]

Thank you for this great perspective Lola! It's so helpful for everyone and I love your storytelling!

[@ginalipkin4849]

What does belonging look like for each of us, valued, accepted, my true and real self

[@laurahudson1477]

The beautiful imagery of your home and your experiences in the states are a solid reminder to all of us…Never give up my friend!!! I hope that you continue to overcome any adversity that comes your way. 🤗 Well done Lola!!!!!

[@lolaadeyemo3517]

Thank you so much ! I appreciate it 😊

[@Writemadhushree]

Yes, Lola! What does belonging mean for YOU! Amazing talk and I’m so glad to know you❤

[@eqimindset]

Thank you so much Madhu!🤗

[@omololuipinmoroti5080]

nice one...this was cool to watch..

[@AlinaWorldJournal]

Very important topic for all immigrants. Thank you very much 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 It means a lot.

[@thrivinginintersectionality]

Thank You Alina!

[@karinfair9229]

👏👏 Lola, you are amazing ♥

[@eqimindset]

🙏 Thank you so much 🙏

[@asuncioniu3913]

Wow! and Wow! As I am listening to this I am thinking of how many lives have been and will be changed because of your willingness to step forward and share your story! Adaeze I-U

[@thrivinginintersectionality]

My hope and prayer Adaeze. Thank you so much.

[@Chiranjeevi395]

Cool❤️

[@nikkigreen1854]

❤❤❤

[@gordo6908]

thats crazy, im puertorican and all the nigerian stereotypes im aware of are variations on entrepreneurial, hard-working, gregarious, successful, etc. maybe it varies by socioeconomic status. her prescription of personal responsibility was also kind of unique as its quite common to abstract blame to nebulous forces. though it sort of boils down to empathetic courtesy. no person who is truly isolated, touch starved, and lacking any history or prospects of a primary attachment will have their inevitable psycho physiological deterioration slowed by a store clerk.

[@stewartwyeth1302]

Try being homeless and not belonging anywhere most of your life. My place in this community, this world is non existent. And don't mention job as that is difficult even with my experience

[@KrisBryant99]

Being homeless just mean you CHOSE to be homeless unconsciously.