ACC NCR DEI Workshop: Embracing Intersectionality

Presented by:  Erin Berry-McCrea is a Principal in the Diversity Strategies Practice of The Raben Group, a public policy, strategic communications and organizational consulting firm; Nichelle Grant is Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Siemens USA; Erum Mirza, General Counsel, District of Columbia Bar; and Jesse Raben, COO and General Counsel, American Insurance Trust/TRMS.

When we discuss diversity and inclusion, we often overlook so many important facets that make each of us who we are.  Of course, there are the various “EEO” categories of diversity that are front of mind: gender, age, disability, race and ethnicity, religion, gender identity and sexual orientation. But our identities also include attributes that derive from or are products of our lived experience, such as education level and socioeconomic background. Being aware of and sensitive to intersectionality is essential to having an inclusive environment, and requires taking note of all these different aspects of a person. Taking account of the value of each person’s intersectional identities has great value to individuals, organizations, and society.  (For a good overview of the topic, see this LinkedIn article by panelist Nichelle Grant:  Embracing Intersectionality: Recognizing people’s whole selves is better for business.)

The panelists for this DEI workshop will help you understand the concept of intersectionality and provide guidance on how to embrace intersectionality as an integral part of your (and your organization’s) DEI strategy.  How do we as individuals recognize all the dimensions of a person?  How do we show up as an ally?  How do we help our organizations adopt an intersectional approach to DEI, and address any business practices at our organizations that run counter to that approach?  

After the discussion, we will move into breakout rooms to discuss how we implement the pointers we learned from the panel.

This program is presented by the DEI Leadership Development Subcommittee.