We want more diverse, inclusive workplaces...but where do we start? Our efforts to meet quantitative diversity goals sometimes cause us to miss out on the qualitative value of diversity. There is a marked disconnect when trying to reach and engage those who differ from us in race, gender, religion, age, ability, etc. I believe this disconnect happens because we struggle to find genuine planes of engagement. It is not enough to hire or reach out to someone just because of how they fit in the demographic scheme of things. Tokenism is not the answer.

People are different. People are the same. We are as wildly distinct and alike as a random assortment of beautiful beads! People need to feel truly included and valued as individuals to be successful. If there is no effort to engage on relatable levels and have genuine discussions about things we have in common, we will not be able to hold on to these very valuable people.

This is NOT a lecture. Be prepared to be your authentic self and shuffle around a bit! In this interactive session, we will construct a unique bracelet using the beads you select to help you expand your understanding of diversity & inclusion.

This is an interactive workshop that is ideal for 20-25 people at a time (or audiences that can be grouped into sets of 10-15). This talk is not a lecture…it is an incubator for conversations concerning Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Tokenism. Attendees are asked to peruse a random assortment of beads and select the one that represents who they are. They will also be asked to sum up why they selected their bead and what they feel their strengths and unique positive qualities are. We will explore the similarities and differences in the beads as we shuffle and group ourselves with those with like qualities (round, square, metal, glass, etc.). By the end of the session, attendees should have a different perspective to take away about how to engage with others on various planes. The goal is to have these conversations with different people, gaining a different point-of-view as we go…and we will have created bracelets from everyone’s individual beads.

We will need tables (round if possible). If feasible, pens and paper too!

This session was previously delivered as a 60-min session in 2019, to rave reviews WITH attendees suggesting a 2-4 hr workshop form.
- DevFest KC 2019
- Prairie Dev Con Winnipeg 2019
- KCDC 2019