Diversity & Inclusion Virtual Learning Series

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s Diversity & Inclusion Virtual Learning Series is coming up! 

I’m so excited that The Partnership pivoted to virtual events and added this important event to the lineup this year – especially since the 2020 D&I Symposium had to be rescheduled to June 8th, 2021. Last year’s D&I Symposium held in June 2019 at the Buffalo Convention Center was filled with actionable, inspirational information and I know this year’s will be too. (You can see my recap on last year’s event here!) This year’s online event is three one-hour sessions. Each on a different date and time so there is something for everyone. All 3 sessions can be purchased together for a discount, or you can purchase individual days if you can’t attend all three. (Individual event links below!)

As an HR Practitioner focused on talent acquisition and recruiting, especially a white HR Practitioner, it’s important for me to keep learning about others experiences and how my  own bias and actions effect the recruiting process. I’m personally really looking forward to the scope of topics and perspectives that we will hear from during the events.

*If you’re an HR Professional – all sessions have been approved for 1 PDC of SHRM recertification credit each!*

Now let’s meet the speakers for the three sessions!

Mary-Frances Winters will be joining us again this year on Wednesday, September 16th from 9-10 AM ET to discuss Engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations. She also has a new book coming out this fall titled Black Fatigue. For full event description and registration, visit the eventbrite link here!

Today more than ever,  leaders and employees alike must have the skills and competencies to engage in dialogue on historically polarizing and “off-limits” topics.  Whether leaders like it or not, employees are talking about and thinking about the issues of the day impacting employees’ level of productivity, engagement, and psychological safety.

Greg Hodge will be speaking on Thursday, October 15th from 11 AM-12 Noon PM ET. He will be speaking to us about Moving Toward Racial Equity in the Workplace. For full event description and registration, visit the eventbrite link here!

A focus on D&I, both as a principle of workplace culture and as a strategic business advantage, is an increasingly important topic for organizational leaders. In order to walk the walk and not just talk the talk, it’s critical for D&I leaders to understand the latest trends and industry best practices. Hear from Greg Hodge, on the importance of racial equity in the workplace and the latest on where corporate D&I strategies are today.

Sesha Yalamanchili will be hosting the third event of the series, which will be a panel discussion where we will hear from business leaders with a wide range of perspective and experience on how they are leading D&I efforts. This will take place on Wednesday, November 18th from 9-10 AM ET. For full event description and registration, visit the eventbrite link here!

Wrap-up the Virtual Learning Series with this engaging panel discussion. Hear from a diverse group of Western New York leaders on their successes and challenges in moving their D&I efforts forward.

Be sure to check out the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and the other D&I initiatives they are leading such as the D&I Academy. Academy sessions will be held in October and November, facilitated by Sesha Yalamanchili. Registration is open NOW! Apply today to save your spot.

Check back here soon to see a Q&A blog post with Sesha Yalamanchili to learn more about her work, passions for the D&I space, and what you’ll learn from attending her session. Reach out to me with any questions or just to let me know you’re attending. I hope to see you there and keep learning together.