Page 11 - Buzz Magazine - Issue No 2 Winter 2021 | University of Rochester

ADVOCATE FOR

WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU
I’m passionate about career coaching in the nonprofit
sector. I am also a self-described “equity warrior,” and
a lot of what I’m hearing from people has to do with
issues of fairness and inclusivity.
JONATHAN MEAGHER-
For instance, some people have really struggled ZAYAS ’13 MSW, MPA
with remote work. They don’t have the technological Social sector
support nor the resources to make it work easily. career coach
Those in historically marginalized groups face
distinct challenges, too—some of which have been Talk to your
alleviated by working remotely. For instance, fewer “ supervisor
microaggressions seem to take place in the remote
workspace. Those water cooler conversations about about what
stories in the news just don’t happen as often, which
is a relief because, in person, they are often asked for be the best
their opinions, as though they speak for the people you can be.
who look like them.
you need to “
People have ongoing safety concerns, too, especially Jonathan Meagher-Zayas ’13
MSW, MPA, is a Rochester,
now with the Delta variant. Many in the nonprofit NY-based nonprofit capacity
world work with young people and communities who building strategist, social sector
career coach, social worker,
aren’t vaccinated. They are worried about their own and policy analyst. He’s also the
safety as well as the safety of their clients. I advise director of agency advancement
at Villa of Hope and an equity
people to talk to their supervisors and do what they issue consultant. Additionally, he
are comfortable with. is a mentor within The Meliora
Collective and has provided
volunteer insight for the
University’s diversity, equity,
Also, people want the flexibility to work from home and inclusion programs.
or even in a coffee shop, for example, if that can
maximize valuable time between meetings. Since this
kind of flexibility increases productivity for many, it’s
important for employees to talk to their supervisors
about what they need to be the best they can be. In
everything, people should remember to advocate for READ THE FULL STORY
what works best for them. uofr.us/ReturntoWorkTips

The Meliora Collective is available exclusively to University
alumni, students, and friends. Find someone with a shared
interest, learn from experts in a particular subject area, or
mentor students looking to make their mark on the world.

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