What is this next frontier of diversity and inclusion? And we

feel that it is to focus on class and people who are the

first. When I say the first, I mean people who are pioneers in

their family. We've defined a first generation professional as

someone who is one of the first in their immediate family to

enter into the professional workplace. Meaning that their

parents either held traditional blue collar positions or working

class positions that didn't require a college degree. If we

endeavor to have a work force that's representative of the

diverse American population we serve and is drawn from all

sections, don't we want to make sure that we don't impede

opportunities for people who come from lower income

backgrounds to be in this work force.

To lend their knowledge of the communities that we serve. Class

transcends all diversity dimensions. Race, gender,

national origin, religion, it transcends all of that.

Now draw on your background as a strength and leverage that grit,

loyalty, and flexibility instilled in you by your

parents. And empower yourself to realize your full potential.

Coming from a first generation, low income background, I face

challenges with navigating school resources, feeling

supported and adjusting to social life on campus.

In academic settings and extra curriculars I am involved with,

it can be hard to relate to many of my peers who have the

connections and networks that I just don't have.

Having to balance work and school helped me develop a

strong work ethic and a determination to succeed. I

learn time management skills and how to develop my social

networks.

And I think first generation professionals should be proud

that they are trailblazers. You know they come from hard working

families and they're expanding into this area of occupations

that others in their family have not done.

But we know that if we really believe in diversity and

inclusion and we want people with different backgrounds and

thoughts and perspectives, that's the exact mix we need.

Because if you don't have tension in the workplace, you

don't get creativity and innovation.

But what I want all first generation professionals to know

and those people who are allies to them and in their corner, is

that "we should not be judged by the heights we have risen but

from the depths we have climbed." And that's Frederick Douglass.

Through out your life there will be a number of people who will

doubt you but you do not get to be one of those people.

This is just the beginning of the journey this is just

starting the conversation.