Passion. Insight. Community: These three words defined our experience at the inaugural UCOP EDI Conference on December 5. Jaki Hsieh Wojan, ANR DEI Advisory Council Member & CISO, Kathy Eftekhari, ANR Chief of Staff, and I attended this all-day “Changemakers” event with over 120 fellow UCOP colleagues.
The speakers sparked curiosity and insight to frame our time together, and conversations with colleagues deepened our understanding of how we are moving forward as an organization. Most important were our collaborative efforts to build and cement our shared commitment to embed EDI into the UC system. We left feeling renewed and inspired to continue this work.
Lalitha Sankaran, Director of the Office of Workplace Inclusion and Belonging, set the tone with a thought-provoking welcome message. Acknowledging the divisive rhetoric surrounding equity, diversity, and inclusion, she posed a pivotal question: How can UCOP engage in intentional Changemaking beyond rhetoric and performative allyship? The conference aimed to answer this, providing attendees with skills, practices, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Marisa Hamamoto, a Transformational Speaker, Mover, and Inclusionist, took the stage with the opening keynote, "Beyond Checking Boxes: Inclusion That Moves Hearts." Hamamoto, also the Founder of Infinite Flow Dance, captivated the audience, inspiring a shift from checkbox diversity to authentic, heart-centered inclusion.
The day unfolded with Workshop Blocks, offering a diverse range of sessions. We delved into a variety of topics crucial to the theme of Changemaking, engaging in hands-on learning experiences that ranged from practical strategies for workplace inclusion to navigating the intersections of EDI and finance. During lunch, we were treated to a candid conversation with Michael V. Drake, President of the University of California. His insights into the role of leadership in fostering a truly inclusive environment added a layer of depth to the day's discussions.
Nathan Brostrom, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, led a compelling panel on the intersections of EDI and finance. The dialogue addressed the practicalities of implementing equitable practices in financial decision-making, highlighting the tangible impact of these choices on organizational culture. Laura Hassner, Co-Founder of Berkeley Changemaker, delivered the closing keynote, "Steadfast Leadership: Lessons from Living with Agency." Her insights on resilience, adaptability, and the necessity of steadfast leadership resonated with attendees, leaving them with a profound sense of purpose.
As the conference drew to a close, Yvette Gullatt, Vice President for Graduate and Undergraduate Affairs, Vice Provost for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer, provided closing reflections. The event had achieved its goal - equipping UCOP employees with the tools and inspiration to become changemakers in their roles.
To learn more about this conference please visit: https://link.ucop.edu/2023/12/11/inaugural-ucop-edi-conference-provided-insight-connections-and-inspiration.