Dignity & Respect Champion: Marsha Jones

When Marsha Jones, executive vice president and chief diversity officer at PNC, started her career as a woman of color in financial services three decades ago, she was a trailblazer.

 

Every one of Marsha's sales management executive positions have been a milestone for African American women in the financial services industry. "There are countless experiences throughout my career where you notice that something needs to be changed, you ask why it is the way it is, and how you can make it better. You then proceed on a path to do that," Marsha explains. 

 

Marsha was recruited for her position at PNC three years ago from Merrill Lynch in her native New York where she was involved in multicultural business development and recruiting. She was ready to take her hard earned life lessons and apply them to a new organization where she could make the climb a little easier for both the employees and the organization. "Timing has a lot to do with everything, she said. "We are now on the brink of the impact demographics are going to have, it was natural for me to assume this position and take advantage of the opportunity to make a difference." Marsha continues, "I had the ability to initiate a program from the foundation up and connect it across the entire enterprise, to connect the dots within the organization."

 

Vibrant Pittsburgh CEO Melanie Harrington, who nominated Marsha, said, "It's not easy to come to a new city, new organization, and a new role to lead a change management initiative. Marsha has done that and in doing so she is positioning her organization as a workplace that constantly strives to treat its employees in an exemplary manner."

 

The program that Marsha promotes is an educational focus called "Creating a Culture of Inclusion".  This training program increases awareness of cultural differences and promotes an environment where employees can appreciate contributions from a diverse group.  "The bank is experiencing generational challenges and this program in diversity training has helped the workforce better understand its constituents." Marsha says. She continues, "We also recognize that in order to be successful we have to be able to develop relationships with those in emerging demographics, to demonstrate how we can be a good business partner for them and be able to meet their needs as customers ."

 

Marsha spent 28 years at Merrill Lynch, and when she started there were not many role models. She says, "I was the only woman, the only African American woman. I asked myself, if not you then who? What can I do to make a difference and be able to change that? My success demonstrated that women and people of color can be successful in a financial institution and that success was a result of the inclusive environment that was created in every position."

 

Appreciation and regard for others is a way of life that was ingrained in Marsha Jones early in her professional life. She explains, "The ability to treat individuals with consideration has enabled me to be that much more successful in developing relationships with a wide range of people. An inclusive environment breeds innovation, among other benefits. You are encouraging employees to give their best, and they feel an obligation toward the successful outcome of the organization. They are part of it. They have a stake in its success." 

 

When asked how she feels being recognized as a Dignity & Respect Champion, Marsha says she is "Quite pleased, recognition is always nice on behalf of the work, it is gratifying."

 

 Do you know an individual who makes a positive impact and promotes an environment of inclusion? If so, nominate the person in your life you feel has made a difference for the Dignity & Respect Champion Award! This prestigious award recognizes people who are engaged in their communities, live by the principles of dignity and respect, and promote an environment of inclusion. 

The Dignity & Respect Champion is... Claire Walker!

Women's History Month recognizes and pays tribute to the commitment of women who worked hard to make change for the better. Dr. Claire Walker, recently retired executive director at the Pittsburgh Child Guidance Foundation (PCGF), continues this tradition of commitment and is being recognized as a Dignity & Respect Champion for it.

Her history as an advocate started with her early work as a social planner for the Reading Model Cities Agency. There Claire learned of a problem where people went to jail simply because they couldn't afford bail. After organizing a mock trial and helping residents to learn the facts, a new program to assist those in need grew from her efforts.

During her tenure as the research director at Health and Welfare Planning Association in Pittsburgh, she developed the first day care voucher program for children with parents on welfare that allowed them to integrate with those not in the program. Helping children in situations like these to become less invisible sparked a calling for Claire Walker. "My passion comes from the recognition that we all start as children and everything important happens there," Claire said. "What happens to children affects their adult lives and all too often their voices are quiet and unheard."

As policy director for the state Department of Public Welfare Office of Children, Youth and Families, she led the initiative to national compliance with welfare regulations. Due to changes, Pennsylvania children were on the verge of losing money unless the Commonwealth created new standards. Claire worked to rewrite these rules to complement the new regulations and safeguard that the department upheld the very best way they knew how to treat the children. She then created the services to do that. To ensure that these rules became reality, Claire became the executive director of Family Resources.

This position led to her time at the Child Guidance Foundation as executive director. Her task involved discovering the issues that no one discussed about the children of incarcerated parents in Allegheny County and being the children's voice in these issues. Between 12 and 15 percent of Allegheny County children will grow up with a parent in jail during their young lives. Approximately 8,500 of these children currently live separated from one or both of their parents due to incarceration.

"At a time when people were not talking about how hard it is to grow up when your parent is in jail and you are alone, Claire found a calling to rally the world around. For the past ten years, she worked tirelessly to identify potential solutions that would ultimately change lives in Allegheny County," said Charlotte Brown PhD., President of Board of Trustees of PCGF, who nominated Claire as a Dignity & Respect Champion. "Claire has dedicated her professional life to advocating for children." 

As their advocate, Claire worked hard to change the system by examining how the losses affected them and then gave the research to those most poised to assist. "The greatest joy I have is seeing those in the legal system honor their words and respond by working to help the children," Claire said.

Charlotte Brown comments,"Claire is a special person. She is a listener, a learner, a wise person who makes a difference by taking action and making things happen. Thanks to her dedication and vision, thousands of children in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and ultimately the nation have the promise of a brighter future."

Reflecting on her prestigious career as a voice for the displaced and invisible children of incarcerated parents Claire states her belief that, "We're fellow pilgrims on this planet. Everything I've done, even that which was most serendipitous, is an accomplishment. At each point I've said that I'm so priveleged to be able to do this." 

Do you know an individual who makes a positive impact andpromotes an environment of inclusion? If so, nominate the person in your life you feel has made a difference for the Dignity & Respect Champion Award! This prestigious award recognizes people who are engaged in their communities, live by the principles of dignity and respect, and promote an environment of inclusion. 

Recognizing Dignity & Respect Champion: Lisa Strother Upsher

Lisa Strother Upsher, the Minority Organ Tissue   Transplant Education Program Director at the Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE), is faced with resistance everyday. It's her job to inform and persuade, and sway opinions when possible. Paula K. Davis, D&R Champion previously recognized for her work with diversity recruitment at the University of Pittsburgh, says this about Lisa Strother Upsher, "Lisa must navigate people's faith, tradition, beliefs about their very being, and their perceptions of death and dying in outlining why they should consider registering as donors." "People sometimes can't see past the misperceptions of being an organ donor," Lisa states. She quells these concerns and raises awareness by conducting ongoing community-based education presentations.  Some people need to be approached six or seven times through presentations at work, school, community, and even church before they understand the value of being anorgan donor.  Lisa has the persistence to do this, and she developed it early on. She was born in West Virginia, the baby of 13 children. With seven other girls and five boys, Lisa had to be persistent just to be heard. A self proclaimed "minister's kid," she grew up in a small but diverse area of Italian, Polish, and African-American ancestry.  Lisa feels that growing up in a small community where "everyone knows everyone," provided her with a safety zone to develop into who she is. She has always worked in jobs related to health disparity in the multi-cultural community. She spent 15 years as a field manager for Healthy Start, Inc., another non-profit, where she developed and trained community outreach workers. Lisa has been working at CORE for five years, where she finds her work not only rewarding, but challenging in her everyday interactions with people. "When you treat others the way they want to be treated, then you make people feel valued and respected and you can change everything for the greater good", Lisa states. She continues, "A greater diversity of donors can increase access to transplantation for everyone."   Although people of different races frequently match one another, compatible blood types and tissue markers that are critical qualities for matching, are more likely to be found among members of the same ethnicity. Paula K. Davis, who nominated Upsher as a Dignity & Respect Champion says, "Under-represented individuals suffer disproportionately from illness that may result in the need for transplantation. Discussions of what may happen to our bodies after dying is very uncomfortable. Lisa must discuss the benefit to the living while respecting the individual." Lisa does this as she communicates to people the importance of being an organ donor and as she educates people against the myths and misperceptions of organ donation.  "The number one negative myth is that if you put 'Organ Donor' on your license, people are going to let you die." Lisa states.  "The public needs to be made aware that this is irrational. Sometimes they need to hear it numerous times from institutions they respect, and places they trust, before they realize this, "she adds. Lisa's job is to educate people how untrue this myth is. And she will do just that, no matter how many times it takes. Do you know an individual who makes a positive impact and promotes an environment of inclusion? If so, nominate the person in your life you feel has made a difference for the Dignity & Respect Champion Award! This prestigious award recognizes people who are engaged in their communities, live by the principles of dignity and respect, and promote an environment of inclusion.

Take a Healthy Step: Quitting Smoking

This month we are asking all our fans and followers to take a healthy step. If you are a smoker, you probably are aware of all the negative repercussions of smoking.  But self-shaming is often a terrible motivator for change.  Think instead about all the positive aspects of quitting and you may feel more motivated to change your life for the better.  You owe it to yourself to feel great!

Did you know…

 

Immediately after your last cigarette:

§  No more burns in your clothes, furniture, and car.

• Your body’s healing processes begin.

20 minutes after your last cigarette:

• Your blood pressure lowers.
• Your hands and feet warm up.

8 hours after your last cigarette:

• The carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal.

24 hours after your last cigarette:

• Your heart attack risk decreases.
• You are less short of breath.
• You save money ($6 per pack).

3 days after your last cigarette:

• Your family and friends are happier.
• Your senses of taste and smell improve.
• Your skin begins to look and feel better.
• You have increased energy.

About 1 week after your last cigarette:

• Your mood improves.
• You are less irritable.

2 weeks after your last cigarette:

• Your circulation improves.
• Your lung function increases.

1 to 9 months after your last cigarette:

• Smoker’s cough decreases.
• Your lungs’ cleansing function returns to normal.
• Your risk for infection decreases.

1 year after your last cigarette:

• Your heart attack risk is half that of a smoker.
• You’ve saved $2,190 or more from not buying cigarettes.
• Freedom! You’re not a slave to smoking any longer.

5 to 15 years after quitting:

• Your stroke risk is equal to that of a non-smoker.

10 years after quitting:

• Your lung cancer risk is half that o a smoker.
• Your risk of cancer decreases (including cancer of the mouth, throat, bladder, etc.).

15 years after quitting:

• Your risk of heart disease is equal to that of a non-smoker.

 

Learn more about the benefits of quitting here:  http://www.upmc.com/patients-visitors/education/smoking/Pages/smoking-facts.aspx 

Share your ideas on how to take a healthy step on our Facebook wall or message us on Twitter!

Take a Healthy Step: Re-Think Meditation

This month we are asking all our fans and followers to take a healthy step.  The wellness of your body starts with a healthy mind and positive outlook.  We all need a chance to step back and gain perspective.  By giving ourselves the time to re-orientate and reflect, we reduce the stress that leads to so many health issues such as heart disease and high blood pressure.  This is why meditation is now proving to be as great for the body as it is for the soul.   

Calming of the Mind

Probably the greatest benefit of meditation is that it calms the mind. Studies have shown that people who meditate regularly are happier and better balanced. They have a much easier time handling stress and keeping depression, anxiety and negativity at bay. There’s just something about spending some time each day doing nothing but sitting and breathing that has an almost magical effect on the brain.

Sharper Focus

People who meditate regularly report that they find their focus and concentration better. Perhaps the reason for this is that when you meditate, you focus only on this exact place and moment. By concentrating all of your energy on the simple activity of sitting, you’re essentially practicing concentration. It tunes your focus so that you can bring it to the other things you do each day.

…

Improved Memory

Recent scientific studies show that people who meditate daily over a period of several weeks have more grey matter in the part of the brain known as the hippocampus, an area that’s associated with learning and memory. Scientists are clueless as to why this is, but MRI scans show that there is a significant difference between the brains of meditators and non-meditators.

Lower Blood Pressure

Studies also suggest that meditating may lower your blood pressure. They even suggest that the practice is just as effective as certain anti-hypertension medications and possibly more so, without the added side effects and risks. This benefit, along with the power of meditation to stop stress, means that meditating is good for your heart and can prevent you from suffering heart problems.

 

Find out more about meditation and its benefits here:  http://www.meditationtips.net/benefits-of-meditation/the-7-key-benefits-of-meditation.php#more-738

Share your ideas on how to take a healthy step on our Facebook wall or message us on Twitter! 

A Special Holiday Thank You to Those That Lend a Hand!

 

Everyone needs help now and again.  We’ve all been there.  And when someone helps us out, it can mean the world.  It fills us with hope and inspires us to be better people in return.  This holiday season, let us celebrate selflessness and altruism by being grateful to all the helpers in our lives.  If someone lent a hand to you this year, now is the perfect time to say Thank You!       

The Dignity & Respect Campaign invites you to post your stories about how someone lent a hand to you made all the difference.  This is your opportunity to thank those special people in your life and encourage our Fans and Followers to reach out and Lend a Hand this holiday season. 

The smallest act of kindness just like the largest act of philanthropy, can change lives.  Have you ever received a greeting card or kind voicemail on the very day you needed a pick-me-up the most?  Maybe someone cooked you a meal without even knowing times were tough.  Or maybe you have a secret benefactor whose anonymous help changed your prospects and your attitude.  Whatever your story, large or small, share it with us!  Warm hearts by sharing your gratitude with us this holiday season. 

Share your stories with us on our Facebook wall and remember Dignity & Respect Tip #5: Say Thank You! 

Dignity & Respect Champion: Laurie MacDonald!

 

Laurie MacDonald, CEO and president of Center for Victims, was named the Dignity & Respect Champion of Greater Pittsburgh. She worked at Womansplace, a domestic violence center, for 10 years before the organization merged with the Center for Victims of Violence and Crime, this past July. 

Nominated for the award by coworker Nicolas J. Hartman, Laurie has spent more than a decade working tirelessly toward the betterment of a diverse community. 

"Through Laurie's commitment to acknowledging the diversity of crime and victims of crime, we now have an agency providing services in a comprehensive fashion while appreciating and respecting the diversity of the victims it serves," Hartman wrote in his nomination letter. "Laurie also has a personal approach to working with her employees, never shy to say hello and ask about our well-being," Hartman wrote. "Laurie truly wants her staff to feel appreciated and enjoy the work that we do."

Laurie said the most rewarding aspect of her work is getting to know so many different people. As a daughter of an Arab immigrant, she remembers her upbringing in McKeesport (she grew up two blocks from where Womansplace was established) as one marked by gender and racial discrimination. 

"I learned a lot about discrimination and prejudice," she said. "Female suppression was huge. You were expected to graduate high school and become a secretary." 

That atmosphere has changed, Laurie said, even if society still has a ways to go. As she knows, people are still hurting one another.   

During the past 10 years, Laurie admits, she can't say she's seen even a modest decrease in the number of women seeking shelter from violence. But she has watched the population she's served-first through Womansplace and now through the Center for Victims-become more diverse.

Abused women aren't hiding in the shadows-at least not as often.  

"Domestic violence happens to everyone, but the way it's dealt with in the community is different," Laurie said, adding that in some cultures, traditionally, women are more reluctant to use community resources. "It's not as taboo to seek help [now]." 

Womansplace, based in McKeesport, helped reach an underserved community that was less likely to access resources based in the city, Laurie said. Center for Victims casts the net wider, offering women and men in Allegheny County a 24-hour help line for "victim advocacy, crisis intervention, counseling, and community education programs to those impacted by all forms of violence and crime including, but not limited to: adult and child sexual assault; physical assault; child and elder abuse; homicide; robbery; and burglary," according to the group's website. "It's good for our clients," she said. "It's more of a one-stop shop."

Laurie's optimism baffles some, she said. It's not that she doesn't see, first-hand, the casualties of abuse-indications that the values of dignity and respect haven't taken hold in all of us. 

Friends sometimes ask her how she can do the work she does without being depressed all the time. Her response is simple. 

"If you think you're not making progress-- you are."

Do you know an individual who makes a positive impact and promotes an environment of inclusion? If so, nominate the person in your life you feel has made a difference for the Dignity & Respect Champion Award! This prestigious award recognizes people who are engaged in their communities, live by the principles of dignity and respect, and promote an environment of inclusion.