Sessions

Observe a conversation amongst Black professionals who will openly share experiences, expectations and outcomes of Working While Black. Black professionals will feel valued and heard with the awareness that they are not alone in their workplace experiences, fostering belonging and generating opportunities for improved trust, collaboration, and teamwork. The audience will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and aspirations of Black professionals, to support the development of more inclusive and equitable leadership strategies.

Learning Objectives:

1. To recognize and challenge biases, raising the level of sensitivity and awareness of workplace trauma experienced specifically by Black employees. We intend for the audience to engage in self-reflection and actively question assumptions and stereotypes they may hold about Black professionals. In doing so, we hope to springboard their efforts towards eliminating unconscious biases in their decision-making processes.  

2. The audience will gain awareness of the manifestation of workplace trauma and how Black employees navigate various work experiences. Obtaining this awareness provides space for the audience to use their positions of influence to amplify the voices, perspectives, and experiences of Black professionals. This can be achieved by actively listening to their ideas, crediting their contributions, and advocating for inclusion of diverse voices in important conversations and decision-making processes.  

3. Highlight the need for inclusive and psychologically safe workspaces where Black professionals feel valued, supported and have a place to speak truth about their work life. This can involve advocating for diverse representation in leadership positions, promoting diverse hiring practices, and fostering opportunities to provide guidance, support, and allyship.