Welcome to our Optimize DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) calendar of events, holidays, and observances. This calendar is an expertly curated list produced by Liza Wisner, Global Talent Development Expert and Enterprise Curator of DE&I at OpenSesame. Liza developed this calendar to help provide you with information about important DE&I events, global holidays, and observances that celebrate the cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity of a community or organization. These events, holidays, and observances may include national, religious, cultural, and historical events that are significant to various groups worldwide.

The purpose of this Optimize DE&I calendar is to keep you informed of important events, recognize, and celebrate our diversity, and promote a sense of inclusivity and belonging among all Optimize DE&I Club members. It can also serve as a resource for your organization and a support system for leaders to create opportunities for learning about and honoring the diverse experiences and histories of the people they serve.

Celebrating diverse holidays and observances from around the world is vital for several reasons:

• Promoting inclusivity and belonging: By acknowledging and celebrating the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of different groups, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. This helps to foster a sense of belonging and belonging among all members of a community or organization.
• Recognizing and valuing diversity: Celebrating diversity holidays and observances is a way of recognizing and valuing the unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions of people from different backgrounds. This can help to break down barriers and promote understanding and respect among people of different cultures and traditions.
• Educating and raising awareness: Celebrating diverse holidays and observances can provide opportunities for learning about and understanding different cultures and traditions. This can help to increase awareness and understanding of the diversity within a community or organization and can lead to more informed and respectful interactions between people of different backgrounds.
• Celebrating cultural traditions and history: By celebrating diverse holidays and observances, we can honor and preserve different groups' cultural traditions and histories. This helps to keep these traditions alive and helps to ensure that they are passed down to future generations.

Some examples of events, holidays, and observances that may be included in this Optimize DE&I calendar include:

• Optimize DE&I Webinars with Thought Leaders
• Optimize DE&I Club Meetings
• International Women's Day
• Black History Month
• Pride Month
• Lunar New Year
• Diwali
• Hanukkah
• Christmas
• Thanksgiving
• Eid al-Fitr
• Kwanzaa
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day

This is just a small sample of the many holidays and observances included in this Optimize DE&I calendar. The specific events, holidays, and observances you decide to have in your opportunities will depend on the community or organization they are intended for. Your selection will vary based on your group’s cultural and demographic makeup.

Overall, this calendar is a vital way to promote inclusivity, respect, and understanding within your community or organization and to recognize and value the diversity that exists within it.