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RailsConf 2019 - Mentoring the way to a more diverse and inclusive workplace by Alexandra Millatmal

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Often, the endeavors of hiring and mentoring junior engineers and of bolstering diversity and inclusion efforts are seen as “nice to haves” at best and “extraneous” (or even “impossible”!) at worst. But in reality, building diversity and inclusivity and fostering the ability to incorporate junior engineers go hand-in-hand. Engineering teams should approach each of these efforts in service of the other.

Together, we'll articulate the value of investing in mentorship efforts in terms of their impact on the ability to attract and retain diversity. You will walk away with a clearer understanding of the connection between the two efforts, and ideas for incorporating mentorship and D&I processes at your place of work.

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The video titled "Mentoring the Way to a More Diverse and Inclusive Workplace" features Alexandra Millatmal, a developer at Newsela, who discusses the interconnection between mentorship and diversity and inclusion (D&I) in tech workplaces. Millatmal emphasizes that nurturing diversity should not be viewed as an isolated effort; instead, it should work synergistically with successful mentorship programs to create an inclusive atmosphere.  
  
Key points discussed include:  
- **Dual Importance of Mentorship and D&I**: Millatmal posits that strong mentorship creates a foundation for diversity and inclusion initiatives, enhancing the workplace culture for underrepresented groups.  
- **Target Audience**: The talk is relevant for managers, team leads, junior engineers, and executives, offering practical strategies for supporting inclusion and mentorship.  
- **Recruitment Methods**: Suggested practices for inclusive hiring include using appropriate language in job postings, diverse recruitment channels, and tools like Key Values to attract candidates aligned with company values.  
- **Affinity Groups**: Companies are encouraged to establish these groups to foster community, provide representation, and offer pathways for addressing employee concerns regarding diversity.  
- **Role of Leadership**: Representation in leadership positions is critical for both attracting talent and supporting underrepresented identities within organizations.  
- **Formal Sponsorship**: Millatmal describes sponsorship as an enhanced form of mentorship, where sponsors actively facilitate the growth of their mentees, particularly in underrepresented groups.  
- **Mentorship Best Practices**: Effective mentorship programs must consider transparency, clear expectations, and actionable feedback at every stage from interview to onboarding and performance reviews.  
- **Mutual Benefits of D&I and Mentorship**: Many D&I initiatives align with mentorship strategies, including structured onboarding and review processes, creating a foundation for career advancement for junior engineers.  
- **Business Case for Mentorship**: The talk concludes with a compelling argument: supporting underrepresented groups through mentorship initiatives enhances company reputation and operational efficiency, ultimately fostering a more effective workforce.

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