Session 1: Panel Discussion

Inclusive Environments: Getting Ready for your Diverse Workforce

We clean our homes before inviting our guests in, so wouldn’t it make sense to do that in our place of work? Before building a diverse workforce, having an organization-wide EDI strategy with clearly defined training and procedures embedded into company operations ensures a welcoming environment for all with long-term success, despite management changes. This panel will discuss strategies and best practices for removing bias and creating an inclusive and equitable environment for employees.

Session 2: Workshop

Allyship: Be Effective, Not Performative

Allyship. Is it simply a buzzword or is it the social and cultural imperative of our time? As the world seemingly becomes more divisive how can we find common ground and strive to create more equitable and inclusive communities and workplaces where we all feel that we belong? In this workshop we will explore what you really want to know about allyship but were afraid to ask!

We'll talk about:

• Why allyship is so important, now more than ever.
• Who should be an ally (spoiler alert: all of us!)
• What it means to be an ally (hint: ally is a verb - action is required).
• When to be an ally (and when not to be).
• How to spend your everyday privilege as an ally in action and move from performative to effective.

You will leave with tools for your allyship toolkit that you can use right away, both in the workplace and in life!

Session 3: Panel Discussion

Leadership for Change: Building Inclusive Cultures and Maximizing the Power of Diversity

Building truly inclusive cultures starts from the top. While implementing training and HR policies are key to long term success, leaders must first commit to setting an example and continuously work at recognizing and removing bias, promoting inclusion and being an effective ally. This panel will be a conversation with senior executives who have seen and understand the benefits of building a diverse workforce and fostering safe and inclusive environments and who have committed to being champions for transformational change.

Session 4: Workshop

EDI in Action: Practical Tips for Getting Started on an EDI Action Plan Today

Implementing change can be daunting, especially when it comes to your workplace EDI strategy. Identifying gaps, prioritizing efforts, and implementing strategies to create an accessible, inclusive, equitable and diverse workplace is a journey and will look different depending on the type of work environment. In this last session of the day, we'll bring together the takeaways from the day and set you on a path to begin your EDI strategy.

In this workshop, we will work through case studies simulating the challenges and opportunities that exist at different size companies. From this session, you will create an implementation plan on how to move forward with your learnings from the day and an idea exchange with colleagues.