You are cordially invited to attend our conference on February 15th and 16th, 2023. As the world of work continues to evolve, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are becoming increasingly vital in the post-pandemic workplace. Join us as we discuss the importance of having a diverse workforce and the role of HR and workforce development professionals in creating inclusive workplaces. Learn about the benefits of DEI, including improved employee engagement, productivity, and innovation, as well as strategies for developing policies and programs, providing training and resources, and working with leadership to integrate DEI throughout the organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and strategies for fostering a more diverse and inclusive workplace. We hope to see you there!
Programs and Speakers
Strategies for Building a More Inclusive Workplace
This session on inclusive team building focuses on enhancing existing leadership skills with knowledge and resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is designed for leaders who want to increase their skill sets and is divided into three phases. The first phase is understanding the global and US demographic changes, recognizing the growth of diverse populations. The second phase is identifying the leadership skills related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and how they can enhance team building. The final phase is utilizing this new knowledge to develop a more inclusive workforce. The session aims to provide leaders with the tools to understand and appreciate diversity and to build teams that are more representative of the communities they serve.
- Nirupa Netram – CEO/Founder Lotus Solutions LLC
- Greg Jenkins – Founder & CEO Greg Jenkins Consulting LLC
Skilled Immigrant Workforce Challenges and Innovative Solutions for Integration
According to the Migration Policy Institute, it’s estimated that 2 million immigrants and refugees with a college degree are either unemployed or underemployed in the U.S. This internationally-trained workforce faces unique challenges to entering the U.S. workforce and moving from entry-level to middle- or high-skilled jobs that make use of their education and work experience. This session will provide an overview of these unique challenges and innovative programs working to support the integration of internationally-trained professionals into the U.S workforce.
- Joana Winningham – New Americans Initiative Coordinator
- Elizabeth Madjlesi – Program Director, Upwardly Global
- Kelsey Chippeaux – International Rescue Committee
DEI in Action: Strategies and Best Practices from IKEA Retail Polska
Katarzyna Kaczmarek – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Leader at IKEA Retail Polska
This workshop will be led by Katarzyna Kaczmarek, the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Leader at IKEA Retail Polska. She will discuss how to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, with a focus on good practices implemented at IKEA. The workshop will also cover the importance of DEI in the current political and social climate in Poland, particularly during times of war and polarization.
Valuing Diversity: How DEI Goes Beyond Race and Ethnicity
- Bradley Levitt – DEI Recruiter at Red Rover Recruitment
This workshop will be led by Bradley Levitt, a DEI Recruiter at Red Rover Recruitment. Bradley, who has a background in sociology, psychology, and mental health counseling, will talk about the importance of DEI in the recruitment and hiring process. He will emphasize that DEI is about more than just filling quotas, and is about giving people a chance and showing them that they can succeed in any job with hard work. The workshop will also cover how DEI goes beyond issues of race and ethnicity or disability and is about showing people that they are valued and cared for.
Building a More Inclusive Organization: Recruitment, Professional Development, and Employee Resource Groups
- Dr. Melony Gibson – Senior Manager, Leadership Development of Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Dr. Gibson will present strategies such as recruitment, professional development, employee resource groups, flexible work arrangements, and diversity and inclusion training to promote diversity and inclusion within an organization. We will also share industry trends and the benefits of a diverse workforce. Participants will have the opportunity to develop actionable strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion in their own organizations. If you are a workforce professional looking to make a positive impact on your organization through diversity and inclusion efforts, this workshop is for you.
Building a Successful DEI Initiative: Insights from Columbia University
- Kristen Barnes – Associate Director for Faculty Diversity and Inclusion at Columbia University
Kristen Barnes, the Associate Director for Faculty Diversity and Inclusion at Columbia University, will present a framework for building a successful DEI initiative, based on a university-wide initiative at Columbia. The workshop will cover the development of a rollout and call for proposals strategy, the creation and implementation of central support for faculty-led DEI initiatives, and the use of mixed methods to assess the impact of these initiatives. The workshop will also address the importance of promoting marginalized groups’ access to higher education and the role of fundraising and community activism in this effort.
Inclusion and Understanding: Developing Cultural Intelligence for a More Productive Team
- Keyla Waslawski – Vice President, Cultural Intelligence Center
Keyla Waslawski of the Cultural Intelligence Center will discuss cultural intelligence, which is a crucial skill to have when working within a cross-functional team. It enables people to understand and effectively communicate with people from different cultures. By developing cultural intelligence, participants will be able to better navigate cultural differences and build strong relationships with team members, leading to increased teamwork and productivity. The workshop will also cover the importance of valuing and respecting differences, and how to create a more inclusive and welcoming work environment.
Navigating Intersections: Understanding Our Group Identities and Their Impact on Our Individual Identity
Daquanna Harrison, Founder, Elevation Educational Consulting Group
Daquanna Harrison will lead an interactive session on exploring and understanding identity using the social identity wheel. Participants will learn about the intersection of their own identity with different social groups and how group identities can influence individual identity. The workshop will aim to promote understanding and empathy towards others, and to recognize the impact of power dynamics on identity. It will include discussions and activities to facilitate this exploration.
Teresa Rainey, Director of Equity and Inclusion, Oregon Employment Department
Dr. Rhetta Barker, WorkFirst Counselor, Washington Employment Security Department
Details
- When is the conference? Wednesday and Thursday, February, 15-16, 2023
- What time? 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Eastern
- Location: Online. Registrants will receive a link to participate.
- Cost: $149 IAWP Members. $249 Non-members.
- Group Discounts. Yes for IAWP chapters and other organizations. Please contact IAWP for more information.
- Continuing Education Credits: Yes. 10 hours for Certified Workforce Professional
- Where to register. Below.