Power Lunch & Learn: DEI in Business
Date and Time
Thursday May 18, 2023
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM PDT
Check-in begins at 11:30 AM
Location
Trabocco Kitchen and Cocktails 2213 South Shore Center Alameda, Ca 94501
Fees/Admission
Chamber member ticket: $25.00
Outside guest ticket: $35.00
Description
Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) entitled Driving DEI in Business: Practices, Progress, and Challenges
Our distinguished panelists, Dr. Cindy Acker, Shamar Edwards, Dr. Chris Wachira, Leia Mitchell, and Supervisor Lena Tam bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. The panel discussion will be facilitated by Kristen Wong, Director of Communications for the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance.
During this engaging session, we will explore the current DEI practices in businesses and discuss what more can be done to promote inclusivity and equity in the workplace. The panelists will share their insights, experiences, and best practices on how businesses can foster a diverse and inclusive culture, and how it impacts the overall success of organizations. We will also delve into the topic of microaggressions in the workplace and explore whether they are still prevalent in today's business environment. The panelists will share their perspectives on how microaggressions can affect employees and hinder their professional growth, as well as strategies to address and mitigate them.
This panel discussion will be a unique opportunity:
- to learn from experts
- engage in meaningful discussions
- gain valuable insights into DEI practices in the business world
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a dynamic conversation on DEI in business. Join us for an enlightening panel discussion that promises to inspire, educate, and promote meaningful change.
About the Panelists:
Dr. Cindy Acker: is a six-time award winner for her education and support of children, including LGBT families and families of diversity. She is a published author, keynote speaker, former president of one of California's preschool associations, former vice president of the National Child Care Association and a public policy adviser for schools in California. Cindy holds two bachelors degrees (education and human development), two masters degrees (educational leadership and cultural studies and spirituality) and is a UC Berkeley graduate with a doctorate in educational leadership. Cindy leads international workshops on race, diversity and inclusivity and is a member of the Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth and their Families.
Shamar Edwards has over 20 years experience leading and transforming schools as an educator, administrator, principal, teacher, and coach. She currently serves as a Senior Director of Equity for Alameda Unified School District. She holds three masters degrees in the following areas: Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, USC, Masters in Education Administration with an emphasis in Social Justice, UC Berkeley, Masters in Negotiation Conflict Resolution and Peace building, CSU Dominguez Hills. Shamar Edwards has extensive training in Restorative Justice Practices, Trauma Informed Pedagogy, and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy. Her consultancy work focuses on Restorative School Leadership and she specializes in training school leaders to build their core competencies in emotional intelligence, communication, and conflict management skills.
Dr. Chris Wachira: is the first Kenyan-born, Californian winemaker, distributor, importer, and exporter. As a young immigrant working her way through college, earning her Doctorate, Chris fell in love with the science of winemaking and developed a deep appreciation for the sense of community built from sharing a bottle of wine with complete strangers. Her SOKO by Wachira is the first black-owned and woman-owned distributor of wine, beer, and liquor licensed in California. She was recently named one of the top most-admired CEOs by the San Francisco Business Times.
Leia Mitchell is Chief Head of Staff of Feathered Outlaw in Alameda. She is an Integrative Systems Coach who helps individuals and small businesses achieve holistic well-being. Her approach is rooted in understanding your natural tendencies as puzzle pieces rather than challenges or weaknesses. She has a knack for problem-solving and enjoys crafting solutions. She has worked to develop a keen listening ear to complement her skills. Through a personalized and collaborative approach, she helps clients identify their strengths, values, and goals to create a comprehensive plan that aligns with their desired outcomes. Together she and her clients explore all dimensions of their lives, including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects, to develop strategies that lead to sustainable change.
Supervisor Lena Tam has served as Vice Mayor of the City of Alameda, President of the City of Alameda Health Care Board and Chair of the Alameda County Planning Board. In her professional career, she is the Manager of the Water Planning Department at the East Bay Municipal Utility District, where she has worked for more than 30 years. Lena, the child of two first-generation immigrants, was raised in the City of Alameda. She graduated from Alameda High School before pursuing degrees from UC Berkeley (BS in Environmental and Civil Engineering) and the University of San Francisco (Masters of Public Administration). A resident of District 3 for more than 50 years, she currently lives in the City of Alameda and works in Oakland.
Note: The event may include opportunities for audience participation and Q&A with the panelists to encourage an interactive and informative discussion.
