This interactive, in-person session explores the foundational components of diversity, equity, & inclusion from a holistic approach. Participants will be able to unpack cultural dynamics, identify how diversity, equity, & inclusion influence daily interactions, and evaluate personal and professional social responsibility. This session also invites participants to unpack power, privilege, and oppression and its impact on daily life and the workplace.
Learning Outcomes:
Develop an awareness and understanding of foundational components of culture, diversity, equity and inclusion (such as values, lifestyles, contributions, and history).
Recognize how culture, diversity, equity and inclusion influence daily interactions through personal speech, actions, and environments.
Explore the systems and movements that influence power, privilege, and oppression dynamics at the individual, interpersonal, institutional, and societal/cultural levels.
Evaluate and articulate personal and professional social responsibility
SHRM CEUS for 2 credits pending
Location and Schedule
Hilton Garden Inn
201 E 8th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57103
7:45 – 8:15 a.m. check-in, hot breakfast, networking
8:15 – 10:15 a.m. workshop
Speaker Bios:
Willette A. Capers is the Assistant Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Augustana University. Willette holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Claflin University in English Literature and Theatre, a Master of Arts in English Literature from North Carolina Central University, and a Master of Science from Troy University in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Administration. She is currently a doctoral student at Northeastern University, where her research focuses on the impact of value for Black Women and their persistence rates in the Academy. Capers, a certified diversity professional with the National Diversity Council and Cornell University and Administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory, has dedicated her career to D. E. I. work. She specializes in the Foundations of Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion, Allyship, Understanding Bias, Intercultural Development, and Organizational DEI Assessment & Design. She is a charter member of Pathways for Inclusive and Equitable Workplaces, currently serving as Board Chair.
Faith Minnich Kjesbo is Manager of Formation & Cultural Competence at Avera Health. Faith is a trained systems therapist who is passionate about holistic organizational, team, and personal growth and development, focused on creating safe and brave spaces and opportunities for learning and transformation. Prior to moving to South Dakota from Pennsylvania in January 2019, Faith spent 17 years as an intercultural educator, leader, and administrator at a faith-based university of liberal arts and applied sciences. She has traveled to over 20 countries and has had the privilege of teaching a variety of courses, including a three-week cross-cultural course to rural Zambia titled Healthcare in the Developing World. Faith is certified in Cultural Intelligence (CQ®) and Everything DiSC Workplace®, is a National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professional, and serves on the Education Committee of Pathways to Inclusive & Equitable Workplaces.