Sessions

Many years ago, I worked at a law firm as the only Black woman in the firm and was advised that if I wanted to listen to music at my desk, I could as long as I didn't play "Gangster Rap." It was a comment that took me by surprise and was disturbing, as many of my White colleagues turned their heads in silence to the inappropriate comment that echoed in the office of over 200 people. With no allies coming to my defense, I had to decide if I would smile and comply or become the "Angry Black Woman" they expected. Instead, I wrote a memo, which caught the attention of the partners, who issued a public apology.

However, these experiences are common in the workplace and the overwhelming impact that it has on the mental health of the talent pool is real. Today, although inclusivity is a highly optical topic, the workplace is not adapting to the need to engage the entire workplace in a difficult discussion on an ongoing basis. From the crimes against Asian Americans to the video of the killing of George Floyd - there is a broader context of a conversation that employers must engage in to help keep their teams and employees included and safe.

Today's workplace has many Blind Spots - the type of insensitivity that chooses to ignore the challenges the members of their workforce may be facing. Further, the loudest Blind Spot is silent during the recent tragedies facing many minority communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Define today's Blind Spots, from "offensive" jokes to harmful candor.
• Create listening sessions to hear the voices of everyone.
• Discuss why inclusivity is more than a buzz word, it is a policy.
• Hear how to become an ally instead of a bystander.