Virtual
Overview (Program Summary)
A program hosted by:
ACC National Capital RegionPanelists:
- Victor Branch, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead, BAE Systems Intelligence & Security
- Ariel Brown, Chief of Staff, Community, Impact and Investment, Capital One
- Matthew Brown, Advisor, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
- Damon Harris, Founder, Assistant General Counsel, Eltanin Consulting
- Justin Holman, Director, Assistant General Counsel, Capital One
Moderated by: Richard Sexton, Senior Counsel, Labor and Employment, and Sector Privacy Lead, BAE Systems Intelligence & Security
We’re told to bring our authentic selves to work, have honest conversations, and share personal stories in order to create an inclusive work environment. While we all want our abilities and characteristics to be appraised accurately, members of marginalized groups may feel that the honest sharing of thoughts, feelings, and experiences at work might not be welcomed or could effectively reinforce others' unconscious biases and stereotypes. In some situations, the adjustment in the way they present themselves may be an uncomplicated case of “impression management.” But, because many workplaces are strongly defined by white, male, and straight norms, values and expectations, members of marginalized groups may feel they are forced to conform with white/male/cis cultural practices (or “code-switch”) to fit into their workplaces.
In this workshop, we will explore the concepts of authenticity, impression management, and code-switching – how they can co-exist in an inclusive workplace, and how they conflict. The panelists will share their thoughts about best practices for successfully being ourselves in the workplace, and using that authenticity to make our workplaces more inclusive. Following the panel discussion, we’ll move into breakout rooms to discuss our personal experiences and how we’ve learned to navigate around these issues.
This program is presented by the DEI Leadership Development Subcommittee.