TCSHRM HR Strategy Lab DEIB: Working with the Nay-Sayers

One of the biggest challenges in implementing DEIB strategies is dealing with the "Nay-Sayers" - the individuals or groups who resist change and push back against DEIB initiatives. In this program, participants will learn how to identify and engage with the Nay-Sayers, understand their concerns, and develop effective strategies to communicate the need for DEIB initiatives effectively. Through an interactive workshop and group discussion, participants will gain the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex landscape of DEIB strategy improvement and get the “Nay-Sayers” to change their tune to say “Yes!”

Learning Objectives:

• Gain an understanding of how DEIB has evolved over the years, where we are today, and where it will go for the foreseeable future. Ensure you have a list of what DEIB strategies you want to focus on and plan for with your organization.
• Identify how your organization may be challenged with DEIB and what hurdles you may face from other stakeholders. Look at how the challenges can be resolved and plan for future discussions around the evolution of DEIB.
• Engage in interactive networking sessions to connect with HR professionals, DEIB leaders, and change experts. Share experiences, discuss challenges, and build a community focused on leveraging DEIB and Acceptive Culture excellence.
  

Agenda:

• 8:00 – 8:30 am: Registration, Networking, & Light Breakfast
• 8:30 – 8:45 am: Welcome & TCSHRM Updates
• 8:45 - 10:00 am: Main Presentation/Workshop
• 10:00 – 10:20 am Exhibitor Break
• 10:20 – 11:00 am Panel with Business Leaders led by Grant Backes
• 11:00 – 11:30 am Wrap Up, Networking and Exhibitor connections
  

  Speaker:

  Cecilia Stanton Adams, Co-Founder + CEO, Stanton Adams Consulting and The Diversity Institute Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Expert Cecilia Stanton Adams is an award-winning DEI researcher, strategist and keynote speaker. With an unwavering commitment and a heartfelt calling, Cecilia's journey is not just a career; it's a testament to her life's purpose. Cecilia's advocacy for inclusion and equity is deeply personal. Her New York City roots and personal academic journey through predominantly white institutions have armed her with invaluable perspectives on power, privilege, and resilience. A first-generation college graduate, her educational pursuits include a BA in Psychology from Bloomfield College, a Master’s in Psychology from Lehigh University, and a Master's in Industrial Psychology from Capella University. Cecilia is known for her growth mindset approach to DEI. Often described as bold, inspiring, and warm, she empowers leaders to critically and deeply consider their roles in forging inclusive and equitable spaces.

   

  Panel:

  	Panel Moderator: Grant Backes, HR Manager, Magis LLC/Elysian Construction Grant earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration and SHRM – Senior Certified Professional certification by 2020. He has had the opportunity to work in all aspects of HR through talent acquisition, human resource coordination and human resource business partner roles. He has worked in retail, human services, healthcare and call center industries supporting their HR functions. Grant has volunteered with TCSHRM since 2018 when he started on the programming team helping with webinars and joined the conference team in 2019 supporting virtual and in-person conferences.
  	Hanadi Chehabedine, Inclusion Consultant, Speaker & Coach, Hanadi Inc. Hanadi has worked as an inclusion consultant and trainer with clients such as Kimberly Clark, Land O’ Lakes, Twitter, Google, Indeed, Zoom, Blue Cross Blue Shields, NBCU, Hennepin County and many more. Her training sessions and keynotes have been featured at the National SHRM Diversity and Inclusion Conference, Leadership Diversity Alliance, The Forum on workplace Inclusion, The Multicultural Women’s National, EmERGe Conference, The National Diplomacy Summit and others. Her success attests to her caliber and outspokenness. Hanadi has been a member of the NASA DEI Practitioners' Committee since 2022. Hanadi holds a Master’s degree in International Leadership from St Thomas University. Before coming to the United States, she was an award-winning creative (Cannes Lions) and communication specialist working across different media, including print and television in the Middle East.
  	Kaitlin Desselle (She/Her), VP of Business Development, Strategic Diversity Initiatives Kaitlin Desselle, MS (she/her) is Vice President of Business Development and leads SDI’s Assessment and Audit Team. She brings over 10 years of inclusive leadership experience and business innovation to SDI. With a strong corporate background in crisis and change management, she is passionate about building empowered teams and organizational cultures that interrupt systems of oppression and marginalization. Kaitlin served as a Diversity Educator and on the Chancellor’s Commission for LGBTQ People at the University of Tennessee, where she earned a Masters degree in Educational Psychology with a research focus in Critical HROD and Queer Empowerment. Kaitlin is an EQ Practitioner certified in the EQ-i2.0 and EQ360 method, as well as a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). She leads our Human Resources/People & Culture support work, as well as our Assessment and Audit team.
  	María Pabón Gautier, VP of Talent, Equity and Culture, Project for Pride in Living Dr. María C. Pabón Gautier is the Vice President for Talent, Equity, and Culture at Project for Pride in Living in Minneapolis, MN. In this role she leads race equity strategies and programming, human resources, talent development, and administration/operations. María holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Pabón Gautier has dedicated her career to training, coaching, teaching, and conducting research to develop evidence-informed practices. Her extensive experience spans non-profit organizations, higher education, for-profit sectors, K-12 education, and government agencies, all with a focus on supporting underserved and marginalized communities. Dr. Pabón’s work is characterized by an interdisciplinary and diverse approach, with a commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in various settings.

  Twin Cities Society for Human Resource Management (TCSHRM)