About the Culture of Belonging

Culture of Belonging is an independent publication launched by Joel Lesko. Reflections on belonging and equity from a filmmaker and educator — because now, more than ever, inclusion and community matter.

Reflections on belonging, power, and culture from a filmmaker and equity educator moving through this moment with you. This space sits at the intersection of story and structure, where we examine how systems shape who gets to belong and who is pushed to the margins.

In a time when disconnection is manufactured and difference is politicized, cultivating real community is not soft work, it’s necessary work. Through lived experience, creative practice, and a commitment to structural inclusion, this newsletter invites you to question, to unlearn, and to build cultures where belonging is not conditional, but collectively protected.

The text in the middle of the circle is symbolic of belonging

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Smiling man with glasses and gray hair, in a casual blue shirt and dark jacket, sitting indoors against a green background. Warm, cheerful atmosphere.
Joel Lesko is the writer-director-producer behind Culture of Belonging

SunShower Learning - Joel Lesko

I'll just speak in the first person because, well, it's me, myself and I here. I'm the founder of SunShower Learning. SunShower is known for courses and workshop experiences that dive into diversity, equity and inclusion - and what gets in the way - with emotional impact. Videos with messages and scenarios that are realistic and touch people in their feels. The courses have won many awards and been used by literally hundreds of thousands of learner employees. I've helped companies big and small, including Liberty Mutual, AT&T, McDonald’s, Amazon, T-Mobile, Dept of Treasury, CDC, etc etc. Please note: Unfortunately for employees and communities, some of these companies have now retreated from DEI.

I'm also a screenwriter and you can read about Seeds, my most public screenplay so far. It was recognized as the Winner Best Screenplay twice - The Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards 2022 and The Whistleblower Film Festival 2022 and Semi-Finalist a few times, too.

A hand gently touches golden wheat under a vibrant sunset sky. Text overlays the image, highlighting awards won by the screenplay "Seeds" by Joel Lesko.
Seeds is an indie feature-length screenplay waiting to be produced!

Let's Connect on Bluesky

I enjoy posting and connecting on Bluesky. More and more journalists, authors, artists, and more are leaving Twitter and enjoying the blue skies where I am @sunshowerlearning.bsky.social If you come by, say hello!