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Pre-conference: Facing Racism in 2021 and beyond
The Facing Racism Institute is the area’s leading program for uncovering racism and understanding its impact on individuals and the workplace.
Racism is still a powerful force in our lives and community. The Facing Racism in 2021 and Beyond pre-conference is one-day workshop that challenges participants of all backgrounds to be part of an equally powerful dialogue. We provide the safe space and neutral guidance needed to help that dialogue emerge.
Through presentations and exercises, participants engage in and build a shared understanding of racism together. After facing racism and its impact on individuals, businesses, and our community, participants develop tools to create an inclusive workplace and community.
This session is limited to 45 participants.
Our plenary speaker

Join Prof. Manji for this transformative two-hour webinar as part of the 2021 Collaborative Diversity Conference.
Today, the phrase is everywhere: “Diversity and Inclusion.” It suggests that diversity comes before inclusion. Wrong. Behavioral science confirms that a culture of inclusion must be fostered first. That’s because everybody from “people of color” to “straight white guys,” Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, younger and older, need to trust that they’ll be treated with respect under the banner of diversity. In the absence of trust, differences plant seeds of resentment — and, ultimately, conflict.
So how do we build a culture of inclusion? Enter Irshad Manji, internationally bestselling author and founder of Moral Courage College. Prof. Manji teaches people to communicate across lines of difference and even disagreement. Her inspiring yet practical workshop, “How to Revive Dialogue in a Time of Deep Division,” equips community leaders with the skills to foster belonging under any circumstance. Best of all, these skills are actionable immediately.
Join Prof. Manji for this transformative two-hour webinar as part of the 2021 Collaborative Diversity Conference.
Other conference sessions
Diversity divides us
Presenter: Trent Ball
This session will be an overview of the impact of the evolving demographics in Higher Education. We will address the need to have conversations and dialogues that are open and honest to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into the day-to-day actions and long-range planning in Higher Education and our communities. The goal of the session is to explore the challenges that impede and cloud our conversations on race and diversity as well as developing the framework for establishing trust to move into an equity minded space in our collective communities.
Listening like an anthropologist: Why deep listening matters for trans* allies
Presenter: Matt Scott
In this session, we will spend an hour focused on engaging with video interviews from our local trans* community. This session is for faculty and staff who desire to increase their understanding of what it is like for a student who identifies as trans* and the unique challenges faced in academic environments. If you have limited experience working with students who are trans*, this session is specifically designed for you!
From the breakroom to the boardroom: Creating a more equitable and inclusive work culture
Presenter: Jerri Arnold-Cook
The results are in! Creating an equitable and inclusive work culture “makes sense”. Research has shown inclusive workplaces are more likely to be innovative and surpass financial goals. Diverse teams are attributed with making better decisions. Employees who feel a sense of belonging are traditionally more productive and less likely to leave.
More information & registration