CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF

SERVICE WITH AAAED: 

SPEAKER SERIES

To celebrate this golden year of AAAED, we are hosting a year-long webinar series with dynamic speakers touching on today's most engaging topics. Every month for the year of 2024, we will host a FREE one-hour webinar. All you have to do is register for each session and tune in! Check in every month to stay informed on the exciting lineup of speakers and topics!

The Speaker Series has wrapped up for the year! However, as an AAAED member, you have access to view the webinar recordings and materials. To become a member click here: AAAED JOIN


 

WEBINARS:


RACIAL JUSTICE IN A TIME OF BACKLASH: MAINTAINING HOPE AND COURAGE FOR THE FIGHT AHEAD

December 11, 2024 - 1:00 pm EST

SPEAKER: Tim Wise

 

Join us for this webinar that will explore the ongoing fight for racial justice in a nation seemingly headed backwards when it comes to civil rights and equity efforts. From state-level bans on school curriculum dealing with racism to the war on “Critical Race Theory” and DEI initiatives to the recent election, America faces an uncertain future when it comes to building and sustaining a true multicultural democracy. In this presentation, Tim Wise, Senior Fellow at the African American Policy Forum, will examine the challenge ahead and how to resist attempts to reverse the gains of the last seven decades.

ABOUT SPEAKER:

Tim Wise

Senior Fellow at the African American Policy Forum

Tim Wise is among America’s most prominent anti-racist essayists and educators. Over the past 30 years he has spoken in all 50 states, on over 1700 college and high school campuses, at hundreds of professional conferences, and to community groups, government agencies, and private companies about strategies for dismantling racism in their institutions. He has also successfully served as an expert witness on racism in the workplace and schools in discrimination lawsuits in California and Washington State. 


Wise is the author of nine books, including his highly acclaimed memoir, White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son, and Colorblind: The Rise of Post-Racial Politics and the Retreat from Racial Equity. He has served on the advisory boards of the Fisk University Race Relations Institute, in Nashville, and the National League of Cities’ Racial Equity and Leadership Team, and graduated with a BA in Political Science from Tulane University in 1990.

              

WHOSE CULTURE IS WORK CULTURE?

January 10, 2024 - 1:00 pm EST

SPEAKER: May Beauburn, BCBA, Brett DiNovi & Associates  

Join us for an eye-opening session that delves deep into the mysterious world of work culture. Discover the hidden forces that shape our professional norms, expectations, and standards – everything from dress codes and behavior to email etiquette and language – and uncover who benefits from them. But it doesn't stop there! We'll also explore ways to level the playing field, such as by mitigating these power imbalances and addressing their negative impact marginalized communities. This electrifying session is your chance to revolutionize your understanding of work culture and pave the way for a more inclusive future!

 

ABOUT SPEAKER:

May Beauburn, BCBA, Brett DiNovi & Associates

May Chriseline Beaubrun has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for over 10 years. She has worked with children and adults with various cognitive, developmental, and physical disabilities in a variety of settings (i.e., clinic, hospital, home, school, etc.). May has presented at the Autism New Jersey convention, Association for Behavior Analysis International conference, and the New Jersey Association for Behavior Analysis conference. May was also an adjunct professor at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She contributed a chapter to the text A Scientific Framework for Compassion and Social Justice on behavior analysis and urban planning. She has a wide variety of experiences within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.

 


HARD CONVERSATIONS WITH A HARD DRIVE

February 14, 2024 - 1:00 pm EST

SPEAKER: Nathan Perry, J.D., Vanderbilt University

 

As the usage of AI continues to grow, it presents significant opportunities for organizations to empower their employees, particularly those with neurodiversity, to better navigate HR processes and address challenging conversations. By harnessing the capabilities of AI, companies can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment while reducing the risk of escalated conflict and complaints. Join us for this informative webinar to discover how AI can enhance accessibility, revolutionize HR practices, facilitate productive interactions, and improve the employee experience.

ABOUT SPEAKER:

Nathan Perry, J.D., Vanderbilt University

In his role as the Supportive Measures/Informal Resolution Manager, Nathan’s work is independent of the Title IX investigative process, and he can consult with any party to a Title IX matter to develop and implement individualized plans to support both academic and non-academic needs. Nathan also serves as a neutral facilitator of voluntary informal resolutions between parties as appropriate for their specific circumstances. Nathan graduated from Furman University with a B.A. in English and earned his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law. Prior to law school, Nathan trained and worked as a wilderness first responder. Nathan currently researches and presents nationally on the uses (and misuses) of emerging technology to both engage in and mitigate discriminatory harassment.

 


PAY EQUITY 2.0: ADVANCED STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING COMPENSATION ISSUES

March 13, 2024 - 1:00 pm EST

SPEAKER: Matthew Camardella, J.D., Jackson Lewis

 

In light of the momentum around pay equity and increased transparency around compensation, many employers have undertaken pay equity analyses.  While valuable tools for identifying issues, such analyses represent only the starting point on the pay equity journey. Figuring out how to address those issues and, perhaps even more importantly, identifying why those issues arose in the first place represent the next level of ensuring pay equity.  This webinar will cover how to (1) use your pay equity analysis to identify root causes of pay inequities, (2) remediate such inequities, and (3) provide strategies for making systemic changes to compensation policies and practices to avoid such issues from recurring.

ABOUT SPEAKER:

Matthew Camardella, J.D., Jackson Lewis

Matthew Camardella is a principal in the Long Island, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He is the co-leader of the Affirmative Action, OFCCP and Government Contract Compliance practice group. Matt directs the preparation of thousands of AAPs each year and has defended hundreds of OFCCP audits for a broad range of employers across the country. He also serves as the practice group lead on responding to OFCCP allegations of class-based discrimination and has litigated against the Agency before the Office of Administrative Law Judges. He regularly counsels clients about the design and implementation of company-wide AAP structures, applicant flow tracking systems, and other complex “real world” compliance issues. Matt spends significant time advising clients on their compensation practices and directing pay equity analyses. He frequently counsels clients on diversity, equity and inclusion programs and the use of data analytics to support such programs. In addition, Matt assists employers with analyzing reductions-in-force for adverse impact and assessing the applicability of federal affirmative action laws in the contexts of mergers and acquisitions.

 


CAUGHT IN THE BULLSEYE:

THE PLOT TO DISMANTLE DEI PROGRAMS AND WHAT WE SHOULD BE FOCUSED ON TO SAVE THEM

April 10, 2024 - 1:00 pm EST

SPEAKER: Dr. Christopher J. Metzler

DEI has been the target of some lawmakers lately with some states swarming with anti-DEI legislation.  From his book entitled, "Rethinking DEI", the esteemed Dr. Metzler will provide insight into the legal landscape of DEI and discuss the effects of the Supreme Court decision striking down  Affirmative Action.  He will also help us dissect some of the disinformation as pertains to the Supreme Court decision.  During the hour, we will receive an analysis of of some of the legislation, and leave with some advice and strategies to counter this recent attempt to block progress.

ABOUT SPEAKER:

Dr. Christopher J. Metzler

A seasoned leader with nearly 30 years of experience as a university professor, academic and administrative leader, Dr. Christopher Metzler most recently served as a Senior Fellow at The Thomas Jefferson University, where he pioneered work in health care disparities. Prior to Thomas Jefferson, he was Senior Dean at Georgetown University where he created Georgetown’s seven (7) master’s Degrees including: Human Capital, Sports Management, Technology, Systems Engineering, Real Estate, Emergency and Disaster Relief and Urban and Regional Planning.

Throughout his career, Dr. Metzler has been actively engaged in national and regional volunteer leadership, having served on the boards of the LEAD Fund, The ARC, The Refsum Foundation and The American Red Cross and Herzing University. He also is a founder and investor of Community X, a digital social justice platform. A scholar of Law and International Human Rights, Dr. Metzler holds degrees in Law and Human Rights from Oxford University in The U.K.  and Columbia University in New York. His Doctorate is from Aberdeen.

 


BATTLE AT THE BALLOT BOX AND THE BREAKROOM:

WHY POLITICS AND VOTING RIGHTS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE FUTURE OF DEIA IN THE WORKPLACE

May 8, 2024 - 1:00 pm EST

SPEAKER: Chris Walton

We are taught to leave politics out of the office; however, now more than ever there are great things at stake which will affect the landscape of employment. No matter what your party affiliation, voters must tap into the conversation and learn what the issues are and how they will be affected.  In this energizing session, we will dig into the history of voter suppression, discuss how politics are already at play in the workplace, and discuss some of the various issues that directly impact employment.  We will learn the importance of having meaningful dialogue EVERYWHERE, including the office, and participants will walk away with a better understanding of ways employers and employees can better support one of our most sacred, hard-fought for rights – voting!


ABOUT SPEAKER:

Chris Walton

Chris Walton is the Respect My Vote! Campaigns Assistant Director for Hip Hop Caucus. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Chirs Walton previously served as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County breaking barriers as the youngest County Party Chair in COunty history, the only serving African American county chair in Wisconsin and first openly gay county chair in Milwaukee history. Under his leadership, the Milwaukee County Chair became a playmaker in Wisconsin politics and was pivotal in helping clinch victories for President Joe Biden, Governor Tony Evers, and a host of Democratic candidates in and around the local community. During his tenure Milwaukee was selected to serve as the host of the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

Chris has over a decade of experience ranging from local, state, and federal election campaigns including his own in 2020. CHris also has significant media and public speaking experience having spoken to crowds of thousands and been featured in numerous publications to include the New York Times, The Washington Post, De Spiegel (German), and local news outlets. Additionally, Chris has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, BBC, ABC, and regional affiliates. Additionally, Chris has gained extensive knowledge on foreign affairs having liaised with the Japanese, Danish, Australian, and British diplomatic corps in his capacity as Chair. Chris also has a background in policy, having worked in the Office of Mayor of the City of Milwaukee and as the Policy and Organizing Manager for the Black AIDS Institute.

 


BEYOND RAINBOWS AND SAFE SPACE STICKERS:

ACHIEVING AUTHENTIC INCLUSION FOR LGBTQ COMMUNITIES

June 12, 2024 - 1:00 pm EST

SPEAKER: Dr. Basel Touchan

Just in time for Pride celebrations, join us for a critical examination of workplace environments and traditional inclusivity programs. We will confront the subtle yet pervasive pressures of heteronormativity in professional settings and challenge the often symbolic responses they elicit. Moving beyond superficial displays of support—such as rainbows and safe space stickers—we aim to explore substantive, systemic changes that are essential for fostering genuine inclusivity for LGBTQ individuals. This session will critically evaluate the effectiveness of current practices and introduce robust, actionable strategies that institutions can implement to ensure every individual can thrive as their authentic self.

ABOUT SPEAKER:

Dr. Basel Touchan

Dr. Basel Touchan is a Syrian-American DEIB professional with a medical background. He currently serves as the Multilingual, Migrant, and Refugee Lead in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Office of the second largest school district in Kentucky, supporting over 50,000 employees and students. With over a decade of global strategic and programmatic experience in education, public health, nonprofit, and government sectors, Dr. Touchan has played a key role in supporting resettlement efforts and launching various programs for immigrant communities in Kentucky. As a Learning & Development consultant with History UnErased, he supports the expansion of the U.S.’s first LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 curriculum, now implemented in 3,000 schools across 16 states, and provides training for Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and community health centers.

 


DEFINING THE "A" IN DEIA

July 10, 2024 - 1:00 pm EST

SPEAKER: Wendy Strobel Gower

Would you intentionally leave people out in the cold? How can you ensure access for all? Accessibility refers to the design and implementation of products, services, environments, and digital content in a way that makes them usable and available to as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. The goal of accessibility is to ensure that everyone, including those with disabilities, can perceive, interact with, and understand the information and functionality being provided. Accessibility is not only about compliance with regulations, but also about creating an inclusive and diverse environment that allows everyone to fully participate in the workplace.

The session will review the role that accessibility plays in ensuring an inclusive workplace environment. We will discuss practice strategies that you can put into place within your organization to start (or continue) your organization's journey towards access for all.

ABOUT SPEAKER:

Wendy Strobel Gower

Wendy Strobel Gower is the Thomas P. Golden Executive Director at Cornell University’s K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability, in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. She is the Co-Director of the Employer Assistance and Resource Network, which is funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy. Wendy’s professional work focuses on interpreting disability laws and regulations for application to workplace policy and practice, and on developing and testing innovative approaches to culture change in organizations as it relates to inclusion of people with disabilities.

 


HIGHER HASSLE: PAY EQUITY

August 14, 2024 - 1:00 pm EST

SPEAKERS: Lisa Harpe, Ph.D., & Dave Sharrer, M.S.

Join us for an insightful webinar where we'll explore the intricacies of affirmative action, OFCCP compliance, and pay equity analyses for higher education institutions. During this engaging session, we'll delve into some of the most challenging nuances of employment in higher education, including:

- Strategically structuring your affirmative action plans to make them work for your organization.

- Navigating OFCCP audits, including the new scheduling letter requirement for campus-like settings.

- Certifying compliance in the Contractor Portal using IPEDs information.

- Evaluating pay equity in an organization that includes both academic and administrative personnel.

ABOUT SPEAKERS: 

Lisa Harpe, Ph.D. -

Director of HR; EEO Analytics, Principal Consultant

Lisa D. Grant Harpe, Ph.D., is an Industrial Psychologist and Director of HR; EEO Analytics, Principal Consultant in the Employment and Litigation Services at DCI. In this role, Dr. Harpe assists companies in the evaluation of the fairness of the employment practices. This includes statistical and qualitative analysis of hiring, performance appraisal, compensation and promotion practices, as well as coordination with attorneys and employers involved in discrimination litigation of Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program (OFCCP) audits. She brings 20 years of expertise in industrial psychology and statistical analysis.

Dave Sharrer, M.S. -

Associate Director of Enterprise Solutions, Associate Principal Consultant

Dave Sharrer is Associate Director of Enterprise Solutions and Associate Principal Consultant at DCI, in the Compliance and Workforce Analytics Division. He provides support and guidance to clients related to the development of affirmative action programs, submission of equal employment reporting, salary equity analyses, diversity and inclusion analytics, selection testing, and OFCCP audit support. Dave is a contributing author to the DCI blog.

Prior to joining DCI, Dave has experience working for the Department of Veterans Affairs and as a trainer in the private sector. He has previously worked on projects related to job analysis, compensation, employee selectioon, test validation, performance appraisal, and training and development. He has presented research at professional conferences on the relationship between job performances and test completion times. Dave earned his Master of Science degree in Industrial/Organization Psychology from Radford University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Radford University.

 


STRESS WISE:

TRAIN YOUR MIND TO SPOT AND CREATIVELY HANDLE STRESS

September 11, 2024 - 1:00 pm EST

SPEAKER: Sharlita Boyd, MSW, LICSW, LMSW, TFCBT

"Stress Wise: Train Your Mind to Spot and Creatively Handle Stress" is a practical and engaging presentation designed to provide viewers with the knowledge and tools to recognize stress cues, manage symptoms, and minimize suffering. This session will explore the nature of stress, examine prevalent stress factors, and discuss effective strategies for stress monitoring, consolidation, and management. Participants will learn how to take control of their stress with confidence and creativity, empowering them to thrive amidst routine challenges. Join us to become "Stress Wise" and become adept at handling stress.

 

ABOUT SPEAKER: 

Sharlita Boyd, MSW, LICSW, LMSW, TFCBT

Licensed Clinical Social Worker / Psychotherapist

Sharlita is a Board-Approved Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychoterapist with nearly a decade of specialized experience in trauma-informed care. As the owner of Crafting Balance, LLC, a private mental health practice, she offers mental health treatment to individuals across diverse orientations, statuses, and abilities in Maryland and Washington, DC. In her work, Sharlita creates a warm environment for clients to drop the mask, feel, learn and evolve.

 


DEI IN 2024: MINIMIZING RISK WHILE MAKING PROGRESS

October 9, 2024 - 1:00 pm EST

SPEAKERS: Chad Peddie, M.A. and Bre Timko, Ph.D., J.D.

Over the past several years, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have come under increased legal and public scrutiny. Multiple large employers have been sued by activist groups because of these programs and a number of states are enacting or proposing anti-DEI legislation. Organizations are left to wonder how they can make meaningful progress without increasing their legal risk. In this webinar, DCI’s experts will cover how to assess employer DEI programs, including:

- Who to bring into the conversation.

- What sorts of policies, procedures, initiatives, and programs should be examined.

- How to diagnose organizational challenges to statistically identify areas with a need for improvement.

 

ABOUT SPEAKERS:

 

Chad Peddie, M.A.

Senior Consultant

Chad Peddie joined the Workforce Equity Practice Area of DCI in April of 2022 and currently serves as a Senior Consultant. With a background in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and over 15 years of experience, Chad is well-versed in leveraging insights gleaned from data to inform strategies for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) across client workforces.

He supports human capital efforts across diverse industries and work environments, including healthcare, information technology, and public safety, addressing challenges specific to different sectors such as government, military, corporate, and non-profit organizations. Additionally, he enjoys contributing to industry literature including scientific journals, book chapters, and white papers through publications and disseminating findings at conferences.  

Chad attended George Mason University, where he received a Master of Arts degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He is a member of the Personnel Testing Council Metropolitan Washington and the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

Bre Timko, Ph.D, J.D.

Senior Consultant

Bre Timko is an Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychologist, non-practicing lawyer, and Senior Consultant at DCI Consulting. As part of the Employment and Litigation Services division, Bre provides consultation and support for a variety of selection, assessment, and litigation projects. Bre’s primary areas of expertise include job analysis, selection, assessment development and validation, and adverse impact analyses.

Prior to joining DCI, Bre led the Reporting and Analytics team at DDI. In this role, she managed a variety of internal and external survey, data, and reporting projects, including DDI’s internal engagement survey, DDI’s transition from on-premises data storage to cloud data lake storage, and the creation of standard and custom leadership assessment reports for clients. Bre also led the development and management of the surveys and reports that evaluated the effectiveness of DDI’s leadership development programs. Prior to DDI, Bre worked in IBM’s Smarter Workforce division, where she supported client employee engagement survey and validation projects.

Bre earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and her J.D. with a concentration in Labor and Employment Law from Saint Louis University School of Law.

 

 

WHAT'S THE T?: STEPS TO CREATING TRANSGENDER INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE

November 13, 2024 - 1:00 pm EST

SPEAKERS: Aaric Guerriero and Jon Humiston

Join us for a transformative session where we'll break down the gender binary and build a more inclusive world. With over two decades of DEIJB experience, we've dedicated our professional careers to studying and advocating for transgender inclusion. Through interaction and engaging conversation, you'll explore the impact of gender socialization, learn actionable steps to move beyond the binary, and discover how to create inclusive policies and practices. Whether you're just starting or deepening your understanding, this session offers the tools and insights you need to foster real change.

Ready for the T? Let's talk.

ABOUT SPEAKERS:

Aaric Guerriero (he/him/his)

Aaric Guerriero (he/him/his) has almost 20 years of experience leading departments, creating programs, facilitating workshops, and speaking/presenting on identity, inclusion, and social justice topics. As an out and proud queer Latinx transman, Aaric has dedicated his career to elevating voices and creating spaces for those who hold similar historically marginalized identities. He is passionate about building bridges through shared understanding and education and has had incredible opportunities to speak to and work with colleges, universities, and organizations locally and nationally. Aaric holds both a Bachelor’s and Master of Arts degrees from Central Michigan University. He resides in Milwaukee, WI, with his two dogs and best friends, Dot and Alfie.

Jon Humiston (they/them)

Current title: Director of Noncredit and Alternative Enrollment Programs for Innovation and Online and adjunct faculty in Counseling, Educational Leadership, & Higher Education at Central Michigan University. Dr. Jon Humiston (they/them) has over 20 years of interdisciplinary experience in leadership; teaching in higher education; conducting and sharing research on campus climate; creating and facilitating workshops focused on inclusion, social justice, and belonging. As an out queer, nonbinary staff member, Jon has consistently advocated for LGBTQIA+ affirming policies/procedures in higher education while centering social justice and belonging at the heart of what they do. They were the recipient of Central Michigan University’s 2021 National Alumni Service Recognition Award for their career-spanning commitment and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ communities on campus, locally, and at a national level.