Posts Tagged: Diversity

A conversation with Elizabeth Moon: ‘You can make change from anywhere’

Getting to know UC ANR's new director of workplace inclusion and belonging

Elizabeth Moon, UC ANR's newly appointed director of workplace inclusion and belonging, has been building bridges with a broad diversity of cultures and communities her entire life.

As a self-described “Jersey girl” with “half-Italian, half-Scottish” roots, Moon first experienced a multitude of cultures during college at George Washington University, in the diverse patchwork of downtown D.C. As part of her anthropology major, she engaged with the local Laotian community and wrote her senior thesis on Laotian dating and marriage practices.

Then, through Teach for America, Moon taught English to elementary school students in a multicultural, under-resourced community in Houston, Texas. Fulfilling her dream to live and work overseas, Moon moved to South Korea, where she taught English to a wide range of students – from preschoolers to generals in the military.

After her Korean husband came to the U.S. for graduate studies, Moon found herself interacting with and counseling many international graduate students. When the couple moved to Davis, she earned a master's in teaching English as a second language from Sacramento State. She began teaching at American River College, working with students from all over the world – predominantly Eastern Europe – and helping them acclimate to the American style of professional communication and hiring practices.

In 2013, Moon's experience working with international students landed her a position in career development at UC Davis' Graduate School of Management, where she worked in developing career skills for MBAs. She eventually paired her work with her passion for inclusive spaces for all, serving as the GSM Chief Diversity Officer.

We sat down with Moon recently to learn her vision for the newly created position at UC ANR. The following conversation has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

Among your many accomplishments at UC Davis – including creating the Action for Diversity GSM Community Group and developing the GSM DEI Strategic Vision and Goals – you organized community book studies. And this year, the book was “Becoming a Changemaker” by Alex Budak. What is one key takeaway that you can share?

One person in a job that has a certain title cannot singlehandedly transform the whole organization. However, each person in an organization has the power to create real change while working by asking their colleagues questions, such as ‘Where do you see the challenges? What is happening your community, in your group, in your team?'

Acknowledging you're very new to UC ANR, what are some of the challenges and opportunities that you have been seeing?

In my first weeks in this job, from everything I'm reading and the things that I'm starting to hear from people, I'm learning there's a lot of incredible work and energy and effort going into creating an inclusive and equitable community – and California – and really living up to that strategic goal.

But it's in a lot of different places. I really want to take three months to assess where everyone is, because you can't do anything without data these days. You need to have some data, not just anecdotal pieces: What is happening across UC ANR and how can we bring those pieces together?

So even if we're all working on different initiatives in different ways, we should know what the others are doing and thus really create that collaborative integration.

It sounds like you're envisioning your role will be as a nexus of that information and those various initiatives.

I see myself more as someone who brings things together. In my opinion, work in this area never works with a top-down approach with “You must do A” or “You must do B.” For me, it's about engaging, learning and using the language of that community. So it's not big, grandiose gestures, it's really small steps: building trust and putting my own biases to the side to learn from the person in front of me or the community in front of me.

It makes sense that you have to learn and understand a culture before you can change it.

I hate to say “culture change,” because I think sometimes that turns people off. I think it's about bringing people through and into a larger cultural experience. It's a journey. Each of us will be at different places in the journey.

And I want to put it out there: I myself am going to make mistakes. There are going to be times that I will not be successful in what I'm hoping to achieve. Or I may say the wrong thing.

What I really would like to see is that we – each of us – can come into a space authentically, so that people feel comfortable providing constructive feedback so that others can know more and do better. Internally, as staff and academics, we should work to have difficult conversations with respect and an open mind – even if it goes completely against our core.

If you operationalize some key components in the equity space and inclusion space in a way that's not top-heavy, you can start to move people in a certain direction – maybe you won't change their minds, because you're not going to change everyone's mind – but we can start moving our policies and procedures in a way that basically guide people towards a different perspective.

You can't force it. Once you force it, people often stop listening and learning.

Internal defense systems go up and people shut down.

Internal defense systems go up. They think: “You're just trying to change me.” It's a very difficult balance. If you're going to really have “inclusion and belonging,” that means inclusion and belonging of each and every single person – from Butte County to Imperial County.

And that means that there are going to be conflicts. There's no way to ever abolish conflict. There'll always be conflict and change. Those are constants. It's how you can manage through those conflicts and changes in a way that still respects the authenticity of each person coming to the table. And that does take learning, and that does take support and guidance.

It goes back to encouraging constant, active learning, doesn't it?

First and foremost, I think all of us are learners. If each and every one of us comes to a conversation with curiosity, with the skill set to ask curious questions, it can really help to break down some of those barriers. Questions like: “Why would you like to do that? How do you see that working? In what ways does that help us be better? Where else can I find more information about what you're discussing?”

Today in the Leadership DEI Discussion Group, we were listening to this TEDx talk about the “single story” and making sure that each one of us understands that sometimes, without us even knowing, we're presenting a single story. And we need to have those multitude of perspectives.

I started watching Ethan Ireland's videos, “Voices of CalNat,” and they're incredible. Having all those voices helps us to not have that “single story.”

In more concrete terms, how will you be listening and learning across UC ANR, in the coming weeks and months?

I know we have the At Work survey, but I would like to do an additive survey to gauge the feelings of our internal community, our academics and staff, and gain more information about their perspectives and the challenges that each community is working on. What is happening in Yolo County may not be the same as what's happening in Sacramento County: What are the differences within those communities that needs to be more specifically addressed?

Race needs to be a part of it, but there's also sexual orientation, there's gender, there's religious views – there are multiple aspects of diversity that need to be looked at.

As I'm doing these listening tours, I'd also like to start creating some focus groups – from small-group, one-hour sessions that are just conversations with folks to larger-scale meetings at some point – to start some design thinking around DEI at ANR, so that it's a collaborative process.

I am focusing on these aspects of inclusion and belonging, but by no means am I the only expert in this building. There are people who have so much expertise in a lot of different areas, and I'm going to be relying on them for their expertise to point me in the right direction to learn about that area.

I come from a generation where perfection was required and expected. But what I've learned over the last nine years at the Graduate School of Management is failure is okay. Failure just means that you're one step closer to the learning that's going to take you to where you need to go.

Located at the Second Street Building in Davis, Moon can be reached at emoon@ucanr.edu and (530) 883-1174.

DEI Alliance seeks new members

Do you have new ANR colleagues in your program or at your location? Please let them know about the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alliance and invite them to participate.

The DEI Alliance promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in our work and workplace to make UC ANR a truly multicultural and inclusive institution for employees and our clientele.

To keep these values top of mind, the group will plan regularly scheduled discussions based on short articles, videos and podcasts, said Jodi Azulai, a member of the alliance 

“This will likely start before fall, but in the meantime, we could use some new folks with new energy,” she said. “We could use new people with fresh ideas to serve on the Coordination & Outreach and Learning Subcommittees. 

Both UC ANR veterans and new hires are welcome to join. 

“If you would like to help plan the monthly discussions, please let me know,” Azulai said.

For more information about the DEI Alliance, contact Azulai at jlazulai@ucanr.edu or visit https://ucanr.edu/sites/deialliance/DEI_Alliance_Home. To join, fill out the membership interest form on the website.

Nominations open for DEI Advisory Council until July 11

Nominations are being accepted until noon on July 11 to fill two vacancies on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council.

Earlier this year, Vice President Glenda Humiston convened the DEI Advisory Council to support efforts that UC ANR staff and academics have undertaken to improve quality of life for marginalized populations living in California. Diversity is one of our core values and developing an equitable and inclusive society is one of our public values.

Nominate yourself, a colleague, a direct report or other UC ANR staff or academic member. 

Prior to completing the nomination, please confirm the nominee's interest in participating in the Council. Review member expectations and the Council's Mission Statement and Vision at https://ucanr.edu/sites/PSU/files/358281.pdf.

Membership criteria:

• Experience and/or interest in advocating for change and moving forward DEI work.  
• Experience and/or interest in navigating/negotiating for organizational change in UC ANR.  
• Membership aims to represent the diversity of the UC ANR community and state of California, specifically including representation of marginalized racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation and ability groups.  
• Membership includes a mix of staff and academics, represents a cross-section of UC ANR offices and programs, and geographical distribution (north/south, urban/rural).  

For more information, contact Keith Nathaniel at kcnathaniel@ucanr.edu or Jairo Diaz at jdiazr@ucanr.edu.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month presentations online

During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May, UC ANR colleagues gathered via Zoom for virtual events to learn, share, support and celebrate. The presentations were recorded and will be posted under DEI on the Learning and Development recording archive page https://ucanr.edu/sites/Professional_Development/Monthly_WebANRs/Webinar_Archive under "Asian Pacific Islander Month."

"Stories in Seeds: Asian American Identity as rooted in heirloom crops"

Kristyn Leach, Namu Farms and Second Generation Seeds 
May 25, 2022

Kristyn Leach, a Korean American farmer in Yolo County, will share her personal story of activism for food and environmental justice, as well as her passion for nurturing connections between Asian American communities and the unique crops and foodways that are deeply rooted in their heritage. In addition to growing Korean and East Asian produce using traditional methods, Kristyn is active with Second Generation Seeds, a collective of Asian American growers dedicated to offering heirloom seeds and resources that help communities of the Asian diaspora reclaim and revitalize their diverse food cultures. Recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WKbyeiVPJL0. 

UCCE helps Asian American small farmers overcome language barriers

UC Cooperative Extension small farms advisors Ruth Dahlquist-Willard, Margaret Lloyd, Aparna Gazula and Hung Doan
May 31, 2022

Meet the UCCE team that serves Hmong, Mien, Chinese, Korean and other Asian American farmers in California. Farming is a complex business made even harder when English is not your native language. When the pandemic struck, UC Cooperative Extension helped Asian American farmers quickly comply with COVID-19 policies and adapt to new market conditions. The small farms team members are currently assisting Asian American farmers to adapt to climate change, access grants and other resources, and identify more ways to remain competitive and sustainable. The researchers also educate policymakers about issues affecting Asian American farmers to shape policy that is more practical.  

Small farms team serving Asian American farmers:

• Margaret Lloyd, Pang Kue and Fam Fin Lee, Capitol Corridor
• Vong Moua, Stanislaus, Merced and San Joaquin counties
• Ruth Dahlquist-Willard, Michael Yang and Lilian Thaoxaochay, Fresno County
• Aparna Gazula, Xuewen Feng and Qi Zhou, Santa Clara County
• Hung Doan, Riverside County 

 

 

 

 

 

L&D - Urban extension, proposal budgeting, supervisor development, stress management

 

Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay

ANR Learning & Development
Home | Upcoming Webinars & Recordings

Check below for upcoming opportunities and other resources. 

Extension Methods & Delivery
Building Support
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Office, Team and Personal Management

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EXTENSION METHODS & DELIVERY
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National Urban Extension Conference (Rutgers University Cooperative Extension)
May 23-26
Camden, New Jersey

Visit Conference website here.
The 2022 National Urban Extension Conference will be held on May 23-26, 2022, in Camden, New Jersey – part of the Camden-Philadelphia metro area! 

This event provides an opportunity for Extension professionals and applied researchers to share research and innovative educational strategies that address the needs of urban, suburban, and peri-urban populations as well as urban-rural interdependencies.

Extension Skills (Extension Foundation)
May 12, 2022
11 a.m.-noon Pacific Time

Click here to read more and register.
Each second Thursday of the month, the Impact Collaborative's Extension Skills series will provide an opportunity for Cooperative Extension professionals to build capacity with tools, processes and tech skills training. Each month, we will update the information below for the Extension Skills Session for the month.

Dynamic Discussions (Extension Foundation)
May 26, 2022
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Pacific Time

Click here to read more and register.
Each fourth Thursday of the month, the Impact Collaborative will host professionals from across Cooperative Extension and beyond to address hot topics of interest to Cooperative Extension. Each month, we will update the information for the Dynamic Discussion for the month! For new ANR employees, get your free account here: extension.org/members.

Program Center Stage (Extension Foundation)
May 23, 2022
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Pacific Time

Click here for more information and to register.
The Program Center Stage will highlight programs from across the system including current and past New Technologies from Ag Extension projects, Impact Collaborative projects, National programs like EXCITE, and more on the fourth Mondays of each month at 11 a.m. Pacific time.

Converting from Face-to-Face to Digital Learning (LinkedIn Learning)

Click here to access course.
Digital learning removes many of the barriers associated with in-person training, allowing professionals to tune in whenever and wherever they want. And as the world of work becomes increasingly more digital, it's essential that your content adapt to the times. In this course, learn how to transform a traditional face-to-face training into an impactful digital learning experience. Instructor Daniel Brigham delves into the different types of digital learning — from virtual instructor-led training to traditional elearning — and shares tips and tools for developing in each format.

Request your LinkedIn Learning account by contacting ANR IT at help@ucanr.edu.

Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay

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BUILDING SUPPORT

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Budget Basics and Calculator
May 25, 2022
9:30-10:30 a.m.

Learn how to develop a proposal budget. Topics covered include cost components that make up a budget, applicable cost principles, budgeting techniques and practices, calculating F&A costs, and budgeting tools and resources. Presenter is Kendra Rose.

Zoom webinar: https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/751701428?pwd=Q1ZrbUtoQVJwMXJVRkQydUlwNytJQT0
Password: 4Learning | +1 669 900 6833 | Webinar ID: 751 701 428

Award Process
June 22, 2022
9:30 -10:30 a.m.

Once a sponsor elects to fund a proposal, the review, negotiation and award acceptance process begins. This webinar walks you through what is happening in the Office of Contracts and Grants, and what to do when the accepted agreement arrives in your office. Presenters are Kim Lamar and Heidi Von Geldern.

Zoom webinar: https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/751701428?pwd=Q1ZrbUtoQVJwMXJVRkQydUlwNytJQT0
Password: 4Learning | +1 669 900 6833 | Webinar ID: 751 701 428

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

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Becoming an inclusive leader: Six key skills for thriving in a diverse world (UC Davis, Virtual)
Click here to read about this series.

Empowering leaders to lead an increasingly diverse workforce (UC Davis, Virtual)
Click here to read more and register.

Diversity — of locations, customers, ideas and talent — is an omnipresent part of today's work environment. When leaders have clarity about what it means to be highly inclusive, they're positioned for success.

Join the Organizational Excellence team in this interactive, research-based monthly series that prepares leaders to develop inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued and respected.

Commitment - Because Staying the Course is Hard (UC Davis, Virtual)
May 5, 2022
1:30-3 p.m.

Click here to read more and register.
In this session, we will explore how aligning your personal values with the business need for diversity and inclusion is the foundation of being an inclusive leader. You will gain understanding for how your values support inclusivity and increase your commitment to this work.

Courage - Because Talking About Imperfections Involves Personal Risk-Taking (UC Davis, Virtual)
June 9, 2022
9:30 -11 a.m.
Click here to read more and register.

Inclusive leaders speak up with bravery to challenge the status quo and demonstrate humility about their strengths and weaknesses.

In this session, you will identify where and how you can use courage to challenge entrenched attitudes while acknowledging your own personal limitations and mistakes.

Cognizance - Because Bias is the Leader's Achilles Heel (UC Davis, Virtual)
June 14, 2022
10-11:30 a.m.

Click here to read more and register.
Inclusive leaders are aware of both their own biases and blind spots in the organization.

This session will provide insights onto regulating our own biases, as well as enacting processes and structures to mitigate organizational bias.

Click here to learn about more sessions in this series.

Perspectives: Culturally Responsive Place-based Education Series (Michigan State)
May 5, 2022
3:30–5:30 p.m. Pacific Time

Click here to learn more and to register.
The Michigan State University Extension Tollgate Farm and Education Center is hosting a virtual professional development panel discussion series for formal and nonformal educators about learning to better incorporate the perspectives of those with whom we work in schools and educational programs. Moderators and panelists from each community provide a chance for educators to deepen their teaching practice in a safe online space for open conversation and community. SCHECHs are available for teachers. Perspectives: Culturally Responsive Place-Based Education began Nov. 4, 2021, with a session on indigenous perspectives and experiences of maple sugaring especially as they connect to schools and place-based education centers.

Making the Unconscious Conscious: Understanding and mitigating bias (UC Learning Center Virtual Instructor-led)
May 26, 2022 
9 a.m.–noon

Click to register and for more information.
Participants will be introduced to theory and language in understanding implicit and explicit bias. Using personal reflection, experiential exercises and case studies, participants will gain greater awareness when they engage in bias and gain essential knowledge and skills (tools) in how they recognize and mitigate biases in both personal and professional domains. This session includes an exploration of how the pandemic has impacted this area of diversity, equity and inclusion. NOTE: Class is subject to a minimum enrollment of 15 to proceed. Register with the wait list if the class is full.

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

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OFFICE, TEAM, & PERSONAL MANAGEMENT

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2022 UC ANR Programmatic Orientations
Click here to read more.

Virtual Orientation (register)
May 10, 2022
9 -11 a.m.

In-Person Tour and Meeting (register)
May 17-18, 2022
UC ANR Building

Plan to join ANR Leadership for the Programmatic Orientation to discuss the mission of UC ANR and our varied roles in California and the University, as well as see examples of successful research and outreach programs.

Disability Management Essential for Supervisors
May 19, 2022
Noon-12:30 PM

This course is designed to provide supervisors and managers with an understanding of the relevant federal and state law as well as UC policy as they relate to working with employees with disabilities. The course will discuss and demonstrate the Interactive Process and how the Interactive Process leads to reasonable accommodation. Presented by David Ritz, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

Zoom Webinar: https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/751701428?pwd=Q1ZrbUtoQVJwMXJVRkQydUlwNytJQT09
Password: 4Learning | Or join by phone: +1 669 900 6833 | Webinar ID: 751 701 428

Leading Through Stressful Times (Connect Extension)
June 8, July 6, Aug. 10
11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Pacific Time

Click to read more and register.
Join this summer series for conversations with special guests to get wisdom on turning volatility into vision, uncertainty into understanding, complexity into clarity and ambiguity into agility. Series led by Karl Bradley, Extension Foundation Leadership Development Specialist.

New (or old) to supervision? Tips from colleagues on being a good supervisor
June 16, 2022
Noon-12:30 p.m.

Be you an experienced supervisor or new, come and share and learn practical tips from your colleagues about what makes and how to be a good supervisor. Who should come?Be you a leader, a manager or simply someone who oversees (or wants to oversee) others, come and learn. Presented by Mark Bell.

Zoom Meeting: https://ucanr.zoom.us/j/5307501239?pwd=WDI3U2g5cXRvWUhVUlY3MitJWkVVUT09 | Meeting ID: 530 750 1239 Phone +1 669 900 6833 US | Password: 4Collab

Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue (Connect Extension) 
Win a Seat! *
July 25, 2022 - July 29, 2022
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Pacific Time
Cost $450.00

Click here to read more.
Backed by 30 years of social science, Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue represents the standard in effective communication and the marker of high-performance individuals & organizations. The course teaches nine powerful skills for working through disagreement to achieve better results.

A limited number of seats are available for this course. Each session can have up to 30 individuals participate. Each member institution can send ONE individual at no cost to one of the two sessions available. Registrants will be asked to provide a special discount code provided by their Extension Director or Administrator valid for one individual per member institution on the registration form. If additional individuals wish to participate, please contact impact@extension.org to check if space is available. A $450 invoice will be sent to additional registrants. Registration will close when the sessions are full.

*ANR has received one complimentary seat from Connect Extension! Please fill in this survey by May 10, 2022 - to enter a raffle for this free seat (applicants did not already take the Crucial Conversations course). The winning name will be picked out of a hat, literally! We will also select two alternates to give people time to ask their supervisor for approval and also, in case of last-minute changes.

Work-Life Skills for the New World of Work UC Davis, Virtual Instructor-led)

The WorkLife Program offers presentations to assist people in minimizing work-life conflict and optimizing their work-life harmony. Look for annual topical series or schedule a WorkLife presentation specifically for your team. (see below).

Stress Management in the New World of Work (part of the Work-life skills series, UC Davis, Virtual)
Tuesday, May 17, 12-1 p.m.

Click here to read more and register.
From the time of our very first breath until our last, the majority of individuals will experience various stressful situations and changes. As we go through times of change and high anxiety that might be taking place in our everyday work-life or in the world, we can explore and implement various ways for managing stress and enhancing our well-being. Join us for a discussion on strategies around recognizing stress, decreasing anxiety, and exercising self-care & self-compassion while navigating challenges, stressors, and experiences. The discussion will focus on:

• What stress is
• Causes & symptoms of stress
• Stress management and self-care practices
• Grounding exercise

This presentation will provide mindfulness tools and coping skills for stress management and increasing well-being in the New World of Work and Life.

Organizational Excellence: How to Navigate Change (part of the Work-life skills series, UC Davis, Virtual)
June 7, 2022
12-1 p.m.

Click here to read more and register.
“The only constant is change.” Yes, we know. That doesn't make it always easy or pleasant! The last two years have brought fast, interconnected changes that we were not expecting. Undoubtedly, there are more changes to come. How can we use what energy we have left in the best possible way, and continue moving forward? In this presentation we will:

• Examine the process every individual goes through during change.
• Discuss what you might notice in yourself and others at different points during change
• Develop actions, skills and ways of thinking to navigate changes
• Integrate individualized plans to thrive through change

When we consider our individual process and needs, we are prepared to take actions to not only survive change, but to thrive during change.

How to Advocate for Yourself at Work (recording) (April 26, 2022)

Accomplishing More with Less (UC Davis Virtual Instructor-Led Training)
June 21, 2022
8:30 a.m.-noon

Click to read more and to register.
This workshop is designed for business professionals who are responsible for important projects and initiatives and who want to get outstanding results accomplished. The workshop covers topics relating to managing time, managing priorities, managing to-do lists, organizing email, electronic documents, papers, and most importantly being invigorated and re-energized in the workplace and elsewhere.

Improving Your Listening (LinkedIn Learning)

Click here to access course.
Just as public speaking is a skill that you can hone through practice, good listeners aren't in possession of a special, unattainable gift — careful listening is a skill that you can learn. In this course, join career expert Dorie Clark as she helps uncover why it's hard to listen well, and how to develop the mindset of a good listener.

To request your LinkedIn Learning account contact ANR IT at help@ucanr.edu.

Writing Emails People Want to Read (LinkedIn Learning)

Click here to access course.
In this course, instructor Sam Bennett shows you how to write great emails that'll leave a positive impression. First, Sam explains that being both personal and direct contributes to a high return on investment, no matter who your recipient is. She goes over how to use the basic types of emails: inquiry, transactional or informational, and marketing. She steps you through how to write engaging yet clear emails that grab your client's attention and keep it.

To request your LinkedIn Learning account contact ANR IT at help@ucanr.edu.

Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay

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ANR Learning & Development
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Office: 530.750.1239
learninganddevelopment@ucanr.edu

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