Developing allies in in our workplaces is one of the most important steps we can take on our DE&I journey as organizations. Allyship is a commitment to action, to doing the work of creating opportunities, removing barriers and advocating for historically marginalized and under-represented individuals. Becoming an ally is grounded in understanding our own privilege and how we can use it to champion the aspirations of those who are not afforded the same privilege, opportunities, rights and protections. The goal of this workshop is to equip attendees with what the mind-sets, characteristics and behaviors are of allies so that they can begin or continue their allyship journey.
Learning Outcomes:
Define & explore the concept of allyship and why it matters
Recognize our own privilege as individuals and how privilege can be used as an ally
Discover how to navigate tough conversations
Learn the specific actions allies can take
Location and Schedule
Hilton Garden Inn
201 E 8th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57103
7:45 – 8:15 a.m. check-in, networking
8:15-10:15 workshop
Speaker bios:
Heather Hansen is a culture focused leader, committed to developing initiatives in mentoring, intercultural competence, employee engagement and inclusive diversity at Allstate and within her community. As an Inclusive Diversity & Equity Consultant at Allstate, she weaves together 15 years of experience as a people leader including marketing and training experience to inspire and partner with individuals on how they can implement inclusive behaviors and workplace flexibility. Although her work at Allstate focuses on a multi-national scale, her local community takes precedence. She was a founding board member of Dress for Success Sioux Falls and currently serves as a board member for Pathways to Inclusive and Equitable Workplaces.
Kira Kimball serves as the national Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for Marsh McLennan Agency, where she provides strategic and tactical leadership to advance efforts to attract and celebrate diverse perspectives while promoting and protecting a level playing field for all colleagues. Creating a workplace culture where everyone can be their authentic selves, an environment that fosters a strong sense of belonging, and a business strategy that harnesses the power of diversity are her energy drivers. As a committed business leader in her community of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Kira serves on the board of directors for Southeast Technical College Foundation, Levitt at The Falls, Sioux Falls Development Foundation, 100+ Women Who Care Sioux Falls, Bridging the Gap, Sioux Empire United Way and Pathways to Inclusive & Equitable Workplaces, a nonprofit she founded. Kira serves on the South Dakota State University Ness School of Management advisory board, the national board of the Association of Professional Insurance Women, and is also a member of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Leadership Sioux Falls Executive Committee. Kira is the first person in both SD & ND to earn the National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professional designation and she is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory.