We talk a lot about diversity. And we should.
But I want to make a case today for something we don’t talk about nearly enough — familiarity.
At the start of this year, I (Lana Hailemariam) had the honor of speaking to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. We opened the year with a message: the road ahead isn’t perfect, it isn’t easy — but it can be what we choose. Our focus. Our energy. Our impact. Because we’re all on the same team.
And then something beautiful happened after the keynote that reminded me why familiarity matters just as much as difference.
📸 Cover picture: I spotted Matt. We’ve crossed paths before, worked together before — and the moment we saw each other, it was a hug, a catch-up, and an instant exchange of good energy. That’s familiarity. It pulls you in.
📸 Picture 2 & 3: During my talk, I mentioned I’m from the DMV. The second I stepped off stage, a group of people rushed over — “Wait, you’re from the DMV?!” We took pictures. We found shared cities, shared places, shared memories. The joy in those moments was powerful.
Here’s what I know:
Difference pushes us. Familiarity pulls us in.
Neither is better. Neither is worse. Neither is right or wrong.
Diversity challenges us to grow. Familiarity gives us the confidence to show up, to feel like an expert, to feel safe enough to try something unfamiliar.
We need both. They both serve a purpose. The key is seeing the value in each experience.
Don’t let the conversation about one erase the other. 💛
