Women's Leadership Luncheon: 11/16/23 - The Future of Diversity: Fresh Ideas to Infuse What Works

Just say “Diversity Training,” and there are several responses. People run and hide. Or say smugly, “Diversity? Oh, we did that.” It’s a check-the-box, one-and-done, and move-on response. There is another response, one of—profound irritation. Some studies have shown that there is little or no lasting effect from diversity training. A third of diversity workers have lost their jobs. WHY?

Is there a future for diversity work in large systems? YES! We know that there is. We will share concrete, workable information with you about the what and why of where we go from here.

Where to begin? Let’s create a new vision grounded in trust and trustworthiness. Trust is critical to effective leadership at all levels and the cornerstone of effective, long-lasting diversity initiatives. It is a necessary component for building authentic relationships across differences.

Building an organization that embraces diversity is vital to the future success of any organization. Advancing DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) to DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice) is the step beyond equity that rebuilds relationships in conflicts, rights wrongs, and seeks reconciliation, forgiveness, and restitution.

Organizations need employee input and grassroots leadership to develop successful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices.

Who should participate in creating, supporting, or serving DEIJ initiatives? Persons who
1) demonstrate a positive understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their thinking and actions, 2) are credible and trustworthy, 3) are in good standing as employees or leaders, and 4) communicate well with people from other backgrounds and cultures.

We will look at how these components are foundational to Advancing DEI in your organization.

#DEI #DEIJ #diversity #inclusion #justice #trust

Vivian Jenkins Nelsen is a diversity practitioner, aka the Diversity Doctor. She has had a long academic career, is active in her community having served on many boards. Nelsen co-founded The INTER-RACE institute at Augsburg University and is the CEO of The Hypatia Group, Inc. She has authored a large number of articles, training methodologies and eleven books. She loves music, the arts and serves as a surrogate “Nana” for Weston, Oliver, Sade, and Solomon.

Jillian McAdams, MBA, PROSCI is a Whole Person Leadership for Women alum and Strategy/Change Management/Marketing/Communications/DEI specialist at Bayer.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT +
1:00-1:15 PM CT: plan to stay for the 15-minute networking time