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Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

CFAES

Past Programs

2022

National Day of Racial Healing
Racial Healing Through Agriculture History

Presented January 18, 2022 in partnership with the Moritz College of Law as part of the annual observance hosted by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
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What's All the Hype? An Introduction to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

What is diversity and why is it important? What's the difference between equality and equity and shouldn't we be striving to treat all people equally? What does it mean to be inclusive? How do all of these things work together to achieve justice? This 60-minute session explores these questions and provides an introduction to diversity, equity, and inclusion so that attendees can better understand current social justice movements. Previously offered: Jan. 2022.

 

2021

Inclusive Teaching in the Virtual Classroom: Applying an Equity Lens to Meet the Needs of Diverse Learners 

Teaching practices must be adapted across modalities – what worked in the physical classroom may not translate well in the virtual classroom. This is especially true when applying an equity lens to maximize inclusivity and account for a diversity of learning preferences. The “banking” model of education, in which an expert deposits knowledge via lecturing into the minds of the passive absorber, has been shown to be less effective and even reinforce oppression, thus active learning strategies and other tools have been developed to create inclusive classrooms that work better for a variety of learning styles. Virtual classrooms come with unique equity and inclusion challenges that must be addressed to ensure the needs of all learners are met. This 90-minute interactive webinar will outline strategies educators can use in virtual classrooms to create an engaging, inclusive, and equitable learning environment. Participants will leave with a better understanding of technology and other strategies available to achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion goals when teaching in virtual classrooms. Previously offered: Aug. and Oct. 2021. A recording  is available on YouTube.


Land Acknowledgments and the Importance of Territory Recognition - July 2021 (recording available)

Are you interested in using a Land Acknowledgment or have you been using one and want to learn more? The CFAES Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will be hosting a webinar/discussion with Melissa Beard Jacob on Wednesday, July 28th, 2021, 3:00-4:00pm ET about the importance of acknowledging Native American and Indigenous lands and best practices for creating intentional and non-performative land acknowledgements. The first half of the session will involve a presentation followed by a facilitated discussion/Q&A with attendees. This webinar is open to any member of the Ohio State community. To receive the link to the recording please email Leo Taylor at taylor.3408@osu.edu.

About the presenter

portrait of Melissa Beard JacobMelissa Beard Jacob (she/her/hers) is Ojibwe from Northern Michigan and an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Her traditional name in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe Language) is Awunkoquay, which translates into Woman in the Fog. She is eagle clan and embraces several roles and responsibilities as an Anishinaabekwe (Ojibwe woman), mother, wife, daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin, educator, writer, and historian. She currently serves as the Intercultural Specialist for Native American and Indigenous Student Initiatives at The Ohio State University Student Life Multicultural Center.

Melissa received her PhD in Cultural Studies from George Mason University and her research interests include Native American boarding school histories, collective memory and cultural trauma, Indigenous methodologies, and performance theory. Her dissertation entitled “Reclaiming My Family’s Story: Cultural Trauma and Indigenous Ways of Knowing” is an Indigenous autoethnographic study of her own family’s story of survival through the Native American boarding school system. Melissa also holds a BA in Journalism from Michigan State University and a MA in Film and Media Studies from Wayne State University.


Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth: A 2-Part Webinar Series for Parents, 4-H Leaders, and Youth-Serving Adults - June 2021

This 2-part webinar series will cover important information for parents and adults who work with LGBTQ+ youth and strive to foster an inclusive environment so that all youth can thrive. FREE and open to the public. Previously offered in June 2021. A recording of both sessions is available on YouTube.

Part One: Introduction to LGBTQ+ Identities
Have you ever seen the acronym LGBTQQ2SIAAP or some variation thereof and wondered what it means? In this 60-minute webinar, we will define basic LGBTQ+ terminology and provide important statistics about LGBTQ+ youth. This introductory session is intended for individuals who have limited or no experience with LGBTQ+ culture or identities. The session will conclude with an examination of the Gender Elephant, a model that helps frame different, but interconnected identities associated with attraction and gender identity. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own identities between sessions one and two. Session two will begin with an opportunity for discussion.

Part Two: How to Support LGBTQ+ Youth
In this 90-minute webinar, we will dive deeper into to the roles parents, educators, volunteers, and other youth-serving adults play in supporting LGBTQ+ youth and how they can intentionally nurture an inclusive environment where youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities feel welcomed, safe, and validated. We will also be sharing strategies for dealing with specific issues and resources to help you on your journey. There will be plenty of time for discussion/Q&A with the facilitators.


The Hypermarginalization of Transgender People Living with Neurodisabilities

What is it like to live in a society that views gender as a binary system and penalizes those who stray from rigid, established norms? How is this compounded by the fact that deviations from gender norms have historically been and continue to be pathologized? What is the impact, then, when a person who is transgender is also living with a nuerodisability such as depression or anxiety? This hypermarginalization can have devastating consequences and may contribute to the following harrowing statistic – 41% of transgender people attempt suicide at some point in their life compared to 1.6% of the general population. This webinar, facilitated by a neurodisabled and transgender educator, is for anyone who wants to learn more about the intersectionality of transness and neurodisabilities. Attendees do not need to be familiar with transgender issues or mental health conditions.

This 90-minute webinar will address the history of the pathologization of transgender people, connecting it to the roots of White supremacist ideologies (e.g., eugenics) and propose a reconstructed vision of a society in which everyone has body autonomy. The facilitator will challenge the paradigm of normal versus abnormal and argue that all human conditions, even those we consider "mental illnesses", are normal and should be celebrated as natural sources of diversity. This paradigm shift is necessary to lead to the destigmatization of neurodivergent conditions that are currently pathologized as mental illnesses. Finally, this webinar will explore the unique experiences of transgender people living with neurodisabilities such as anxiety and depression and the intersection of these two identities. Previously offered: May, June, and July 2021.


Gender Demystified: Creating Inclusive Environments for People of All Genders 

Have you noticed that some people include their pronouns next to their name on Zoom, but aren’t sure why? Are you unsure about gender-neutral pronouns such as “they/them” or nonbinary gender identities? Would you like to better understand how gender differs from sex and sexual orientation? This 90-minute webinar will explore the various aspects of identity that relate to gender and sex. Participants will learn key vocabulary, gain a better understanding of their own identities, and identify ways to strive for allyship with transgender and gender non-conforming individuals to create environments that are inclusive of all genders. This program is free and open to all. Previously offered Jun. and Oct. 2021. A recording of both sessions is available on YouTube.


Inclusive Excellence in Hiring - monthly

This 90-minute training provides an overview of best practices for recruiting a diverse candidate pool. Although this program primarily focuses on faculty searches, much of the content applies also to staff searches. Participants will examine the role that various forms of implicit bias can play in screening applicants and identify ways that intersecting social identities create an unlevel competitive job market. Strategies for targeted recruitment of historically underrepresented minority applicants will be addressed. CFAES requires that all individuals serving on a search committee complete this training every 2 years.


Queer 101: An Introduction to LGBTQ+ Identities 

Have you ever encountered the acronym LGBTQQIAAP, or some variation, and wondered what it all means? What is the difference between gender identity, sex, and sexual orientation? What is affectional orientation and how does it differ from sexual orientation? What does it mean when someone has a non-binary gender identity? In this interactive workshop we will explore these questions and more to establish a common vocabulary for better understanding the diversity of identities within LGBTQ+ communities. Participants will leave this 90-minute webinar equipped with information and skills that will enable them to create more inclusive and welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ people and a better understanding of their own identities. Previously offered in Oct. 2019 and Jun. 2021. A recording of this program is available on YouTube.


The Second Pandemic: Understanding and Challenging the Rise in Anti-Asian Racism in the Wake of COVID-19 

In the months since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Asian Americans and Asians around the world have experienced heightened levels of verbal and physical aggression and attacks. Nationally, our country is seeing hate crimes against Asian and Asian American folks increase at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, this is not the first time a public health crisis has been conflated with pre-existing bias, and it has been heavily noted by historians that throughout history, disease and racism have gone hand-in-hand. Join the Office of Student Life Multicultural Center, The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity and the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for the workshop, The Second Pandemic: Understanding and Challenging the Rise in Anti-Asian Racism in the Wake of COVID-19.

This workshop will address the ways different types of bias against the Asian and Asian American communities are reiterating themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll begin by discussing the types of bias most commonly seen and how these biases have influenced the impacts of COVID-19 on Asian/Asian American communities both here at Ohio State and nationwide. Shifting the conversation to concrete examples, we’ll raise awareness about the ways anti-Asian racism has manifested since the pandemic, and the history Asian Americans have with this type of racial oppression. We’ll conclude with bias intervention strategies for folks to use to advocate for themselves if they identify as Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander or Desi American (APIDA), and for others to strive for allyship with the APIDA community. Previously offered: Jul, Aug, and Sept 2020, and May 2021.

Presenters

  • Sophia Antoun (she/her), Intercultural Specialist for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Student Initiatives, Multicultural Center Office of Student Life
  • Lena Tenney (they/them), Coordinator of Public Engagement, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity
  • Dr. Leo Taylor (he/him), Program Manager for Faculty and Staff Affairs, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

Stand Up, Speak Out! How to Interrupt Bias by Being an Active Bystander 

All too often we witness subtle comments or behaviors rooted in bias that intentionally or unintentionally cause harm to others, especially those directed toward people in vulnerable populations. Have you ever been in a situation like that and wanted to say or do something, but didn't know what to do? Anyone can become an active bystander and learn to address explicit and implicit bias. In this 2-hour, interactive webinar, we will explore some of the most common forms of bias and identify tools you can use as an active bystander to interrupt bias in daily life. We will discuss strategies you can deploy to stop the harm and provide educational moments for those enacting implicit bias. These tools will enable you to create more welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environments and contribute to the transformation of oppressive social systems. Previously offered: Nov. 2020, Apr., Aug., Sept. and Nov. 2021.


Identity, Power, and Privilege 

What does it mean to have privilege? How do your social identities (e.g., race, gender, class, religion, sexuality, etc.) grant or deny you privilege? How do you know when you have it and when you don't? How can we use power and privilege to transform systems that perpetuate inequity? This 2-hour interactive webinar will explore these questions, providing participants with an opportunity to delve into their social identities - a process that reveals how we all have and lack privilege simultaneously. Participants will begin to uncover sources of bias that have been reinforced through socialization, critically evaluate stereotypes and assumptions about social identity groups, and identify small actions that can be taken to disrupt inequitable social systems. Previously offered: Oct. 2019, Nov. 2020, Mar. 2021.


Ohio State Advocates & Allies for Equity - March 2021 - CANCELED

To help create a more equitable environment and advance the professional interests of women faculty and staff, the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Science is hosting the Ohio State Advocates & Allies for Equity initiative on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at 1:00 – 2:30 PM for a virtual session. You are invited to become an OSU Ally for Equity for your unit.

Advocates & Allies is designed to bring men-identified individuals further into the gender equity equation by building a cross-campus network of Allies who share an understanding of the effects of implicit bias and systematic privilege and to introduce specific practical actions to help them better support women and people of all genders at the university.

Your facilitation will be led by two skilled Advocates, Dr. Tracy Kitchel and Dr. Leo Taylor, who have a substantial record of supporting gender equity. They will guide your group through structured inquiry, discussion, and reflection to expose participants to ways of better identifying and behaving as Allies. In addition, the Advocates will share evidence-based knowledge, skills and strategies to effect positive personal, departmental and institutional change.


Introduction to Microaggressions 

Microaggressions are common, often subtle expressions of bias, many times initiated unintentionally and unconsciously that can have serious impacts on recipients including shortening a person’s life expectancy. In this 90-minute webinar, participants will learn how to recognize common microaggressions and the hidden, harmful messages they send. We will disentangle intention from impact and identify best strategies for responding when we accidentally initiate a microaggression. Previously offered Mar. 2021. A recording of both sessions is available on YouTube.


Introduction to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

What is diversity and why is it important? What is the difference between equality and equity? What does it mean to be inclusive? How do all of these things fit together to achieve justice? This 60-minute session explores these questions and provide an introduction to diversity, equity, and inclusion so that attendees can better understand and engage in current social justice movements. Previously offered in March 2021. A recording of this program is available on YouTube.


The Intersectionality of Blackness and Queerness: A Panel Discussion - October 2020

Black people who are members of the LGBTQ+ community (broadly referred to here as “Queer”) have unique experiences because they belong to multiple marginalized social identity groups and their identities intersect in complex ways. How does the intersection of these identities shape the lives of Black Queer individuals? This 90-minute panel discussion will feature a diverse group of Black Queer community leaders and will be moderated by local educator and activist, Izetta Nicole. Panelists (see below) will describe their experiences with issues such as: navigating predominantly white, heteronormative spaces and what that means for authentic self-expression at work; balancing advocacy and activism at work and “real” life; coping with the cumulative trauma of Blackness and Queerness; and positionality within the current social and racial justice uprisings and the Black Lives Matter movement. The moderated panel discussion will be followed by a 30-minute Q&A session with attendees. A recording of both sessions is available on YouTube.

Moderator Bio

Poet, personality and emcee, Izetta Nicole (she/her/hers) has performed on various local and national stages. She has served as a panelist at various conventions including Geek Girl Con Seattle and Cincinnati Comic Expo. Izetta is known for speaking on inclusivity in media, social justice topics and gender related studies in early childhood education. As a moderator, mc and poet, Izetta has worked with local organizations such as The Ohio State University, Creative Control Fest, Streetlight Guild, ComFest, the Columbus Education Association and more. Izetta won the 2013 Columbus Arts Festival poetry contest. She continues her career as an educator, hosts a weekly FB Live show entitled Auntie Zettie's Read Aloud Time and is a staff writer for www.blacknerdproblems.com. Izetta is both an educator and social activist. 

She lives in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio with the love of her life Tiffani, fur baby #therealWilloSmith and 20+ plant babies. You can follow her Hufflepuffian streams of consciousness on IG and Twitter @IzettaNicole. 

About the Panelists

Devon Ayers (he/him/his), Columbus Ohio's very own Gender-Bred Man, is a multi-award winning pageant king and promoter, and reigning Mr. Ohio Burlesque. He is the founder of Gentleman Ayers Entertainment, co-producer of the Ohio Burlesque Festival, former co-producer of Ohio Burlypicks Solid Gold and one-half of the production powerhouse Foxx-Ayers Production. Devon has worked to challenge gender norms through art, education and advocacy for years but having the opportunity to speak words of empowerment out loud drove him to play a much more active role in his trans community and subsequently led to him being asked to serve on the board of Columbus’ annual Trans Pride March committee. He brings a wealth of event planning and organizing experience to every table he is brought to. 

Brandon C. Chapman (he/him/his) is the CEO of The Chapman Consulting Group, LLC manages community programs, and partnerships throughout Central Ohio. His professional background is in workforce development, community development, education, and non-profit management. Brandon is a graduate of Wilberforce University in Organizational Management. He is Chairman of Africentric Personal Development Shop Board of Trustees, he is an executive committee member on Stonewall Pride.

Karen Hewitt (Ze/Hir/She/Her), MAED is passionate about the heart work of advocacy, transformative justice, empathetic leadership, education, creativity, and connection. Currently, Ze serves as Deputy Director for Kaleidoscope Youth Center in Columbus, OH - the largest and longest-standing organization in Ohio solely dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth. Karen also facilitates and consults in Diversity Management and Workforce Development. Ze is very active in the Columbus local artist scene as a performer, writer, poet, singer, healer, curator and creative. She is a published author and an event curator. Karen is committed to doing the work of holding space to create connection, belonging and community. Karen serves on a variety of committees, commissions, and collectives in Columbus to further advance the work of social justice and create visibility and representation for Black, Queer, Non-Gender Conforming/Non-Binary intersections in these spaces. She is a non-negotiable stand for the most marginalized and the dignity and value of every human life.

Leisan C. Smith (she/her/hers) is a mom, wife, an educator and advocate. She was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, but is a proud Bearcat, earning her B.A. in Communication and a Masters in Educational Foundations with a graduate certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Cincinnati. Leisan has served in management positions in the Cincinnati area at a charter high school, a pre-college program and at the university level. Most recently she was the inaugural Director of the University of Cincinnati’s LGBTQ Center. In the fall of 2015, she moved back to Columbus and joined Bexley City Schools as the Director of Student & Community Engagement.  Her goals focus on addressing non-academic barriers to success for students. In this role, she oversees school climate initiatives and work that includes social/emotional development, mental health, and diversity/equity/inclusion. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC). KYC is the largest and longest-standing organization in Ohio solely dedicated to serving and supporting queer youth. They work to provide a safer place, programming, and leadership opportunities so that youth can be free to explore who they are and empowered to become their confident, truest self. Leisan is dedicated to helping communities that are often marginalized find their voice and have a place at the table.  She works to make sure that conversations about diversity and inclusion are intersectional.


Implicit Associations, Insidious Assumptions: Unintended Manifestations of Bias in Everyday Life 

This 2-hour, interactive webinar will provide an overview of the various types of bias that humans experience with an emphasis on implicit bias. We will explore how our socialization process leads to the formation of conscious and unconscious associations, stereotypes, and prejudices that can influence how we treat others in unintended ways. Participants will learn common ways that bias manifests in the form of subtle microaggressions and identify strategies that can help reduce the impact of implicit biases. Prior to the webinar participants will be asked to complete several online Implicit Association Tests. The IAT is a tool that has been shown to predict discriminatory behavior in certain conditions and can be helpful in uncovering hidden biases. An opportunity for discussion of test results and their implications will be provided during the webinar. Can be adapted to 90-minutes. Stand Up, Speak Out! How to Interrupt Bias by Being an Active Bystander builds upon the knowledge in this webinar. Previously offered: Oct. 2020; Feb., Aug., and Nov. 2021; and Feb. 2022.


Mental Health Awareness Training 

The Ohio State University Employee Assistance Program is offering a Mental Health Awareness training program to help OSU employees improve their understanding of mental health. Participants of this training program will learn how to:

  • Identify signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse
  • Recognize warning signs of suicide
  • Support coworkers and others who may be experiencing mental health difficulties
  • Access treatment and resources available to OSU employees

This event is sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences as a part of several initiatives to support of neurodiverse individuals and to promote the mental health and wellbeing of the OSU community. The event is free and open to all OSU employees. Previously offered in May and Jun 2020.

Presenter: Suzanne Vickers is a licensed clinical social worker who has a background in Employee Assistance work with staff in the Emergency Department at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and currently with the  EAP team here at Ohio State as a counselor, trainer and crisis debriefer.  She is passionate about offering strategies to improve OSU employees resilience, mental well-being and fulfillment. In her personal life, she loves to care for her rescue dog, to work on creative projects and spend time with her partner and her friends. 


Understanding Generational Diversity in Today’s Workplace: Creating Synergies Through Effective Communication 

Did you know that there are now five generations in the workplace? Are you a Traditionalist (>73), Baby Boomer (54-72), Gen X (38-53), Millennial (24-37), or a Gen Z (8-23)? There are both similarities and differences among these generations that contribute to the richness of a diverse workforce. Effectively communicating and collaborating with one another can be challenging when we do not understand the unique experiences and perspectives of our colleagues. In this workshop, you will learn how understanding generational diversity can improve employee engagement, impact retention, and increase organizational productivity. Participants will explore how bridging the generational gap can foster respect, positive relationships, and create an inclusive work environment. Hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. This workshop is free and open to the entire Ohio State University community and public. Previously offered in May 2020.

Presenter: Ankit Shah is a Career Consultant in the Lhota Office of Alumni Career Management at The Ohio State University. In this role he provides one-on-one career advice to multi-generational alumni across industries. Ankit also provides ongoing professional development trainings via webinars, podcasts, and virtual group coaching sessions. He has more than nine years of experience in the career management field within higher education and K-12 settings. He has advised students and alumni at Methodist University, Denison University, Columbus State Community College, and The Ohio State University.

Ankit holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from the University of Toledo and a MEd in Higher Education Administration with specialization in Student Affairs from North Carolina State University.  He is currently pursuing a MA in Workforce Development & Education with specialization in Adult Education & Human Resources Development at The Ohio State University.


Gardening with Physical Limitations 

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences is hosting a webinar on how to engage in gardening activities despite physical limitations. In this webinar, Laura Akgerman, Disabilities Services Coordinator for Ohio AgrAbility & Ohio State University Extension, will address a variety of disabilities, especially ones that limit mobility, movement, strength, range-of-motion, and energy/fatigue. Learn good habits, techniques, tools, and Universal Design solutions to continue gardening with a disability, arthritis, low vision, and other age or health related conditions including how medications can affect sensitivity to sun exposure, dehydration, and energy levels. Special attention will be given to decreasing the risk of secondary injury; working smarter, not harder; and modifying your garden and the way you work to fit your ability, now and in the future. You do not have to stop gardening just because you have physical limitations! Previously offered in Apr. 2020 and as a 5-part series in 2021. Some recordings are currently available on YouTube and others will be available soon (as of Nov. 2021).

Presenter: Laura Akgerman is the Disability Services Coordinator for Ohio AgrAbility & Ohio State University Extension.  She is a two-time Ohio State University Alum, with degrees in English and Rehabilitation Services. She presents workshops on Gardening with Arthritis, Farming with a Disability, AgriTourism, and other disability related issues for Ohio AgrAbility and OSU Extension. She grew up outside Sunbury Ohio, was active in 4-H in Delaware county, and occasionally worked with her Dad and brother at Cherryhill Aquatics, the family waterlily nursery. She can be reached at Akgerman.4@osu.edu


An Overview of the The Ohio State University Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

During this presentation Suzanne Vickers from the EAP will provide an overview of services available to all OSU staff and faculty including online resources, legal assistance, child and elder care resources and referrals, change management, and how to schedule a confidential counseling appointment. There will be time for questions following the presentation. Previously offered in Apr and Mar 2020.


CEO Day of Understanding

The CFAES Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is collaborating with other diversity, equity, and inclusion leaders around campus to host a 90-minute workshop for the national CEO Day of Understanding, an initiative OSU President Michael Drake committed to in 2017. The workshops will address the importance of establishing dialogue in building relationships across differences; help participants examine the diversity in their networks to reveal opportunities to increase understanding of people from diverse social identity groups; identify barriers and benefits to having diversity discussions on campus about race and identity; engage participants in conversations to broaden their perspectives; and empower participants to commit to action to promote inclusivity in the groups they are a part of and across their interactions with diverse groups. This workshop will take place at 7 different locations and times on Tuesday, February 25th 2020 on the Columbus campus and at each regional campus on Wednesday, February 26th 2020. 


Did They Really Just Say That?! Being an Active Bystander - February 2020

Have you ever been in a conversation when someone said something biased that made you uncomfortable, but you were not sure how to respond? Many of us struggle to address these all too common situations, whether in the classroom, the workplace, while spending time with friends, or enjoying time with family. Even though we want to do what is right and stand up for equality, we do not always know how to take action in that awkward moment—especially if we are not sure whether the person making the comment actually meant to cause harm.

As individuals dedicated to dismantling systemic oppression, we must be empowered to take action in these moments when bias manifests so that we can create a welcoming, inclusive, and affirming environment for all people. This training seeks to empower and equip participants to speak out in response to those all too common, “Did they really just say that?!” moments when bias emerges. This training illustrates the importance of committing to being an active bystander in moments when bias emerges through microaggressions, as well as provides actionable skills to do so. These skills are tailored to create educational conversations in response to biased comments/actions, rather than eliciting a defensive reaction from the person who has (perhaps unintentionally) caused harm.

Participants in this training will thus learn how to communicate effectively in challenging situations through the employment of strategies that can be tailored to the particular situation at hand.

Presenter: Mx. Lena Tenney, MPA, MEd., Coordinator of Public Engagement, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race & Ethnicity


Cultivating an Inclusive Environment: Recognizing and Responding to Unconscious Bias 

This interactive workshop will explore how identities, beliefs, and backgrounds shape our perceptions of other people in ways that can negatively impact the people with whom we interact and unconsciously widen the diversity gap. Participants will learn how to identify and empathetically respond to implicit bias in order to foster a more inclusive environment at work, home, and in their communities. This workshop provides a nurturing and judgement-free space for participants to share and discuss their experiences and learn strategies for being an active bystander. Previously offered in Sept and Dec 2019, and Jan 2020.


Men, Women, and Everyone Else: An Exploration of Sex, Gender, and Gender Identity 

The words "sex" and "gender" are frequently used synonymously, but they actually refer to different, but related, characteristics. So, what is sex? What is gender? And what happens when they don't align? What does it mean to be "transgender"? How do all of these concepts relate to other identities such as sexual and affectional orientations? This workshop will take a deep look into the surprisingly complex world of sex and gender and will culminate in an in-depth discussion of the diversity of transgender identities. We are socialized to believe that there are only two sexes/genders - this workshop is designed to challenge that assumption, making room for a variety of identities that do not fit the norm of male or female, man or woman. Common myths and misconceptions about transgender people will be dispelled and a basic language for discussing gender identity will be introduced. Participants will leave this workshop with an understanding of how their identities fit in the limitless continua of possibilities and be better equipped to create safer, more inclusive environments for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals at work and in their communities. Previously offered in Nov 2019 and later revised and rebranded as "Gender Demystified."