Gamble Hayden’s DEI Articles

Gamble Hayden, Coordinator, Federal Compliance Services, writes a thought-provoking DEI article each month for State and Federal Communications’ Compliance Now newsletter. Enjoy this archive of her exploration into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

December 2025

Add a Special Touch to Your Network

December is upon us now and the holiday season is in full swing! I am sure that many will agree with me that 2025 has been exceptionally challenging – to say the least… It has been a lot of job chaos, confusion and loss; mental health challenges; deaths – all of these things (and so much more) have tested our resolve and our ability to keep our heads above water. The holidays, in general, can already be troublesome for so many, and then add in the challenges of this year in particular, and some people can find themselves even more scared, frustrated, overwhelmed and feeling helpless.

I mention all of this because I have made a vow to myself to make sure that I reach out to my network even more so this holiday season just to connect, to check in and to offer some kind words. You never know what someone is going through, and I am hopeful that my outreach can make even just a small bit of difference in their day! There are a number of folks on my outreach radar for this month, and I am looking forward to also scheduling some lunches and coffee catchups, in addition to attending the multitude of Holiday receptions that are on my radar — because you know I love a good outing!

I wish you a fantastic and safe holiday season, and I am looking forward to catching up with many of you during this month!

Gamble

November 2025

Looking Forward to STRIDE!

It’s November! The 11th month of the year – the fall sounds, smells, tastes, and activities are in full swing, and I am continuing to take full advantage of great opportunities that come my way!

One of the great opportunities that I am referring to is this year’s Public Affairs Council (PAC) STRIDE Social Impact Summit (STRIDE Summit) – which is always a fav! This year’s STRIDE Summit will take place on Thursday, November 13th and will be held virtually, though I have no doubt that the content and speakers will be as rich as the in-person STRIDE Summits have been in the past! If you’re not familiar with the PAC STRIDE Summit, the program focuses primarily on issues related to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI); Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Civic Engagement; Corporate Philanthropy and Community/Stakeholder Engagement. If I’m recalling correctly (hey, don’t judge me!), this will be my 3rd PAC STRIDE Summit, and I’m so looking forward to diving in virtually, and not only to see my friends who work in these content spaces, but also the opportunity to soak up all of the timely and relevant information to come!

Will you be attending the PAC STRIDE Summit with me this year? I look forward to seeing you on November 13th! For more information and to register, please click the link – Public Affairs Council (PAC) STRIDE Social Impact Summit (STRIDE Summit).

Gamble

October 2025

Sharing Orange (and a message of unity)

October 22nd observes, among other things, Unity Day. This day was started in October 2011 by the Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center and happens to be the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month (also observed in October). Unity Day was originally founded to show support for students who have been bullied and for bullying prevention. It is a day to come together and “send a visible message of building community through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.” You can imagine that when I found out about Unity Day, I for one was thrilled that such a day existed, especially given the strange and un-empathetic times in which we are currently living!

Since its inception, Unity Day has been observed here in the United States and around the world. Those observing are asked to wear and share the color orange, chosen for its vibrancy and considered “a conversation starter.” Although initially founded to show support for students, adults can very well take lessons from Unity Day’s campaign – a great way to foster inclusion, togetherness, and compassion! Interested in knowing how you can get involved and observe Unity Day? Here are some great resources below:

Why Unity Day?

How You Can Get Involved

Order Unity Day Items

Any chance for me to make the world a better place, I’m definitely all for it! – Let’s all recognize Unity Day on October 22nd and spread the word!

Gamble

September 2025

Say “YES” to Professional Development This Month!

September is Self-Improvement Month – how about putting some professional development opportunities on your radar?!

I am excited to note that I have three conferences that I am attending in September: Women in Government Relations’ (WGR) Leadership & Advocacy Conference; The National Black Professional Lobbyist Association’s (NBPLA) Annual Meeting; and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference. Needless to say, I will be getting my fill of great learning opportunities during this month! I will admit that I am fortunate to have a CEO who supports professional development and is always presenting opportunities for us to take advantage! Every year, she even invites first-year employees to accompany her to the Public Affairs Council’s (PAC) Government Relations and Policy Conference, held each year here in Washington, DC (also in September).

I recognize, however, that many employees are not as fortunate as I am… Either their leadership does not really care about professional development, or departmental budgets are so tight that there is no room left for paying to attend conferences. In these instances, I would advise employees to find professional development opportunities for themselves that are of little to no cost, and to also take advantage of conferences that offer scholarship options to cover the cost of registration fees. In addition, for those organizations that can provide for their employees’ professional development, consider “paying it forward” by providing a little extra funding to the conference-hosting organization so that they may help cover the registration fees for those with financial need.

If you will be in Washington, DC this month and also moving along the conference circuit, let me know where you’ll be so we can connect – I wish you a very fulfilling Self-Improvement Month!

Gamble

August 2025

Honor Your Amazing Friends This Month!

One of the many great things that has occurred over my 10+ year tenure here at State and Federal Communications is the great friendships that I have developed over this time!

I have clients who have evolved into friends, and I also have the many wonderful friendships that I have made by way of my involvement with organizations such as: Women in Government Relations (WGR); State Government Affairs Council (SGAC); Public Affairs Council (PAC); National Association of Business Political Action Committees (NABPAC); National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics (NILE); and the National Black Professional Lobbyists Association (NBPLA). Organizations such as these (and others like these that are also doing amazing work!) help to foster not only opportunities for professional development, but also for mentorship, collaboration, and connection to an amazing group of Government Affairs professionals who will sing your praises and “have your back”, but whom will also not be afraid to challenge you or to let you know when you need to make right on a situation!

This month, in honor of National Friendship Day, which took place this year on Sunday, August 3rd, I want to recognize all of my wonderful friends, and in particular, my fantastic Government Affairs buddies! For the breakfasts, lunches, and coffees that we schedule so we can finally catch up; For the laughs that we share and the pics that we snap at the local events; and for the amazing time well spent while we’re on the Conference circuit together. Thank you for letting me a part of your world because you all have made such a difference in mine!

Gamble

July 2025

Putting Global Forgiveness Day on the Radar

Looking for something cool to do this month? How about participating in Global Forgiveness Day on July 7th? I can’t believe that I am just finding out now about this observance!
Global Forgiveness Day (formerly National Forgiveness Day) has an interesting timeline that led up to its founding. Noting that the concept of forgiveness had been (and still is) prevalent in many religions around the globe, its idea and principles began to peak the interest of scientists around 1962, who began to study forgiveness and its impact on human well-being. “What they found was that forgiveness was a process. Multiple researchers developed models of forgiveness … that would allow people to improve their ability to forgive. Later studies even attempted to understand the relationship between forgiveness and justice …” GLOBAL FORGIVENESS DAY – July 7, 2025 – National Today

An example of forgiveness came in 1962 when a Japanese fighter pilot asked for and was granted forgiveness by the townspeople of Brookings, Oregon, for bombing the west coast of the United States over Oregon during World War II. Fast forward to the 20th century, and the late Pope John Paul II publicly forgave the man who tried to assassinate him. “The Christian Embassy of Christ’s Ambassadors (CECA) founded National Forgiveness Day in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada … As this day gained prominence throughout the world, it was renamed Global Forgiveness Day.” GLOBAL FORGIVENESS DAY – July 7, 2025 – National Today

On July 7th, take some time to think about someone who may have wronged you in the past and make a conscious effort to forgive them! Don’t forget to also include yourself and offer yourself some forgiveness as well! For more information on Global Forgiveness Day, visit the website featured in this blog.

Gamble

June 2025

A Special Shout-Out to Our Wonderful Men!

We are now more than halfway through June, and the official start of summer is just a couple of days away! June is a special month in which we celebrate the men in our lives, not only with Father’s Day, but also as Men’s Health Month — what better time than this month to provide a little extra love and support to the men (and those who identify as men) in our lives!

Summer is a time of greater activity for many of us, whether it is mowing the lawn or getting more physically active with sports and enjoying the great outdoors. This is wonderful for the spirit and can be great for the body, but it can also produce additional strain, which means we need to be more mindful of our health needs. Now is a great time to start thinking about prioritizing our health and the health of those we love in our lives.

In observance of Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day, let’s remind our dads (and all of the men in our circles) to make both their physical and mental health a priority! Remind them to get those important health screenings done, and to not be afraid to ask for, and to seek out, supportive mental health services.

Here’s to a very happy, safe, and fulfilling June!

Gamble

May 2025

Let’s Show Some Love for our Small Businesses!

The month of May is a highlight for so many reasons, but for this year, I am also thrilled to highlight Small Business Month (SBM)! SBM will be recognized all May, and I for one am looking forward to showing some extra support (and love) to these great workers!

In particular, I would like to recognize all of the government affairs, public affairs, communications, advocacy and lobbying firms that are representing the interests of their organizations and their clients each and every day! These folks continue to “show up” seeking (and ready) to make a difference — oftentimes, if I may so boldly add, with limited staff power, encouragement and resources…

Of course, I can’t recognize small businesses without giving a special “shout out” to this organization that I’ve been a part of for the past 10 years – State and Federal Communications! Led by President and CEO Elizabeth Bartz, State and Federal Communications continues to strive for excellence in everything that we do – and in particular, with the continuing commitment and level of service that we provide to our wonderful clients! I invite you to check out our website, then reach out and let us know how we can help you with your compliance needs!

Please take some time to visit your favorite small businesses during SBM and let them know just how tremendously loved and valued they are! For more information in general on SBM and some of the week’s activities, log on to https://www.uschamber.com/co/small-business-month.

Gamble

April 2025

Excited About “Paying It Forward”!

One of the many reasons why I love writing every month for our Compliance Now is because I love sharing all of the great information and resources that come my way, and so what a treat it is for me to share with you that I stumbled upon Global Pay It Forward Day!

Global Pay It Forward Day is recognized each year on April 28th and is in honor and recognition of all the good deeds that have come a person’s way, giving that person the opportunity on April 28th to “pay it forward.” Global Pay It Forward Day is observed in over 80 countries (including the United States), and the idea [of the day] is “Whenever we are shown kindness, this concept encourages us to pay it forward by showing kindness to others, and they are to do the same…ultimately leading to a selfless ripple of kindness”. [nationaltoday.com/global-pay-it-forward-day] The phrase “Pay It Forward” was first devised by author Lily Hardy Hammond in her book, “In the Garden of Delight” and was later made popular in author Robert Heinlein’s novel “Between Planets.” In addition, the “pay it forward” concept appeared in the novel by the same name written by Catherine Ryan Hyde – the book went on to be a best-seller and was the foundation on which Global Pay It Forward Day was established (international speaker and author Blake Beattie was inspired by Hyde’s book to create the day in 2007).

I, for one, am looking forward to observing Global Pay It Forward Day on April 28th! If you are looking for some ideas on how to observe the day, please check out these Global Pay It Forward Day activities, which I pulled from their website:

However you decide to observe Global Pay It Forward Day, I invite you to “pay it forward” not only on April 28th, but all year long – a little kindness really does go a long, long way!

Gamble

March 2025

Elevating and Celebrating Women

One of the great things I love about March (outside of it being the start of Spring and of course the birthday month of yours truly!) is that this is the month that also observes International Women’s Day (IWD) [March 8, 2025].

Each year, there is a theme that is centered around each International Women’s Day observance, and I absolutely love the theme for this year – Accelerate Action! Accelerate Action “emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.” The Accelerate Action focus is to address systemic barriers and biases that women face in both their professional and personal spaces.

Accelerate Action is also a call for everyone to utilize strategies, resources, and activities that positively impact women’s advancement, and to “support and elevate their implementation.” IWD’s website includes several ways to #AccelerateAction such as: Support[ing] the Supporters; calling out stereotypes and discrimination; and celebrating women’s success. In addition, I am excited about striking the #AccelerateAction pose in my show of solidarity, I would love for you to join me in this effort!

For more information on International Women’s Day 2025 and the #AccelerateAction campaign, please visit the IWD’s website.

Gamble

February 2025

Let’s Extend the Focus of National Self-Check Month!

Are you one of those people who, at the turn of the new year, already has your list of resolutions crafted so that you can get a jump on a better “you” – only to have those same resolutions fall by the waist side a few weeks later into January? (No judgement here) Well, did you know that one of February’s observances is recognized as National Self-Check Month?

National Self-Check Month was created to highlight the importance of self-care and participating in behaviors that promote wellness and help to prevent certain health conditions, in addition to maintaining a self-care routine particularly during an illness.  While its original design is focused on health and wellness, my thought is that we could easily extend the focus of this observance to include checking in with yourself and those in your circle on your 2025 resolutions and goals and maybe plan some time to do a “reset and refocus” to get everyone back on track and motivated again! After all, it is NEVER too late for a re-start!

The other great thing about checking in with others is that it’s also a great way to hold each other accountable and provide continued encouragement and support – who will you check in with this month?

Gamble

January 2025

Recommitting to DEI

Welcome to 2025! The beginning of a new year always brings with it the possibilities of a fresh start, a renewed perspective, and a “to do” list – and trust me, 2025 will be no exception.

One of the things that I am looking forward to doing this year is continuing to obtain greater knowledge and understanding as it relates to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). There are a number of people doing amazing work in the DEI space, and I plan to tap into their wisdom as much as possible! I plan to make new connections, seek out new learning opportunities, and re-commit to doing whatever I can to help counter the anti-DEI narrative.

I mentioned to someone the other day that those of us who are passionate about DEI need to continue to spread the word about DEI being more than just about matters involving race and gender. While both race and gender are very important to the DEI conversation, for me, DEI encompasses everything that makes a person who they are – “their background, their lived experiences, their stories. These and so many other factors are what helped to shape us into the people we are tday!”

I invite you to commit to seeking out new connections and new learning opportunities – and new ways of talking about DEI in 2025! I also invite you to share your DEI story with someone new to your circle (and invite them to do the same)?

Wishing you a very happy and fulfilling New Year!

Gamble

December 2024

Re-Connecting Is Good For You!

I just recently found that, in addition to many other Holidays and Observances that occur in December, it is also “Write To A Friend” Month!

I immediately thought to myself, what a great time of the year to reach out to those friends whom you’ve been meaning to catch up with and check in on them to see how they’re doing and just re-connect?!  Let’s face it – it’s been a rough year for a number of our friends (and some of ourselves), and so reaching and re-establishing connections is a great mental health booster for you, and hopefully, it will bring a little joy also to the person on the receiving end of your outreach!

With the Holiday Season in full swing, adding re-connecting with friends should be essential on your To Do list!  Is there a friend whom you’ve recently thought about, wondering what they’ve been up to? Well, stop what you’re doing right now and reach out to them (or add this to your list of things to take care of asap)! We have been busy all year working and taking care of family and other obligations, why not take a little break now in the final month of 2024 to write a nice letter or email to a friend, or better yet, pick up the phone and give them a call?  How about scheduling some social time with them, like a coffee outing or lunch?  These are definitely on my radar for this month!

I wish you all a very Happy, Safe and Fulfilling Holiday Season!

Gamble

November 2024

It’s Time for November Reflections!

As we are closely approaching what is arguably one of the most important elections in our lifetime, in addition to the Thanksgiving Holiday observance, I wanted to take this opportunity to do a bit of reflection on some things that I am especially grateful for:

  1. Living in a country where its occupants represent a multitude of diverse backgrounds, cultures and interests, and whose stories all deserve to be told…
  2. Being able to exercise a right of which so many people have died for – the right to Vote and allow my voice to be heard…
  3. Acknowledging that I can agreeably “disagree” with someone and yet still be able to call them a friend…
  4. Having a job that I truly enjoy, and which inspires me every day to raise the bar on myself and embrace one of my many roles as that of being a connector…
  5. Recoginizing that there are always opportunities in life to “do better and be better”, so when you get it wrong the first time, know that it’s ok!

I hope during this eleventh month of the year, you make it a powerful one — by voting AND remembering those people, places, things and ideas that you are grateful for!  Please feel free to reach out and share your November reflections!

Gamble

October 2024

Recognizing the Mission of the Hispanic Lobbyist Association

Part of October encompasses National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), and so I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the efforts of the Hispanic Lobbyist Association (HLA).

The HLA, founded in 2006, is a 501 (c)(6) organization whose mission is to “advance and empower Hispanic/Latino government relations and public affairs professionals by fostering mentorship and professional development opportunities.” Recognizing the importance and significance of diversifying the government relations & public affairs professions, the HLA believes that by doing so, this reflects the “changing face of America.” Membership in the Hispanic Lobbyist Association is open to all who self-identify or support the Hispanic/Latino community, and whose professional responsibilities are in the government affairs and/or public affairs fields.  In addition to mentorship and professional development, HLA members have access to all association events, as well as an opportunity to run for the association’s Board of Directors.

To Join the HLA, or to get more information, please logon to https://www.hispaniclobbyists.org/

Gamble

September 2024

The September “Seize”

Believe it or not, I will admit that I have three professional development opportunities taking place this month!  I am finding that September is a great month to seize any opportunities that come your way for professional development, as many of us have returned back to work from vacations, the kids are likely back in school, and with three more months left in the year, it’s also a great time to add some more good stuff to your learning and connections’ hub!

My three professional development opportunities for September are all in-person events – which I love!  There’s just something to be said about being in the room with a multitude of faces, stories, and experiences! The truth of the matter is, you never know who you may have the honor of chatting with during a professional development opportunity, so “carpe diem” at every chance!  Also, have you ever considered attending a conference or other professional development event solely just to learn more about a different culture or group?  No? Well, why not?  I would argue that such an opportunity would be an awesome learning experience, and you’re likely to meet some people who would be more than happy to discover that you are open to the idea of embracing new and different networks!

I’m looking forward to attending the upcoming Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference, the Women in Government Relations (WGR) Leadership & Advocacy Conference, as well as the Practising Law Institute (PLI) Corporate Political Activities 2024 Event!  Attending any or all of these events? Look for me and let’s connect!

Gamble

August 2024

Time Together is Crucial!

Last month, I had the opportunity and pleasure once again to attend the annual retreat of a board that I joined last year… This board generally has a retreat twice per year – once in January, which is a day-long gathering, and then a slightly longer (two-night) retreat which is held during the Summer and is usually somewhere just outside of Washington, DC (but still far enough that you feel like you are having an “outing” for that time!).

In addition to the goal-setting and strategic planning that occurs during these retreats, I particularly enjoy the bonding and connections that are either made or strengthened by spending this time together – especially during the away retreat!  There is something to be said for providing a safe space in a focused and hopefully less-distracting environment for discussions, collaborations and team building to manifest, and for relationships to develop that can last a lifetime! Retreats can also be a great way to help reinforce one’s leadership, communication, and organizational skills – impacts that most definitely can transfer positively into other areas of a person’s professional and personal life!

We are more than halfway through 2024, so it’s a great time now to think about what focused opportunities have you participated in or helped to organize for your team members this year?  It’s still not too late to get something on this years calendar, and/or to start thinking about opportunities for next year!  Even if you are unable to do an overnight excursion somewhere, just setting aside some dedicated time to come together for a day or ½ day will be beneficial – let me know what plans are underway in your world!

Gamble

July 2024

Elevators: Venues of Connection

Did you know that the very last day of July, on the 31st, is observed as “Talk In An Elevator Day?”.  Alas, I did not either, but I just learned about this fun fact not too long ago, and I immediate thought to myself, “I need to spread the word about this!”.

What immediately came to my mind thereafter was that I began to think about how we engage with each other while in an elevator?  Now, granted, there is usually not a great deal of time to chat with someone while riding in an elevator, but do you at the very least give a warm smile and a friendly “Hello”? What if you find yourself in a situation where you’re on an elevator for a longer period of time (not an elevator issue, but say, for example, there are multiple floors pushed) – do you attempt to make quick chatter with your elevator mates while you’re riding?  Consider this:  What factors determine whether or not you will decide to engage with someone on an elevator?  Is it the way they look? Is it their demeanor?  Is it the fact that you’re in a hurry yourself and really can’t be bothered with small talk?  I would argue that in the world that we are living in now, most of us enter an elevator with phone in hand basically ignoring everything (and everyone) around us!

I will admit, however, that I am one of these people who will generally smile and speak to my fellow elevator mates, and every now and then, depending on how long the elevator ride is, I will strike up a very brief conversation about the weather, a coffee drink in hand or the key cards to our respective office floors that sometimes act wonkey… These engagements always make my day just a little brighter, and so I challenge you, on “Talk In An Elevator Day”, to attempt to strike up a brief conversation with your elevator mates – you never know what connections can be made in that brief time – reach out and let me know how it goes!

Gamble

June 2024

Countering Hate Speech

I recently learned that in the month of June, the 18th is designated as International Day for Countering Hate Speech.  Officially established by the United Nations General Assembly via Resolution A/RES/75/309 in 2021, the first observance of this day occurred the following year in 2022 and was established to raise awareness about the dangers of hate speech to, “…human rights, democracy, and the rule of law”. {daysoftheyear.com}

Given the state of the world today, how fitting it is for me to learn about this day now!  As someone who is a lover and studier of words, I, myself, am very cognizant of how I verbally show up, not only in person, but online as well… We all recognize that words matter – and they can hurt!  Let us take a moment to turn down the temperature in our rhetoric and strive to do as much as we can to contribution to democracy and a civil society.

In order to observe International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the United Nations “invites governments, international organizations, civil society groups, and individuals to hold events and initiatives promoting strategies to identify, address and counter hate speech.”  Below are some ideas from daysoftheyear.com that can help promote this effort:

Hate speech can be deadly!  Let’s all do our part to help spread love, positivity and encouragement – one word at a time!

Gamble

May 2024

Spread the Word and Build the Pipeline – Lobbying is a Noble Profession!

Earlier this year, I attended a lecture about lobbying that was held here in Washington, DC at the Institute of World Politics.  The lecturer spoke about the fundamentals of lobbying, and also about how one can lobby on a variety of different issues (not just on tobacco, gun rights, or gaming, which I believe are some of the issues that seem to draw a lot of “angst” from people).   When this reality is communicated, oftentimes, a lightbulb goes off in one’s brain and they begin to think, “Ok, this might not be so bad after all?”  This exchange (whether real or imagined) always makes me think about how the “real deal” on lobbying needs to continuously be articulated.  I then ask myself, “What are YOU doing to contribute to the “right” narrative?”

One of the best things about working on compliance and DEI issues for State and Federal Communications is the variety of people that I get to meet on any given day, and tell them about what I do and about the lobbying profession in general.  One of the best conversations I like to have is when I get the chance to converse with the college & university students!  Many of them already have their thought-paths carved out, and that leads them many times to wanting to stay here in the area after graduation and prepare for their first lobbying job…  I say, however, that the pipeline to lobbying needs to begin even at the high school level; The earlier students know about the lobbying profession and the impact they could have, the better!  Students of color and other underrepresented groups, in particular, need to be aware that they can enter the world of lobbying, and strive to make a difference for themselves, their clients and their communities…

I ask you to commit this month to spreading the word about lobbying – you never know whose curious mind you might influence to take that lobbying leap!

Gamble

April 2024

Spring forward (back) into Civility!

Spring is finally here!  Daylight is making an appearance much longer now, warmer weather will hopefully become more consistent, and people have already started thinking seriously about spring and summer vacation plans!

This season, I am also reminding myself that civil discourse never goes out of style!  It is still ok to disagree with someone respectfully, and remember that they are first and foremost a human being…

Diverse viewpoints matter, and can make for a healthy dialogue and debate!  Let’s, however, do remember to maintain respect and civility – lessons to which (with less than 8 months away now from Election Day) we all can take heed!

Happy Connecting!

Gamble

March 2024

Honoring a Pioneer in Women’s History

March is always a great month for me!  Not only is it the month of my birth, but it’s also the month that boasts not only the arrival of Spring, but also the observance of National Women’s History Month!

I want to shine a light on the first women ever to be elected to the United States Congress — Jeannette Rankin!  Rankin, a Montana politician and a lifelong pacifist, was elected to Congress in 1916, and went on to become an influential leader in the women’s suffrage movement.  While serving in Congress, Rankin was the only member to cast a vote against participation in both world wars, and in 1968, Jeannette Rankin led a protest march in Washington, DC.  The “Jeannette Rankin Peace Brigade” consisted of some “…5,000 feminists, pacifists, radicals, and students” to protest the Vietnam War.  Rankin died in 1973 at the age of 72, and at the time of her death, she was considering another run for Congress (again, in protest of the Vietnam War).

I encourage you to read more about the life of Jeannette Rankin, as well as to research other powerful women whom deserve to be recognized and whose stories need to be told!  Wishing you a wonderful, enlightening March!

Gamble

February 2024

Seize on L.O.V.E. this month!

We are now into the month of February, a month that arguably is considered by many to be thought of as the month of Love!  While I may agree with this notion as it relates to familial or romantic love, I also believe that February can also be the month where we begin to focus on L.O.V.E. as it relates to:  Laughter; Opportunity; Voice; and Exchange.

Laughter — I personally seek out every chance to break out into a hearty laugh!  Laughter (when used appropriately) can relieve stress, break the ice in a seemingly-tense situation, and just all around make us feel good!  Remind yourself to share a good laugh with someone, or even just laugh with (or at) yourself!

Opportunity — Take advantage of every one that comes your way!  Whether this be attending a professional development conference, taking on a greater job role, or joining a committee or board, you never know what greatness will come from the chance for you to strengthen your skills and build stronger relationships…

Voice – Be sure to allow your voice to be heard! Speak up and contribute during meetings and make sure that you are showing up for others — Allyship is still in style, so be sure to let someone know how much you value and support them!

Exchange – In today’s polarizing world, an exchange of ideas amongst people can quickly escalate into a volatile situation.  This noted, I still welcome opportunities to engage in dialogue with people who do not always look or think like me!  I can always learn something new from someone, and to me, it is still one of the best ways to foster a connection, so why not seize these moments and discover how much you really may have in common with someone you at one time considered as “the other”?

I wish you all of the best this L.O.V.E. month – go forth and progress!

Gamble

January 2024

Connecting is the Focus for 2024!

The new year has now arrived, and I am already too excited about the learning, development and engagement opportunities that may come my way in 2024! In relation to engagement, I have been thinking about ways that I can continue to build even stronger and more meaningful connections with people this year, because let’s face it, in such a time as is the current state of our nation, cherishing connections with your family, friends, colleagues and your community (as well as fostering new connections) is as important now as ever before!

I have been thinking about some different ways that I can utilize to help strengthen my connections’ portfolio, and I stumbled upon an online article by Dex which focuses on the “10 Sure-fire Ways to Build Life Lasting Personal Connections”. The article featured the following great tips (you’ll have to read the article to get the inside specifics!) for building and strengthening meaningful connections:

  1. Have a Wide Scope
  2. Engage Repeatedly
  3. Give Back
  4. Develop your Listening
  5. Remember Names
  6. Stay Put
  7. Don’t Forget to Look Up
  8. Show Up
  9. Keep Your Promises
  10. Be Authentic

As you can tell, making, strengthening and keeping meaningful connections takes some effort and intentionality, but the rewards will be totally worth it! I am looking forward to diving in and seeing how many of these tips I can put into action right away! Please do let me know how your journey to greater connecting is coming along – and a Happy New Year to you!

Gamble

December 2023

Civil Discourse During the Holidays

The Season of Holidays are upon us now, and that means that many people are feeling anxiety about family gatherings where the conversations may easily turn to discussions surrounding the “P” word (politics).  The old adage of politics being one of the topics never to be brought up for discussion has all but vanished in today’s times, and so inevitably, you may find yourself at the dinner table in a heated exchange with another family member whose political thoughts, feelings and ideologies are vastly different than yours. I urge you, however, not to abandon the conversation and run for the nearest exit!

Make a commitment to yourself, instead, to further engage your fellow conversationalist by asking questions and participating in active listening; see if you can put yourself in the other person’s shoes and perhaps understand their point of view. To be clear, however, I am in no way advocating for you to subject yourself to someone whose rhetoric is either physically, mentally, or emotionally harmful (some people you will never agree with and that’s just the way it is!).  I am simply suggesting that just because someone’s point of view is different from yours, does not necessarily mean that there aren’t areas where you can empathize or maybe find some common ground.

Try this out during your dinner table conversations and make notes to yourself on the highlights, challenges, and opportunities for growth that you could leverage in preparation for future conversations. Feel free to drop me a line and let me know your thoughts!  I wish you a very happy, healthy, safe, productive, and unifying Holiday Season!

Gamble

November 2023

Connecting One Minute at a Time!

A few weeks ago, I read an article in the Sunday New York Times written by San Francisco Bay area artist, graphic journalist, and author Wendy MacNaughton entitled “The Importance of Looking at What (and Who) You Don’t See.”.

The premise of the article was about how MacNaughton set up “shop” one morning outside of a BART Station in downtown San Francisco, with a table and two chairs and a sign that read “Draw Together. It Just Takes One Minute.”  What MacNaughton was aiming for was to get total strangers to sit down opposite one another for one minute, and just draw what they see on the other’s face (not what they EXPECTED to see).  They were never to lift their pen from or look down at their paper; they were only to keep drawing, looking at the other person’s face THE WHOLE TIME!  MacNaughton noted that although most of her participants questioned their artistic ability at first approach, by the time the exercise was over, they were laughing at their drawings and amazed at how connected they felt to the other person… MacNaughton noted at the beginning of her article that “WE DON’T SEE ONE ANOTHER ANYMORE… Frustrated, Powerless, Sometimes Just Lost in Our Own Worlds, We Look Away…”

Reading MacNaughton’s article got me thinking about my own ways in how I connect with others, and was I, myself, guilty of seeing only what I expected to see in a person, instead of what was truly right there before me?  Do I really “see” people? See them for who they truly ARE, and not as I EXPECT or even WANT them to be?  There’s an old wise saying — “the eyes are the windows to the soul” – what if we spent more time making eye contact with one another, as opposed to ignoring, bypassing or just dismissing one another for whom we feel to be less than human in our eyes?

I encourage you to think about how you currently connect with others, and to note if there are new ways that you can make more meaningful connections?  Eager to try out the experiment documented by MacNaughton? Let me know how it goes – you may be surprised by the outcomes!

Gamble

October 2023

Make Your Case for DEI!

I have been reading a great deal lately about DEI practitioners being able to make the business case for why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) should be part of the overall framework of any organization.

Businesses oftentimes tie success to a variety of factors — from rising profits to increased customer or client engagement — so is it any wonder why CEO’s would question how DEI initiatives stand to help their company’s bottom line? Rest assured – there are more than a few answers to this question…

An online article by Forbes that I discovered recently featured a number of its Business Development Council Members discussing why DEI is essential to business development success. From leveraging the best talents to fostering innovation and increasing better customer and client engagement, the benefits of DEI become increasingly clear.

Read the full Forbes article here:

Gamble

September 2023

Lobbying and DEI go Hand in Hand

September is a great month to take a look at your current lobbying efforts as they relate to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), and to see where you might be able to make some adjustments moving into 2024.

Are there diverse Members of Congress or State Legislators whom you have been wanting to make contact with? What about diverse organizations that you have been wanting to reach out to, but just have not had the opportunity?  Take note of these opportunities and find time to reach out and make those connections!  While you are doing your assessment, also do not forget to take a look internally at your Government Affairs department and see where there may be some opportunities to increase the level of diversity amongst the in-house and contract lobbyists. As the future moves towards becoming more diverse (in all of its forms), it is imperative that organizations be able to adapt to change and be open to more diverse ways of thinking, executing, and relating!

I encourage you to begin thinking “outside of the box” when it comes to DEI and your lobbying efforts and to make note of both your challenges and successes as you continue onward.  Remember that there are no “one and done” efforts as they relate to DEI; this work is ongoing and ever evolving, so give yourself grace and guidance and be sure to check in and let me know how things are going!

Gamble

August 2023

It’s Our Time to Shine!

Next month will mark the observance of National Women’s Equality Day. Recognized each year on August 26th (in the United States since 1971), National Women’s Equality Day, “…commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment…and calls attention to women’s continuing efforts towards full equality.” [National Women’s History Alliance]

As this day approaches, I think about all of the great women that exist in the world, striving and thriving every day to make even just a small difference – in their homes, their workplaces, and in their communities! I take a second pause to especially think about and honor the amazing group of women clients whom I have the privilege of assisting with their federal compliance needs. Whether lobbying on Capitol Hill or at one of Federal agencies, these women are “getting it done”, and it is a privilege to be able to have a little bit of “insight” into the amazing work that each is able to do on behalf of their clients and their own organizations!

This August (and year-round!), do recognize all of the amazing women at your organizations and within your networks — mentor them, advocate on their behalf, and help to sponsor their continuing professional growth and development. We all know that when women strive and thrive, so do their surroundings, and so I encourage you to lift up the women in your circles and “high five” them at every opportunity. Do reach out and let me know how is striving and thriving where you are!

Gamble

July 2023

Do You Really Belong at Your Organization?

At last month’s Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) 2023 Annual Conference, there were a number of great sessions focused on, among other topics, issues related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). As part of the conversation, a number of speakers acknowledged the expanded nature of DEI to include such aspects as accessibility, belonging, and justice. As a result, references to “DEI” are becoming increasingly more broadened to “DEIABJ” or some variations thereof. I would like to bring forth a highlight to the issue of Belonging.

According to Dictionary.com, the definition of belonging is referred to simply as “something that belongs”. For purposes of this articles, I would like to focus on belonging as it relates to not something, but someone – as in, peoples’ desire to feel valued and respected within an organization, and confident that they are able to show up as their authentic selves, free from harassment or judgment. In other words, do individuals feel like they “belong” at their respective organizations, or do they feel like “imposters” of themselves – just “going through the motions” while secretly wishing that maybe the next day might bring different and better outcomes?

Fortunately, my tenure here at State and Federal Communications (eight years this past April) has provided me with opportunities for not only serving the best clients on issues related to Federal lobbying compliance, but also with opportunities for continued professional development – both invaluable to not only my professional career development, but also to my personal growth as well. I can truly say that I “Belong” here at State and Federal Communications!

As the company celebrates 30 years this month, I want to take this opportunity to say a big “THANK YOU” to President and CEO Elizabeth Bartz for not only giving me a great opportunity, but for also always pushing me to do and be better, and to not be afraid to “get out of my comfort zone” – looking forward to what’s on the horizon for the next 30!

Gamble

June 2023

Professional Development – Ways to Further Enhance Your DEI Knowledge

As I was taking a review of my calendar for upcoming meetings, I realized that I’ll have the pleasure of immersing myself in all things DEI twice during this month – first, while attending the upcoming Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) 2023 Annual Conference and then later on in the month when I’ll be attending Women in Government Relations (WGR) 4th Annual DEI Summit!

I began attending SHRM’s Annual Conference last year, in an effort to “check-out” their DEI content track of which I had heard great things about – I was sold!  Lots of great sessions with engaging speakers on a number of DEI topics, in addition to the Conference Bookstore which housed a plethora of resources and swag!  As for WGR, well, let’s just say that I am all in for DEI, currently in my final month as the Chair of the DEI Committee – it’s been an awesome experience!  The DEI Summit is one of a kind, and I can say from being on this year’s planning committee that this is an event you won’t want to miss!

I mention both the SHRM Conference and the WGR DEI Summit as examples of ways that I am continuing my learning, growth, and engagement as I move along in my DEI journey.  Many have heard me proclaim that there are no “one and done efforts” when it comes to embracing DEI – this is lifelong!  Finding professional development opportunities that focus on DEI content is just one way that you can get out of your comfort zone and begin to think about things, view (and embrace people) through a DEI lens…

What professional development opportunities are on your radar for this month? Look for me out and about in Las Vegas at the SHRM Annual Conference and both virtually & in-person at the WGR DEI Summit here in Washington, DC! #StateandFedDEI

Gamble

May 2023

Embracing Uniqueness One Client at a Time!

Do you remember that old saying “April Showers Bring May Flowers?” Well, some of the most beautiful flowers that I’ve ever seen can be found blossoming in the month of May! Flowers are so extraordinary, each one with its own beauty and uniqueness — this is also how the staff here at State and Federal Communications feel about the clients that we work with each and every day!

We love and respect the fact that we have a variety of different clients that we serve – all different sizes, industries, focuses — made up of diverse groups of lobbyists and other government affairs professionals who trust us every day with their compliance needs. No two clients are alike, and we pride ourselves on making sure that here are State and Federal Communications, we are adaptable to each of our client’s needs. We ensure that we are responsive, knowledgeable, and thorough, all while not being afraid to offer some “tough love” in the name of keeping our clients fully abreast of continuous changes in the lobbying laws, and compliant with all of their registrations and filings!

We embrace uniqueness at State and Federal Communications, so to all of our wonderful clients, we say never stop being you – we love you for it!

Gamble

April 2023

Are Your Customers Your Priority?

In the spirit of my continuous learning about daily recognitions and observances, I recently stumbled upon information related to “Get To Know Your Customers Day”.  According to nationaldaystoday.com, the origin of the celebration is unknown, but the day is recognized each quarter on the third Thursday in the months of January, April, July, and October.  “Get to Know Your Customers Day” highlights the importance of customers to any business and serves as a reminder for businesses to engage with and re-connect to their essential base.  Customers can make or break the success of any business, and for this reason alone (along with many others), engaging and connecting is key!

For State and Federal Communications, our customers are our wonderful clients who entrust us with their state, federal, and international compliance needs, and so from our perspective, “Get To Know Your Customers Day” is observed every day!  In a world where productivity time is short (and attention spans even shorter), the State and Federal Communications staff will never get “too caught up” that we will sacrifice the responsiveness, personal touches (yes, we still pick up the phone and make those calls), and quality service that our clients have grown used to and consistently expect from us – for almost 30 years!

This month, I invite you to take a moment to remind yourself of how crucial your customers (or clients) are to your business and to explore ways of taking your current customer service model to the next level!   To all of our fantastic clients, we say a big “Thank You!”, and you’ll no doubt be seeing or hearing from us soon!

Gamble

 March 2023

It’s March – Let’s Celebrate Women’s History Month!

Every year around this time, I not only look forward to the coming of Spring and to another birthday, but I also look forward to honoring the outstanding achievements and contributions made by women both past and present!

Women’s History Month (designated as such in 1987 when Congress passed Public Law 100-9) is also a great time to reach out to (and re-connect with) the women in your network, and to let them know how absolutely fantastic they are! Let these great women know that they are truly special, and that there is nothing they cannot accomplish – especially when they have other great women (and men!) guiding, supporting, mentoring, and high-fiving them along the way!

During this month, I also encourage you to support the organizations that help to support the amazing women in your circle!  Join these organizations and provide not only your financial resources but also your time – a number of these organizations are volunteer-led and are always looking for ways for members and supporters to get involved!

It is said that Spring is a time for new beginnings… Begin today by committing to lifting up women, being an ally and serving as a resource – and don’t forget – their story is your story is our story – we’re in this together!

Gamble

February 2023

Embracing DEI!

A few weeks into the New Year, I participated as part of panel organized by the American University’s Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute (PAAI) on “Advancing DEI in Advocacy and Government Relations”. One of the key points highlighted during the discussion was the fact that when it comes to matters related to DEI, one must realize that the focus transcends beyond just race and gender. While these two factors are, of course, important to any DEI discussion, a host of other elements and identifiers also come into play: a person’s birthplace; political affiliation and ideology; military service; employment opportunities; schooling; family dynamics – all of these things (and so many more!) help to make up a person’s whole being, and affect how they interact day-to-day with other family members, friends, colleagues and those in their community.

One of the ways that someone can move towards understanding the factors that help to make a person whom they are involved a willingness to be open-minded to learning a person’s story, which in turn provides opportunities for greater understanding and connection. There will be situations where you may not agree with someone on a particular matter, but seizing opportunities to get to know them and to view them “in a different light” may provide you with a better understanding of their thought processes and reasoning. Furthermore, as we continue to strengthen connections with others, we, in turn, learn a little bit more each time about ourselves! We become human beings who are more empathetic, and who truly understand and embrace diversity, equity & inclusion.

So, beginning this month – the month focused on all matters of the heart – make a commitment to embrace someone’s new perspective, idea, recommendation, suggestion – you never know what great collaborations may come from it yet!

Gamble

January 2023

It’s All About Connections!

Happy New Year!

Here we are now in 2023, and one of the many things that I want to continue to focus on is building connections!

One of the things that I love about working at State and Federal Communications is the multitude of opportunities that I get to meet and interact with our clients!  Not only do I get to assist them with their lobbying compliance needs, but I also get a chance to see them oftentimes at various conferences and events – great ways to continue to get to know them and develop relationships!  It’s awesome when I finally get to meet our clients in person (“putting faces to names”) — the familiarity of the interactions begins to stick, and (hopefully) a camaraderie will begin to grow over the course of time…

I believe the same can also be said for just meeting people in general!  I attend a good number of conferences and events throughout the year, and my goal for 2023 will be to make at least one (hopefully more!) connection [particularly with someone who does not look like me] everywhere I show up!  This isn’t always the “comfortable” thing to do putting yourself out there, but the personal rewards obtained from developing meaningful connections far outweigh the fight for me to try and stay in my comfort zone!

What are your goals for 2023? Hopefully, they too will include making greater connections and forging stronger bonds? I will be sure to check in and let you know how it’s going!

Gamble