Navigating Race + Equity in the Workplace

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 Most of us agree that diverse thoughts are great for business and society – diversity introduces different culture, fresh perspectives and unique voices in any team setting. Yet white privilege exists in the workplace -- even though it be can be very subtle. 

 Everyone, no matter their difference wants their voice to be heard. As humans, we all desire the same things: freedom, respect, dignity, a sense of belonging and equal opportunity.

 However, our culture and history have perpetually shut out some people from having the same opportunities because of their differences. 

 Now is the time to address the systemic racism that has existed for decades.

Now is the time to openly discuss racism in our workplaces and society, no matter how uncomfortable those conversations may feel.

Now is the time for us to come together to make our workplaces and societies more inclusive and favorable for everyone. 

 In recent weeks, we have seen leaders step up to renounce racism and commit to combating racism. However, if we want to move from commitment to action, we must escalate the dialogue. Many people are asking, "How do we start with this conversation? How do we become better allies?" 

 To answer these and other questions and to sustain the activism necessary to drive lasting change toward racial equity, Rise and Lead has invited thought leaders and strong black voices to engage in a virtual discussion of racial justice and equality. 

 The purpose of the virtual conversation series is to discuss the best ways to navigate conversations and issues specific to race, equity and inclusion and to inspire long-lasting action. 

Our goal for this live talk is to connect you with leaders who can answer your questions regarding race and help you navigate further conversations that will lead to sustainable actions.

 We plan for our talk to serve as an unbiased platform. You will hear the stories of strong black voices. They will share with you how to become a better ally and how to take action to combat microaggressions and inequality at work. We believe that workplaces in Europe need to have these conversations and start increasing the representation of people of color and blacks in their corporate leadership pipeline.

 Here are the topics and dates for our virtual discussion.

· How Leaders Can Successfully Navigate the Discussion about Race - July 7

· Microaggressions in the Workplace: What they Are and How You Can Avoid Them - July 8

· Making Room at the Top for Women of Color - July 9 

 Our panelists

 Emily K. Graham, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer in a Media Company, USA

Felizitas Lichtenberg, Global Diversity & Inclusion Lead in Telecommunications, UK

Giralda Chiverton, Sales and Accounting Executive in the Aviation Training Industry, Netherlands

Dr. April Ripley, Founder and CEO, The Premiere Image, USA

Olabisi Akadiri, Planning & Strategy Director in the Oil Industry, Netherlands

Ebere Akadiri, Founder/CEO of Rise and Lead Women and Rise and Lead Summit

More panelists to be announced...

We'll be broadcasting live from our Rise and Lead LinkedIn account, which you can find here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/rise-and-lead-women-summit/. Follow us to get a reminder when we go live.

 To join the conversation on Zoom, you can register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvcuytqTsjE9VWGUKpdW4-xI3d7yQ8s2hh

 Please make plans to join us for this open and candid conversation. Be inspired to lead the change you want to see.