The Supreme Court & State Legislation Implications on Inclusion & Belonging: Where do we Go From Here?

Naomi Barrett
Director of Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
EisnerAmper

Charles L Jones
CEO
C&B Consulting

Fostering Belonging: Building a Culture of Inclusivity in the Workplace

Fostering Belonging and Inclusivity in the Workplace is an exploration of the pivotal role inclusivity plays in creating a thriving and innovative organizational culture. The goal is to dive into the concept of fostering belonging as a strategic imperative for organizations seeking sustained success in today's business landscape, and additionally to serve as a guide for leaders, HR professionals, and employees alike, emphasizing the shared responsibility of creating an inclusive workplace. By fostering a sense of belonging, organizations can unlock their full potential and create a workplace culture that not only attracts top talent but also sustains high levels of performance and innovation.

More Than A Feeling: Making Inclusion Measurable

Historically, companies have focused on diversity rather than inclusion, because it is easy to quantify. But inclusion is more than “a feeling of belonging” — it is a set of behaviors that can be measured, tracked and improved over time. Despite a focus on diversity recruiting, people from underrepresented groups are leaving their organizations in droves. Diversity talent acquisition costs are increasing, yet representation has remained relatively stagnant in this vicious cycle. In this session, award-winning DEI leader Elizabeth N. Laine will teach a proven approach to help DEI leaders assess, define, target and track inclusion behaviors so underrepresented groups can be empowered for the long haul.

“Say My Name”

If I cannot pronounce a person’s name, I just make one up or shorten it to make it easier for me. How many of us have encountered this? Do I belong here if they just assign me a name just like an employee identification number? Understand why it is important to pronounce an individual’s name, and how it creates a climate of belonging in the workplace.

Being a DEI leader can feel like conducting a symphony of diverse voices. But what happens when your own note gets lost in the chorus? This one-hour interactive workshop empowers DEI leaders to navigate the unique challenges of isolation and frustration within their roles. Through activities, discussions, and resource sharing, we'll explore strategies for:

Identifying and acknowledging your frustrations: Learn to recognize the emotional toll of DEI work and validate your feelings without judgment.

Building a support network: Discover brave spaces and trusted allies inside and outside your organization.

Communicating effectively: Develop strategies for expressing your concerns constructively and advocating for change.

Practicing self-care: Explore techniques for emotional resilience and sustainable DEI leadership.

Kyndra Joi

Mindful Emcee