Session 1: Inclusion as Leadership

We often think of diversity and inclusion training as an attempt to reach a person's personal foundational values. In this presentation and discussion, we'll talk about how inclusion in the workplace is really about leadership and team performance.

Presenter: Bobbie R Scopa

Session 2: Everyone Stims

Neuronormative expectations for communication often dictate acceptable ways to engage in collaborative spaces. However, for many neurodivergent individuals who engage in self-stimulatory behaviors, or stimming, these expectations can increase anxiety and impact the ability to focus and communicate effectively. In this presentation, participants will engage in activities that challenge internal biases and misconceptions, normalize stigmatized behaviors, and explore strategies to create a welcoming environment where all members can contribute innovative ideas and thrive.

Presenters: London Skiles & Katrina Vollmer

Keynote Speaker, Dr. Mako Fitts Ward

“Not On Our Backs: Building Bridges with Care" 

Mako Fitts Ward, PhD is a humanistic social scientist whose research explores the intersection of Black cultural production, culture industries and urban creative placemaking efforts to advance arts practice and foster inclusive community development. She is an Assistant Professor of African American and Women and Gender Studies in the School of Social Transformation and affiliate faculty in The Design School in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University. As Director of the Social Transformation Lab, she fosters collaborations among universities, non-profits, companies, philanthropies and government agencies to develop strategies and inclusive learning tools for individuals and organizations.

Session 3: Collaborating to Design Events that Build Cultural and Community Bridges

In order to successfully build cultural bridges at ASU, we need each other. Working in collaboration to plan inclusive events ensures that we increase visibility of communities across campus, include a range of perspectives and goals in our programming, and invite people to take part in conversations that are key to helping all in our community thrive and be heard. Towards this end, our panel will discuss a series of events hosted at the ASU Polytechnic campus designed to include, connect, and create community. Our panel will include perspectives from two groups that contribute to the portfolio of inclusion events at the Poly Campus: members of the CISA Inclusion Committee who design and collaborate with the community to plan events, and members of the Recruitment, Outreach, Engagement, Events, and Internships (ROEEI) team who plan the logistics, marketing, and overall successful delivery of programming on campus.

Presenters: Fábio Albuquerque, Kermit Brown, Theresa Cordon, Laverne Dacosta , Valerie Flores , Kat Lambrecht, Gerald West

Session 4: Intentionally Creating Space for Conflict Conversations: A Practice in Listening to Understand and Engaging to Heal

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, conflicts are inevitable. These conflicts, if not addressed properly, can hinder academic progress and create a toxic environment. However, when managed effectively, they can become opportunities for growth and understanding. This session will delve into the necessity of creating a safe space for conflict conversations, emphasizing the importance of listening to understand rather than to respond, and engaging in dialogues that foster healing and mutual respect.

Presenter: Mary Loder

Session 5: Organizational Listening

In the ever-evolving and diverse workplace, organizational listening emerges as a critical driver for success. This presentation delves into the transformative power of inclusive listening, asserting that it demands the intentional inclusion of diverse voices at every level. Positive and lasting organizational change is sparked when every individual's voice is not only heard but actively valued.

Presenters: Erin Fang and Tia Parker