Professional Development Workshops
Workshops are facilitated by Dr. Leo Taylor, Program Manager in the CFAES Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, unless otherwise specified. They are scheduled throughout the year and address a variety of diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. All public virtual programs are free and open to anyone, regardless of affiliation with Ohio State.
On Demand Programs
Free on-demand virtual and in-person programs are available for individual units, departments, and organizations within CFAES, including Extension and field research stations.
- In-house programs: If you are a member of the CFAES community and would like to schedule a program for your unit, contact Dr. Taylor at taylor.3408@osu.edu. Please include 1) desired date of delivery (please provide several options), 2) desired topic(s) to be addressed, and 3) approximate number of participants.
- Guest lectures: Dr. Taylor delivers guest lectures on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics for CFAES faculty. If you are not affiliated with CFAES and would like to have Dr. Taylor provide a program for your unit, you may contact him for recommendations.
Accessibility
We strive to make all events accessible to everyone. All virtual programs are presented with automated closed captions. If you wish to request traditional CART services or other accommodations, please contact Laura Akgerman at akgerman.4@osu.edu or 614-292-0622. Requests submitted two weeks in advance will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet every request.
PLEASE NOTE: To foster a brave space for learning, workshops are NOT recorded (unless otherwise noted)
Upcoming CFAES Webinars/Workshops
Workshops are added to the schedule on a rolling basis. Please check back for additional dates and programs.
In alignment with our mission as a land-grant institution, all of our programs are free and accessible to anyone regardless of their affiliation with The Ohio State University.
Date and time |
Workshop Title (click for description and registration) |
|---|---|
| March 26, 2025 | Thriving Under Pressure: Strategies for Managing Stress and Fostering Resilience |
| April 10, 2025 | Dismantling the Imposter Narrative: Banishing Self-Doubt and Embracing Success |
Workshop Descriptions
(in alphabetical order)
Citations Matter: Exploring and Expanding Your Citation Practices
Citation is not a neutral practice. In the realm of academia, our citation choices wield significant influence—shaping discourse, amplifying voices, and impacting scholarly recognition. Yet, how often do we pause to reflect on the implications of these choices?
This interactive workshop invites instructors and researchers across all disciplines to critically examine and expand their citation practices. Through engaging discussions, practical exercises, and collaborative learning, participants will:
- Uncover the hidden biases in traditional citation approaches
- Explore strategies for diversifying sources and perspectives
- Learn techniques to identify and incorporate work from underrepresented scholars
Facilitator bio: Jane Hammons is the teaching and learning engagement librarian and an associate professor at The Ohio State University. As part of the Teaching and Learning department within the University Libraries, her role is to provide programming and resources to support instructor development within the Libraries and across the University. She also teaches credit-bearing information literacy courses offered through the Libraries.
Difficult Conversations: Communicating Effectively Across Difference
Have you ever engaged in a conversation about an uncomfortable or sensitive topic with someone who is very different from you and didn't know how to approach it? Conversations between people with different views and lived experiences can go awry and lead to frustration and alienation. In this 2-hour workshop participants will be provided with strategies for engaging in challenging conversations that foster understanding and trust. The latter part of the program provides participants with an opportunity to apply what they have learned in a breakout room activity. Participants will need access to a webcam and mic to engage in the latter part of the session. Please note: this workshop will not be recorded.
Dismantling the Imposter Narrative: Banishing Self-Doubt and Embracing Success
Thursday, April 10th, 10:30AM-12:00PM ET
Imposter syndrome is a behavioral health phenomenon characterized by self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals. Some estimates indicate that nearly 70% of academic professionals experience it at some point in their careers with individuals from minoritized population being most vulnerable. This interactive 90-minute virtual workshop is perfect for anyone ready to confront and overcome pervasive feelings of self-doubt and begin to embrace their successes as legitimate.
Through self-reflection exercises and group discussions you will explore the roots of your self-doubt and identify the internal narrative that has kept you from believing in the validity of your achievements. You will walk away with not only greater awareness, but practical strategies you can use to challenge imposter feelings when they arise. Although this program is designed for individuals working or studying in academic settings, anyone can benefit from the experience. Free and open to all.
This workshop will provide you with:
- Practical strategies to overcome self-doubt: Learn actionable techniques to combat negative thoughts and boost your confidence.
- Enhanced awareness of the roots of your imposter beliefs: Gain insight into where your feelings originated and how they manifest in your life.
- Techniques for reframing negative self-talk: Discover how to shift your internal dialogue to one that recognizes and celebrates your successes as legitimate.
Facilitators:
Dr. Leo Taylor, Program Manager, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CFAES). Learn more about Dr. Taylor.
Dr. Sathya Gopalakrishnan, Professor, Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (CFAES). Learn more about Dr. Gopalakrishnan.
Implicit Associations, Insidious Assumptions: Unintended Manifestations of Bias in Everyday Life
This workshop will provide an introduction to unconscious associations that can lead to an affinity toward or prejudice against some people (implicit bias). We will explore how our socialization process leads to the formation of conscious and unconscious associations, stereotypes, and prejudices that influence how we treat and view others in unintended ways. Participants will learn common ways that bias shows up in daily life and identify strategies that can help reduce the impact of implicit biases. During the session participants will complete and discuss an Implicit Association Test (IAT) – a tool that can help users identify hidden associations that can fuel bias.
After participating in this program participants will be able to:
• Describe associations and how they are formed
• Understand how associations can lead to implicit bias
• Begin identifying ways the socialization process has resulted in the formation of “experience filters” through which we perceive others
Introduction to Microaggressions: Small Actions that Have a Big Impact
Microaggressions are common, often subtle expressions of bias, many times initiated unintentionally and unconsciously that can have serious impacts on recipients including shortening life expectancy. In this 90-minute workshop, participants will learn about common microaggressions and the hidden, harmful messages they send. Participants will practice differentiating intention from impact using real-life scenarios.
After attending this workshop participants will be able to:
- Define "microaggression."
- Recognize commonly encountered microaggressions.
- Differentiate intent from the impact of microaggressions.
- Reduce the likelihood of initiating a microaggression.
Introduction to Neurodivergence
During this 60-minute webinar, Jodie Leister from the Ohio State University Employee Assistance Program will provide an overview of neurodivergence.
After attending this session participants will be able to:
- Describe what neurodivergence is and why it exists.
- Recognize the diversity across neurodivergent identities and experiences.
- Value the unique gifts, abilities, and skills neurodivergent people possess because of their experiences living in a society primarily designed for neurotypical brains.
- Better understand and engage with neurodivergent people.
- Function as an ally to neurodivergent people by countering misinformation with facts and responding to microaggressions as an active bystander.
About the speaker:
Jodie Leister LPCC-S, CEAP currently serves as the Director of the Employee Assistance Program and Behavioral Health for The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Her responsibilities include strategic program development and oversight, evaluating network provider issues, and addressing employee needs through monitoring data and demographic trends to enhance the value of EAP offerings. Demonstrating a love for developing others, Jodie is a sought-after resource for mentorship, consultation, crisis response, and workshops/lectures concerning organizational and staff development and well as workplace wellbeing. Beyond her role at the OSU her contributions and impact to the field of Mental Health can be found in her partnership with The National Council of Behavioral Health and Mental Health America of Ohio as a Trainer in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA). She resides in central Ohio with her husband and three boys and is an active member of her community.
The Gift of Accountability: How to Respond When Someone Calls You In/Out for Causing Harm
We all do it - say or do something, often unintentionally, that causes harm to someone. Maybe it's just a slip of the tongue or a microaggression. Sometimes, we're lucky and an ally intervenes to let us know what we did that caused harm and why. This is an act of generosity and creates an opportunity for personal growth and connection and how it’s received determines the outcome of the conversation. So, how do you accept the gift of accountability in a way that fosters trust? This 90-minute workshop will address best practices for engaging in accountability conversations when you've been called in/out for causing harm. Participants will leave with a toolkit of strategies that can be utilized in a variety of conversations.
Learning Outcomes
After attending this workshop, you will be better prepared to:
-
Sit with, rather than run from, the discomfort of accountability conversations.
-
Listen to feedback without getting defensive.
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Engage in uncomfortable conversations that foster trust.
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Extend grace to yourself when you make mistakes.
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Navigate difficult conversations about other topics.
Thriving Under Pressure: Strategies for Managing Stress and Fostering Resilience
Wednesday, March 26th, 1-2:30PM ET
Chronic stress has been closely linked to various physical and mental health issues, with job burnout emerging as a critical concern across all industries—not just in high-stress, helping professions. Burnout occurs when prolonged stress overwhelms our coping mechanisms, leading to emotional exhaustion, decreased performance, and even serious health complications. Unmanaged stress doesn’t just impact individual well-being; it can strain relationships, hinder productivity, and diminish quality of life. This interactive session will help participants recognize the signs and symptoms of stress and understand how unchecked stress can escalate over time.
Through engaging activities and reflective exercises, participants will:
- Identify their unique stress triggers and responses,
- Learn practical strategies for managing stress effectively,
- Discover how to foster a healthier work-life balance, and
- Develop a personalized stress management action plan tailored to their individual needs.
Participants will leave the session with tools and strategies to build resilience, enhance well-being, and maintain a healthier, more balanced approach to life.
about the facilitator:
Dr. Kathy Lechman serves as the Assistant Dean and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. Dr. Lechman earned her Ph.D. in 2015 from the College of Education and Human Ecology at The Ohio State University. She has a Master of Arts degree in Conflict Resolution from the McGregor School of Antioch University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the College of Wooster. Kathy has been with OSU since 2001 when she started her career with OSU Extension as Leader, Diversity Development. During her time in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, she has developed numerous professional development opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. Throughout her tenure at the university, Kathy has also served several other leadership positions including the Associate Director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, the Interim Executive Director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity (2018) and as Interim Associate Director of the Center for Higher Education Enterprise (2017). Before coming to Ohio State, Kathy worked for the Cleveland Municipal School District, the Ohio Department of Youth Services, and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Responding to Microaggressions: Bystander Intervention Strategies that Work for Everyone
All too often we witness subtle comments or behaviors frequently rooted in bias that cause harm to others, sometimes unintentionally and frequently directed toward people from marginalized social identity groups. Have you ever witnessed a bias incident such as a microaggression and wanted to intervene, but didn't know what to say or do? Becoming an active bystander involves recognizing a bias incident and saying or doing something to stop the harm. Anyone can become an active bystander and learn to address bias in everyday interactions. In this 90-minute* workshop, we will explore some of the most commonly encountered microaggressions and identify tools participants can use in daily life. Participants will practice what they have learned using real-life scenarios.
*some sessions are 2-hours long to allow for an optional extra 30-minutes of practice and dialogue at the end of the workshop. Participants are encouraged to stay but are welcome to leave at any time.
Learning Outcomes:
After participating in this program you will be able to:
- Recognize common microaggressions that target minoritized populations.
- Articulate the various factors that must be taken into consideration when deciding to take action as an active bystander.
- Identify intervention strategies that best align with individual strengths and personality, thus reducing the likelihood of hesitation.
- Utilize intervention strategies to address microaggression examples from everyday life.
Understanding AD(H)D
During this 60-minute webinar, Tyler McGuire from the Ohio State University Employee Assistance Program will provide an overview of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, aka AD(H)D.
After attending this session participants will be able to:
- Describe what AD(H)D is, why it exists, and why the "H" isn't always present or obvious.
- Recognize the diversity of experiences and identities AD(H)D within the community.
- Value the unique gifts, abilities, and skills people with AD(H)D possess because of their experiences living in a society primarily designed for neurotypical brains.
- Better understand and engage with people who have AD(H)D in a variety of contexts.
- Function as an ally to people with AD(H)D by countering misinformation with facts and responding to microaggressions as an active bystander.
- Better support students, colleagues, friends, and family who have AD(H)D.
About the speaker:
Tyler McGuire has been a counselor for 14 years and self identifies as someone who lives with traits of ADHD. He has been working for the Employee Assistance Program for a year and a half. In addition to OSU, Tyler has worked as a therapist at Equitas Health, as well as in private practice. What he enjoys most about being a therapist is helping clients learn about themselves and accept what they find. In his spare time, Tylerenjoys music, food, sports, travel, being outdoors, and spending time with loved ones. He also enjoys using the Enneagram in both his personal and professional life.
Please email Leo Taylor at taylor.3408@osu.edu if you would like to watch the replay.