Member Meetings

August 17, 2023

Is Age Just a Number? Managing and Understanding Cross-Generational Staffing

Location: Regional Transit System; 1372 East Main Street, NY 14609; (Board Room) 

The division of the workplace by generations can be one of the most subtle, yet popular biases within organizations. This program helps managers to (1) identify generational differences, (2) examine myths, and (3) explore strategies to maximize teamwork in the workplace. 

Co-Presenters:Dan Martin; HR Consultant, Gallagher Benefits Services; Dr, Michel D'Arcangelo, Executive Director, WDN

September 21, 2023

Managing Diversity of Thought in the Workplace: Many Choices - Different Voices

This program has been submitted for SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs)

Location: CCSI (Coordinated Care Services, Inc.); 1099 Jay St., Building J Rochester, 14611; Erie Canal Training Room 

Among the most powerful rationales to support the business case for diversity is the reality and research regarding the impact of innovation – specifically diversity of thought – related to products and services. This program will (1) identify the findings that connect innovation and diversity, and (2) help participants vet out practical methods of enhancing diverse thought in their current workplace. Panel to be announced in early September.

Co-facilitator: Melanie Williams, Chair of DEI Programming, GVC SHRM; Benefits & Payroll Administrator, Manning & Napier with Dr. Michael D’Arcangelo; Executive Director, WDN

October 19, 2023

Planning the Company Holiday Party, AND Remaining Inclusive

Location: Excellus BlueCross BlueShield; 165 Court St. Rochester NY,14647

Traditions are embedded in our culture, with many kinds of symbolic and sentimental aspects that reflect not only our customs, habits and rituals – but also our biases. The corporate holiday party is a classic example that is often fraught with mixed messages in multi-cultural work environments. This program will help participants reflect on (1) the holiday party phenomenon, and (2) its impacts on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Presented by: Kesha Carter, Chief Diversity Officer, CCSI

November 16, 2023

Diversity Theater: A DEI Learning Tool for the Workplace

Helping people talk safely about diversity in the workplace

Location: The United Way; 75 College Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607; Conference Room 1

Diversity Theater is cited as a powerful DEI learning tool in the work world, allowing for interaction and very intentional impact. This program (1) provides a deeper dive into the use and purpose of Diversity Theater as a learning tool; (2) helps participants imagine and interact with others regarding common workplace experiences or situations, and (3) addresses the structure and format of diversity theater, as it relates to helping workforce members understand diversity in freeing and meaningful ways.  

Learnings will occur directly via live interactions, through the eyes, acting and direction of

Presenter and Artist: Chennel Anderson: Director of the Office of Diversity, Culture, and Equity (DICE) at the University of Rochester, Department of Psychiatry. URMD DEI Officer.

December 14, 2023

HERstory: Allyship Programs for Women in the Workplace

Helping people talk safely about diversity in the workplace

Location: First American; 211 High Point Drive, Victor NY 14564; Grand Canyon Room

Companies struggle to retain their women employees, especially in leadership positions. Allyship programs can empower all employees and enhance the work climate by developing an understanding of challenges faced by women in the workplace – especially when the allies are men.

This session will include: (1) an overview of the current state of women in the workplace, (2) the development and evolution of the Advocates & Ally Program at RIT that engaged men in the effort to improve the climate for women faculty, (3) a blueprint for launching an allyship program at your organization.

Presenter:

Betsy Dell

Professor, Manufacturing Engineer, Former Director of AdvanceRIT

Co-Facilitator:

Jannelle Harris,

Supervisor of Background/Drug Screening Services,

Authentica