D&I Virtual Learning Series
Three primary pillars of D&I are Unconscious Bias, Microaggressions, and Allyship. This series is designed to build a broad understanding of how each of these topics are connected to building diverse and inclusive communities.
About this series
This virtual learning series is designed to provide a robust foundation to begin to understand the fundamental pillars of diversity and inclusion; unconscious bias, microaggressions, and elevating allyship to accomplice. Research supports understanding these fundamental topics as critical to elevating diversity and inclusion efforts from ideas to action.
Sign up for the series to maximize your learning and take advantage of series pricing.
About the presenters
Sessions 1 & 2 will be presented by Ekua Mends-Aidoo, Cornell Certified Diversity Professional (CCDP). Ekua is the Principal consultant for Clementine Gold Group, a consulting firm specializing in diversity, equity, inclusion and community engagement. In 2020, Ekua was recognized with Buffalo Business First’s inaugural I.D.E.A Award (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Awareness) highlighting her work in the diversity and inclusion space.
Session 3 will be presented by Dr. Latise Hairston, certified Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategist and Founder and Chief Impact Officer of HOPE, LLC. Latise holds an M.S. in Counseling, M.S. in Creativity and Change Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy (concentration- Organizational Behavior). She has experience leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategic plans and implementation, including within a multi-billion-dollar hospitality organization and a Global NGO operating in 60 countries.
Session Information
Wednesday, October 6
8:30 am to 10:00 am
1-hour presentation with a 30-minute Q&A.
About this event
Research confirms that everyone has unconscious or implicit biases – it’s the way the human brain processes and categorizes vast amounts of information. However, if left unchecked, unconscious biases can lead to unfair and non-inclusive behaviors with negative consequences.
Biases affect our actions and have a real impact on your workplace culture. Understanding unconscious bias in the workplace is the first step towards managing it. Recognizing and acknowledging these biases creates a foundation that allows us to minimize its impact.
Join us for a 90-minute examination of unconscious bias. This session will aid in:
- Acknowledging that bias exists, and define the multiple types and their impact
- Recognizing the impact of unconscious bias in weakening inclusive environments
- Developing strategies to effectively address bias in the workplace to support inclusive cultures
This session is the first in our Virtual Learning Series: 3 Pillars of D&I. While participation in each session is recommended, there is no prerequisite for session participation.
Wednesday, November 3
8:30 am to 10:00 am
1-hour presentation with a 30-minute Q&A.
About this event
Organizations can no longer afford to have diversity and inclusion as mere talking points. Microaggressions are often so commonplace that they are barely detectable. While they may not always be ill-intentioned, their slights cause negative impacts for the recipient.
Building on the lessons learned in the first session in this series (Unconscious Bias), participants will learn how to create awareness surrounding the occurrences of microaggressions, gain techniques to respond to them, and discover recommendations on how to take appropriate action when they are committed.
When talking about racism, we usually think of open racial insults and prejudices as examples, but unintentional things like making assumptions about a person of color’s background based on stereotypes can have a “constant, continual, and cumulative” impact as well.
Even though microaggressions can be hard to identify and prove, experts say, understanding them is the key to addressing the unintentional bias that harms marginalized communities the most.
Join us for an 90-minute examination of microaggression. This session will deliver ways to:
- Create awareness surrounding the common occurrences of microaggressions.
- Explore the outcomes associated with the experience of microaggressions.
- Discover techniques to minimize the occurrence of microaggressions and ways to respond as the recipient
This session is the second in our Virtual Learning Series: 3 Pillars of D&I. While participation in each session is recommended, there is no prerequisite for session participation.
Wednesday, December 1
8:30 am to 10:00 am
1-hour presentation with a 30-minute Q&A.
About this event
To be an ally, words and actions must be in sync. Allyship is a continual investment of time in supporting others and holding oneself accountable. Allies are any person that actively promotes and aspires to advance the culture of inclusion.
This final session in our D&I Virtual Learning Series: 3 Pillars of D&I, is intended to build upon the knowledge of unconscious bias and microaggression sessions that will showcase the role of allyship in creating inclusivity.
Join us for a 90-minute exploration of the role of allyship. This session will deliver ways to:
- Examine the roles of allyship and accomplice in D&I and recognize the difference
- Using accomplice philosophy to advance D&I
- Embrace the responsibility of being an accomplice, and recognizing concrete actions to take
This session is the third in our Virtual Learning Series: 3 Pillars of D&I. While participation in each session is recommended, there is no prerequisite for session participation.
Tickets
Reserve your seat today! For best value, our Corporate Pass allows your entire organization to participate.
BNP Members:
- Single Remaining Event: $50
- Corporate Pass: $499 – Unlimited registrants. Email domain must be one company.
Non-Members:
- Single Remaining Event: $100
- Corporate Pass: $699
Interested in membership? Contact Lbenkovich@thepartnership.org or visit: thepartnership.org/membership
SHRM Credits
For SHRM HR professionals, this program is valid for a total of 1.5 PDC for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.
Buffalo Niagara Partnership is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit www.shrmcertification.org.
Thank You to Our D&I Executive Council Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors:
Gold Sponsors:
Silver Sponsors:
Supporting Sponsors: