June 2025 Blog - What is Neurodiversity

July 2025 Blog - Summer Associates Real Impact Building DEIA into Early Career Programs.pdf

August 2025 Blog - Women's Equality Day

September 2025 Blog - Closing the Gap - International Equal Pay Day

October 2025 Blog - Celebrating Inclusion, Awareness, and Belonging in the Legal Profession

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 OCTOBER 2025

LGBTQ+ History Month

October is LGBTQ+ History Month, a reminder of the history, achievements, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. It celebrates the trailblazers who have fought for equality, visibility, justice, and the ongoing contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals. The month was founded in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher in Missouri who recognized the need for a dedicated time to honor the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history. At the time, LGBTQ+ stories were largely absent from textbooks and public discourse, and Wilson believed that visibility and education were essential to fostering understanding and inclusion. October was chosen for the observance to align with National Coming Out Day on October 11, a date that commemorates the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. While the United States observes the month in October, other countries have adopted their own versions, such as the United Kingdom in February and Canada also in October.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and to promote inclusive employment practices. It was established in 1945 by Congress and led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), originally as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week". In 1962, the name was changed to include all disabilities, and in 1988, it was expanded to a month-long observance. The month highlights the value and skills that individuals with disabilities bring to their organizations, and promotes policies and practices that support disability inclusion, such as accessible technology, flexible work arrangements, and inclusive hiring strategies.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, supporting those affected by it, and promoting early detection and research efforts. It was established in 1985 by the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries, and has since  grown into a global movement that unites individuals, communities, and organizations in the fight against one of the most common cancers worldwide. Throughout the month, people wear pink ribbons, participate in awareness walks, and share educational resources to encourage regular screenings and self-exams—key tools in catching breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. It’s also a time to honor survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and support ongoing research aimed at prevention, treatment, and ultimately, a cure. For more information, please visit https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/

Yom Kippur (10/1 – 10/2)

Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is observed on the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei—usually falling in September or October—it is a solemn day dedicated to reflection, repentance, and reconciliation. Following Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, Yom Kippur marks the culmination of the Ten Days of Awe, a period of introspection and spiritual preparation. On this day, Jewish people around the world engage in fasting, prayer, and confession of sins, seeking forgiveness from both God and others. The traditional greeting, “G’mar Chatima Tova,” means “May you be sealed in the Book of Life.” Yom Kippur is honored with a 25-hour fast and intensive prayer services, often including the Kol Nidre and Neilah prayers. It’s an observance that allows one to pause, reflect on actions, and commit to personal growth and healing in the year ahead.

Mental Illness Awareness Week (10/5 – 10/11)

Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is observed during the first full week of October and serves as a vital opportunity to raise awareness, fight stigma, and educate the public about mental health conditions. It was established by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in 1990, the week shines a light on the experiences of individuals living with mental illness and emphasizes the importance of accessible and compassionate care. Throughout the week, organizations and communities host events, share stories, and promote resources that encourage open conversations about mental health. It’s a time to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health—and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. For resources and information, please visit https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-illness-awareness-week/

National Coming Out Day (10/11)

37 years ago, Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary founded National Coming Out Day with the belief that coming out—publicly identifying as LGBTQ+—is a powerful form of activism that fosters understanding, visibility, and acceptance. The date, October 11, was chosen to commemorate the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, where hundreds of thousands gathered to demand action during the height of the AIDS crisis. In its early years, National Coming Out Day was a bold and deeply personal call to action, encouraging LGBTQ+ individuals to take the next step toward living openly in a period when doing so was both risky and revolutionary. The campaign began with mailed packets that included commitment cards, urging people to sign their names and share their truth with a trusted friend. What started as a grassroots movement has since grown into a global observance that continues to celebrate authenticity, courage, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

 Indigenous Peoples Day (10/13)

Indigenous Peoples’ Day, observed on the second Monday of October, honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples across the Americas. It serves as a powerful counter-narrative to Columbus Day, recognizing that long before European explorers arrived, Indigenous communities were thriving with rich traditions, knowledge systems, and deep connections to the land. The day was first officially recognized by South Dakota in 1990 and has since gained momentum, with over a dozen states and more than 100 cities adopting it in place of Columbus Day. For many Indigenous communities, the day is not only a celebration of resilience but also a call for justice—highlighting ongoing struggles such as land rights, environmental protection, and the disproportionate impacts of climate change and violence. As more institutions and leaders formally acknowledge the day, advocates continue to push for deeper recognition, action, and visibility for Indigenous peoples and their enduring presence.

Diwali (10/20)

Each year, millions of lights flicker across homes and streets as families around the world come together to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights that symbolizes hope, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, typically falling in October or November, and is observed by communities of various faiths including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. The five-day celebration includes lighting oil lamps (diyas), decorating homes, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals and sweets. It also marks significant religious events, such as Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, Lord Mahavira’s attainment of nirvana, and the Sikh celebration of Bandi Chhor Divas.

Halloween (10/31)

On October 31^st, neighborhoods come alive with glowing jack-o’-lanterns, spooky decorations, and fun costumes as people celebrate Halloween—a holiday rooted in ancient tradition and seasonal fun. Originally stemming from the Celtic festival of Samhain, Halloween marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time when it was believed the boundary between the living and the dead grew thin. Over time, it evolved through Christian and secular influences into the celebration we know today, filled with trick-or-treating, costume parties, haunted houses, and seasonal treats. While customs vary, Halloween remains a time for creativity, community, and a little bit of frightful fun.