Jennifer Fraone

Director of Corporate Partnerships

Published August 30, 2023

Ever since I was a young girl, I went into fall and the start of the new school year with great anticipation. Armed with new books, a wardrobe refresh, and an eager disposition, I relished the opportunity to start the year off on the right foot. Always accompanying this positive attitude was the anxiety around wondering if I would fit in; would I belong? In those early years, I never paused to consider what I personally could do to help others feel a sense of belonging. But, now, creating a culture of inclusion and belonging is something I think about every day. I had the opportunity just last week to present about belonging at an amazing DEI conference "Level Up" hosted by Roundtable Member Lilly. With thousands of people in attendance, and hundreds at my two sessions of Belonging: More than a Buzzword, there was a real sense that belonging is central to people's ability to thrive, whether in a school, community, or employment setting. As Coqual defines belonging: to be seen, connected, supported and proud can make all the difference.

Now that I've proudly been here at the Center for Work & Family for 18 years(!!), I'm more excited than ever about what this fall will bring. I invite you to read more about our Fall Roundtable Meeting below and hope all of our members will join us for this opportunity to engage in-person to learn, network and benchmark with peers. We want you to come away feeling inspired, and like you belong to a community that is welcoming and has a shared purpose to elevate the employee experience for the millions of employees our members support. For a portion of our event, we'll travel to the beautiful BC campus (pictured above) where we'll hear from a panel of Gen Z professionals in the early years of their careers. We'll discuss what they are looking for in their employers from hybrid work, to benefits, to career growth, and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion AND belonging. So, here's to a great fall season. I hope it brings a renewed sense of purpose, determination, and excitement about this important work we are all doing!