This episode of DEI After 5 delves into the importance of creating safe spaces and building community, especially during challenging times. Gemma Toner, CEO and founder of the Tone Networks, discusses their innovative approach to personal and professional development through a community learning platform designed to help individuals thrive in a diverse workforce. Gemma emphasizes the need for engaging and fun learning experiences that prioritize creating safe environments for growth and development.

In this episode of DEI After 5, host Sacha Thompson explores the importance of moving beyond a checkbox mentality when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the workplace. She is joined by Dimple Shah, an enterprise agile coach and consultant, to discuss the two-way street of inclusion and what it should look like in organizations. They emphasize the mutual benefits of creating an inclusive workplace and challenge the notion that inclusion is solely the responsibility of employers. Tune in to gain insights on fostering a truly inclusive and equitable work environment.

In this episode of DEI After 5, Sacha discusses the recent dismantling or banning of DEI offices on college campuses. She explores the challenges faced by higher education institutions in continuing their diversity, equity, and inclusion work. Sacha is joined by Leilani Lewis, a Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion at a public university, who shares her journey to DEI and the importance of having structures in place to ensure the work continues even without an office. They also touch on the intersection of DEI and the arts. Tune in to gain insights on being the architect of DEI work in higher education.

In this episode of DEI After 5, host Sacha Thompson invites Aisha Gori Ozaki, an in-house practitioner at a university, to discuss the challenges and importance of continuing diversity, equity, and inclusion work beyond the nine-to-five. Aisha shares her personal journey from higher education to the corporate space and how she turned her passion into her full-time job. Tune in to gain insights on the work after the work in this insightful conversation.

In this episode of DEI After 5, host Sacha Thompson discusses the importance of self-advocacy in the workplace with guest Shailvi Wakhlu, a consultant and author. Shailvi shares her experiences and insights on how to effectively advocate for oneself, emphasizing that self-advocacy is an ongoing journey rather than a one-time achievement. They explore the challenges and benefits of self-advocacy and provide practical tips for navigating professional environments. Tune in to learn how to speak up for yourself and get what you deserve at work.

In this episode of DEI After 5, host Sacha Thompson explores the importance of bringing empathy into leadership with guest Erin Thorpe, a consultant in the field. Sacha discusses the shift in leadership expectations post-pandemic and the need for leaders to connect with their teams on a humanistic level. Erin, an engineer with a background in construction, shares her journey of embracing empathy and feelings in her work. Tune in to learn more about the role of empathy in effective leadership.

In this episode of DEI After 5, host Sacha Thompson discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, particularly in recruiting. Sacha is joined by guest Alexandra Zellin, an expert in the field who shares her knowledge on the laws and day-to-day challenges related to AI and DEI. Alexandra's background in academia and her transition to the corporate world provide valuable insights into navigating bias and ensuring fairness in AI systems. Tune in to learn more about the intersection of AI and DEI.

In this episode of DEI After 5, the focus is on creating inclusive cultures. Sacha Thompson and guest Adriana Vaccaro discuss the importance of prioritizing culture and not just having values and mission statements on display. They emphasize that culture is not just what is written on the walls but what people experience and tolerate every day. Adriana shares her experience working with organizations to make culture a priority and offers insights on defining and creating inclusive cultures. Tune in to learn more about the significance of culture in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

In this episode of DEI After 5, host Sacha Thompson explores the topic of intersectionality and its importance in the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Joined by guest Jad-Évangelo Nasser, a professor and consultant, they delve into the global context of this conversation, considering the lenses of globalization, colonization, and their impacts. Together, they discuss how to approach DEI work with an intersectional perspective. Tune in to gain valuable insights and perspectives on this crucial aspect of DEI.

In this episode of DEI After 5, host Sacha Thompson discusses the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. With DEI becoming politicized and organizations dismantling their initiatives, the question arises: How do we continue doing the work? Joining Sacha is HR consultant Juan Tavares, who will explore the interconnectedness of DEI and share insights on navigating these challenges. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on sustaining DEI efforts amidst adversity.