Cathy Ngo’s Post

Do you know the history of Mother’s Day as a day of peace? Mother's Day was originally conceived as a day for mothers to join forces in advocating for peace and amicably resolving international conflicts. Julia Ward Howe, an American abolitionist, feminist, poet, and author, went beyond her literary pursuits to engage in humanitarian work during the Civil War. She nursed the wounded and cared for the widows and orphans of soldiers from both sides, recognising that the consequences of war extended far beyond the battlefield. The devastation she witnessed during the Civil War prompted her to make a powerful call to action, urging women to "rise up through the ashes and devastation" and advocating for a Mother's Day dedicated to peace. In the present day, Mother's Day might have strayed from its original purpose, but it is crucial to revisit the underlying intentions. As the world grapples with devastating wars, and our communities suffer from the effects of violence, it is a timely opportunity for Mother's Day to reclaim its roots. You don’t have to be a ‘mother’ to stand in the spirit of Ward Howe's initial plea. We all play a part. 🕊️ In case you're wondering, this is a picture of me cuddling baby Harvey (who was two weeks old) and speaking as part of a panel. I shared my experiences of perinatal depression and anxiety in Parliament house on behalf of the Gidget Foundation Australia. I'm honoured to share my experiences from a multicultural perspective, in the hopes to reduce stigma in CALD communities.

It’s my birthday today. As I grow older and (hopefully) wiser, I do not long for material possessions. My ‘present’ is more love and peace. As clique as it sounds, that’s how I feel. There is a lot of suffering and messed-up stuff in this world. It is easy to feel helpless, angry and full of resentment. I am only me, so I remind myself that I can only act within my means. Most of all, it is recognising that I am not alone in this. World matters need friendships and community. Always. It is by no means an easy task, but small changes incrementally lead to better things, Coincidentally, my birthday is “Mates Day” in Australia (a play on May 8). I have faith in humanity, and together, we work toward the change we wish to see. Thank you for being here. Image description in the alt text.

My most rewarding yet challenging "job" is motherhood. My journey into motherhood started in 2016 and was met with highs, lows and severe depression and anxiety along the way. As an Australian-Vietnamese, there were other nuances, such as cultural expectations and body dysmorphia. Thanks to the Gidget Foundation Australia for raising awareness of perinatal depression and anxiety. Today is also World Maternal Mental Health Day, and the Gidget Foundation Australia has just released Ep1, Series 2 of its "1 in 5 Mothers, 1 in 10 Fathers" Podcast. The podcast features candid conversations about early parenting stories, including topics such as IVF, fertility, single parenting, multiple births, and navigating pregnancy as a young mother.   https://lnkd.in/gRyzMqDK [Oh, and I am also in one of the episodes] #MaternalHealth #PNDA #MentalHealth

It's Earth Day, and I want to reflect on Intersectional Environmentalism. Thank you, Jenny Ringland, for the opportunity to share my cultural upbringing and its environmental impact in a Green + Simple article. I share my personal story on the environmental disparities from the experiences of a former refugee family. In the article, I share: "We can use our privilege and platform to create space for underrepresented communities to have a voice and seat at the table. Consider whose perspectives are missing and add these to make a richer conversation.  Grassroot organisations are mostly run by a diverse community; however, it looks painfully homogenous when you get to the top of the chain. We can make better choices by advocating for more diversity and inclusion on boards and leadership positions, the suppliers we engage and who we vote for. We must support policies and movements that actively fight to abolish systems that place our most vulnerable citizens in uninhabitable environments. Advocating for change without considering environmental justice and equity will never work. We must work together to ensure a brighter future for our planet, one that includes ALL of us." You can check out the article here: https://lnkd.in/gbBiwuZr #EarthDay #ClimateChange

Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhance organisational diversity and competitive advantage in HR? AI has been embedded within the structures of many HR Information systems for some years. However, with the rapid evolution of AI, we’re now at a juncture where interaction between humans and machines has become non-negotiable consideration for HR practitioners wanting to create a fair and equitable playing field for all.   By embracing AI as a partner, and implementing "Responsible AI - responsibly”, HR professionals can drive meaningful change and build more inclusive workplaces, across the whole employee lifecycle. To explore how to manage both the risks and rewards of AI in your existing HR systems, join the AHRI NSW D&I Committee for an insightful panel discussion which will empower HR professionals with the knowledge and tools to reduce risk and maximise diversity and inclusion. Register now to secure your spot at this timely and important panel discussion. Date: 5 June 2024 Time: 12 PM AEST  Location: Online (Link will be provided upon registration) Cost: Free for AHRI members. Non-members at a reduced cost. Register Here: https://lnkd.in/gu5wsQY8   We look forward to having you join us. #AI #DiversityandInclusion #HRTransformation image description in alt text Deb Travers-Wolf Naomi Urban - CPHR Amanda White Kate Bartlett Courtney Pond John Myers James Hare Estelle Olstein(She/ her) Jessica Hill Kavita Gounder

The Australian HR Institute (AHRI) NSW Diversity and Inclusion Committee invites you to explore how to navigate cultural safety in 2024. Designed for leaders and HR professionals, this event observes the UN Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Explore research and critical lessons to collectively navigate cultural safety and move forward at work and in society. This much-urgent discussion has been driven by the recognition of our ever-changing world and workplaces, the complexity of language in today's cultural and legal landscape, and the need to learn the mindsets and skill sets to create conversations about psychosocial safety across cultures.    Takeaways from the session:  - Deeper understanding of the language and landscape of cultural safety;  - Insights about how to connect across cultures and faiths and;  - Tools to enhance trust and appreciation for a more inclusive culture and productive workplace.    When: Friday 22 March 2024  Time: 12.30 - 1.30 pm (AEDT)  Where: Online via Zoom  Please join us and invite your business colleagues.  Note: This session is interactive and a shared conversation space.   AHRI members can join for free. Non-members are welcome to join at a nominal cost.   Please register via the link: https://lnkd.in/gY-WJ6rz   Additionally, register for a deeper follow-up with a face-to-face coffee conversation with your peers: > Sydney City: Wednesday 1 May @ 10.30 am  https://lnkd.in/gEdA6eb7    > North Sydney Thursday 22 May @ 10.30 am  https://lnkd.in/gWaQJ5-J     Deb Travers-Wolf Estelle Olstein(She/ her) Naomi Urban - CPHR Kavita Gounder Amanda White Kate Bartlett John Myers Courtney Pond James Hare Image description in the alt text.

Experiencing burnout? Want time for yourself to explore your creativity while finding joy in the process? Happening Thursday, 22 Feb, I'm running my first art + yoga fusion class (it's FREE or pay what you can). Give yourself permission to fully express yourself in a supportive space. This is not an arty farty or yoga class — in fact, it is an anti-art class, so no experience is required 😆 Please come with a curious and beginner mindset, ready to let go and freely create without any expectations. Details below 👇 When: Thursday 22 February at 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm AEDT Where: Online Price: Free or pay what you can Register here: https://lnkd.in/gFa8GcXc Note: this workshop is designed to be accessible and trauma-informed. To maintain a safe space, this event will not be recorded. Pic taken by Heist Creative Image description in the alt text

Did you know that Valentine's Day has a dark history? 🖤 The holiday got its name from a man named Valentine who was a Roman priest who helped couples secretly get married. Emperor Claudius II of Rome—who reigned from the year 268 A.D. to 270 A.D.—banned marriage because he thought unmarried men made better soldiers. Valentine thought this was unfair and decided to break the rules and perform marriages anyway. He kept the ceremonies quiet, but he was eventually caught and later killed on February 14 of the year 270 for defying the emperor. It's why this day, 14 February is known as St Valentine's Day, to honour Valentine as the patron saint of lovers, people with epilepsy, and beekeepers. I'm not into the sickening lovey dovey commercialisation of the day 🤮 I am just basking in mindful reflection and admiration for the many who believe in something that is bigger than themselves (just like St Valentine did). They're the changemakers, teachers, respected business leaders, parent, carer, innovator, medical professional and so much more. Love comes in many forms. Love defeats hate. And we need this in our world more than ever. This picture is an artwork of St. Valentine healing a man with epilepsy (artist unknown).