Charm Bullard

Senior Advisor to the CEO

Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities

"Implementing Equity in Policies and Procedures"

Developing an equity lens to inform decision making is a critical tool to be able to foster an environment that honors each employee’s unique gifts, talents, and backgrounds while also advancing the mission of the organization. This workshop will give participants the opportunity to explore the concept of an equity lens and apply that learning to critically analyze how policies and procedures impact underserved, historically marginalized groups in the workplace.

Jay Graves

President

Pathfinder Business Consultants

"A Roadmap for Building a Sustainable and Measurable DEI Program"

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become crucial issues in the modern workplace, and organizations are recognizing the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive environment. However, building a sustainable and measurable DEI program is not an easy task. In this presentation, we will discuss the key components of a roadmap for building a sustainable and measurable DEI program and explore strategies for implementation that can help organizations create a more inclusive workplace and achieve their DEI goals. 

Victor Rivera

Senior Manager, Strategic Priorities

YMCA of the USA

"Organizing with Community: Discovering Strategies and Tactics to Improve Equitable Outcomes"

Individuals who participate in this session will be able to discuss approaches and tools that will support relationship building with individuals and communities as a collective. Founded in the community organizing and grass roots approaches, the group will discuss how organizing shows up in our day-to-day work, the value of organizing, and how to effectively engage to develop strong relationships.

Quan Schneider

Sr. Market Manager

Altria

"Inclusive Leadership: Understanding Cultural Dimensions"

As we engage and lead more diverse teams, it is important for us all to work and collaborate effectively. More importantly, we need to empathize and understand our different value systems and behaviors that may not be our cultural norms. Understanding the framework around cross-cultural communication is an essential aspect of working together. Cultural dimensions examine people's values in the workplace and the effect they have on their behaviors. Ultimately, shaping how we show up to others. Once you are aware of cultural dimensions, you can adjust your style and become a more inclusive leader. 

Fatima M. Smith

Owner & Consultant

FMS Speaks

"A Little White Lie"

Unpacking the lies we tell ourselves about our behaviors and thoughts that uphold white supremacy culture. At best, these lies make us feel good about our DEI efforts and at worst make it impossible for justice to be centered.

Cassandra Stanley

Director

VCU School of Education

"My DEI: Understanding My Role in Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion"

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts (DEI) are more than an organization’s goals outlined on paper. DEI is more than a select committee’s responsibility. DEI and related efforts to foster inclusive environments are shared responsibilities that are heavily influenced by personal beliefs and lived experiences. This session will provide opportunities for participants to acknowledge how race, culture, and other intersecting identities impact professional DEI responsibilities, particularly amid a volatile socio-political context. Participants will be challenged to speak their truths, explore individual biases, and engage in meaningful dialogue so they can push through personal ideologies to influence change. Collectively, ideas for sustaining a culturally diverse and inclusive professional environment will be generated to spark a renewed commitment to DEI goals.