Building Community: Strategies to support underrepresented groups
With diversity, equity, and inclusion under attack, it is more important than ever to support and build community for underrepresented groups. But how to do that is not obvious.
Agenda
In this interactive session, we are bringing community builders, diversity, equity, & inclusion experts, and employee resource group leaders together to cover:
What you can say about DEI:
Within your organization
Legally, given recent executive orders
How you can support Inclusion:
Real examples of what has worked and what has not
Specific suggestions and takeaways
At progressive organizations or within more restrictive environments
As a community member or an ally
How you can build community:
What social connection research says about creating deeper relationships
Best practices including event ideas, etc.
Connecting with your peers
At the end, you'll have a chance to connect and exchange ideas with folks on the call
This is optional
Designed for:
HR professionals
DEI practitioners
ERG leaders
Event planners & community builders
Allies interested in fostering inclusive workplaces
Facilitators:
Aaron Chasan (host)
Founder @ Thred
Expert in building community, with and without the use of technology. Created Thred, a startup that connects coworkers based on shared interests. Thred works with organizations—often with ERGs in particular—to create deep, lasting connections for their people.
Calvin McKee (facilitator)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion @ Colliers
Calvin McKee (he/him) currently leads strategic DEI initiatives at Colliers, where he focuses on creating meaningful employee experiences, building inclusive programs, and fostering a strong sense of belonging across the organization.
Calvin brings a rich background in talent and people operations, with past roles spanning learning & development, recruitment, and community engagement. He’s led LGBTQ+ employee resource groups at both Shopify and Uber, and is known for launching impactful campaigns that highlight the voices and contributions of underrepresented employees.
Outside of work, you’ll likely find him on the tennis court, at a Crossfit class, hitting the ski slopes, or singing along to a playlist of pop and country favorites!
Erika Leigh Nobles (facilitator)
ERG Chair & Lease Administration @ Colliers
Almost 20 years of experience in Commercial Real Estate, Property Management (Residential), Contracts & Bids, Facility Maintenance, and Lease Administration. Erika Leigh was selected as the 1st African American Southwest Region VP of the Colliers Women’s Network and Chair of the Colliers Black Professionals, and Dallas Regional Chamber Young Professionals Advisory Council.
Sean Raible (facilitator)
Founder @ Game Plan Total Rewards
Over 25 years of experience in Total Rewards, HR Operations, DEI and Workplace Mental Health. Expert in designing all types of compensation programs, from base pay to short and long-term incentives. In addition to Compensation, he consults in Benefits, Workplace Mental Health and HR Operations/HR Systems areas. He believes it is paramount to bring a DEI lens to his work to further support inclusive and equitable practices.