Everyone has unconscious biases. Our brains naturally create shortcuts that simplify our lives. These shortcuts are created through our interpersonal interactions, consuming media, and even through education. In some cases, these shortcuts can be useful. They allow us to ride a bike without thinking about each and every step, but this process of creating shortcuts can also lead us to develop unconscious biases about other people. It is important that we take steps to identify where we might be biased and develop strategies to mitigate the impact of these biases in order to ensure that our workplace is welcoming to everyone. The goal of this session is to explore what kinds of unconscious bias might impact you at work and discuss strategies for mitigating the impact of these biases.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop an understanding of what unconsious bias is and where it comes from
- Explore what kinds of unconscious bias might impact you at work
- Develop Strategies to mitigate the impact of unconsious bias in theworkplace
Key Themes
- Team building/Working in Teams
- Inclusivity
Session(s)
April 8, 2019
2:30 - 3:30 pm
STC 0010
April 9, 2019
9:00 - 10:00 am
STC 0010
Presenter(s)
Lynn Long is the Senior Education Officer for the Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion Office where she coordinates educational initiatives related to human rights, conflict management, sexual violence response, equity and inclusion. Since 2012, Lynn has taught PD6: Problem Solving for the Waterloo Professional Development Program. She is currently a member of the Alternate Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario and spent 9 years working in the Conflict Management and Human Rights Office designing and delivering educational programming, providing conflict coaching services and supporting organizational human rights investigations.
Gina Hickman is the Director of Equity for the Equity Office. Gina actively works with stakeholders across campus to advance equity through evidence-based policies, practices and programs. Some of her key areas of focus include chairing the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Equity (PACE), developing a strategic approach for equitable recruitment and selection, and working with students, staff and faculty to identify, prevent and remove barriers to inclusion. Gina has been with the University of Waterloo since April 2018, prior to which, she was responsible for the Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion portfolio at the Region of Waterloo.