Celebrated on May 21st, World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development highlights the crucial role of intercultural dialogue in fostering peace and sustainable development.
As a global organization comprising thousands of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, we are committed to our value of Inclusion to unlock our global potential. We asked some of our people from our Multicultural Employee Network Group (MENG) on what this day means to them along with a photo that represents something important to them. Read more to see the variety of cultures and background at Protiviti.
Aditi Vepa – Manager, Seattle
World Day for Cultural Diversity is an opportunity to embrace what makes us unique and identify what we all have in common.
I studied a South Indian classical dance (Bharatanatyam) for around 15 years. My teacher recently invited us to do an alumni performance to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her dance company, and this is a photo from that performance.
Curtis Hicks – Senior Manager, Charlotte
World Day for Cultural Diversity symbolizes the growth that we all have experienced as individuals and as a group of people and that we all have a unique story that is and has been shaped by our culture and experiences. The journey you have taken to get where you are today is something everyone should be proud to share with others.
This is a photo of my late grandparents’ home in very rural South Carolina. The first 2 years of my life I grew up in this home with my family and other extended family members until my father finished college. This house represents very humble beginnings. My immediate family eventually moved away, however, as I grew up throughout my childhood until my late teens, we would travel over an hour back to my grandparents’ home to go to church on Sundays. My brothers and I spent most summers there. I come from very humble beginnings, however there was always love and support within each generation of family members. My grandparents had a 3rd grade education, and there were cotton fields scattered throughout the town; My father actually worked in those cotton fields as a young boy. From a cultural perspective we would all gather at my grandparents’ home after church, eat a great meal, and talk about current events as well as past times where the older generation would reminisce. We didn’t have material things or any type of financial savings, but that was not the focus. No one judged anyone and what was most important was everyone being present for each other through good and bad times.
Meredith Anderson – Associate Director, St. Louis
World Day for Cultural Diversity means cultural awareness and inclusion. By celebrating these events, it promotes a culture of inclusion and respect. This day acknowledges the diverse backgrounds of employees and creates an environment where everyone feels valued and recognized.
This is a photo of recent celebrations for Ramadan, Easter, and Passover in the St Louis office.
Yessenia Nava – Consultant, Phoenix
World Day for Cultural Diversity means creating awareness of different cultures and celebrating them.
This is a photo of recent Phoenix activities that include an annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration, a watch parties for global ENG events, a museum visit with the local MENG committee and new hires, and an office potluck to celebrate the World Day for Cultural Diversity.
Jasmine Dhillon – Manager, Charlotte
World Day for Cultural Diversity is a significant day for me as it celebrates the rich variety of cultures worldwide, promoting understanding and respect among different communities.
This photo is my family during my first cousins wedding that took place in Thailand over a course of 4 days. She had a traditional Punjabi Sikh wedding, and it was so fun to dress up and celebrate our culture and roots while celebrating love!
Labeeba Rana – Senior Consultant, New York City
World Day For Cultural Diversity is a reminder that identity is not just where we come from. It’s also what we carry with us. The world wouldn’t be what it is without cultural diversity. It is important to respect and appreciate each other’s differences, and the first step in doing that is understanding what those differences are.
This is a photo of my Bangladeshi cultural wedding!
Reflecting on these stories shared on the World Day for Cultural Diversity, we see how each one enriches our understanding and strengthens our global community. By celebrating cultural diversity every day, we build a more inclusive future.
