Page 17 - LRCC FOCUS November 2021
P. 17
lansingchamber.org DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Lansing Regional Chamber Launches Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion Series
he Lansing Regional expressions in themselves and
Chamber of Commerce others with issues around race,
T(LRCC) has committed to political divisions, and religious
diversity, equity and inclusion differences. Participants
(DEI). We take this commitment explored actions, words, and
seriously and aim to provide their impact on an inclusive
ongoing learning opportunities workplace.
that will empower the business
community to contribute to a The second workshop in our
more diverse, equitable region series was presented on Oct.
that fosters an environment of Shelton Andrews 27 by Dorinda Carter Andrews,
inclusion. professor and chairperson for
the Department of Teacher Education, Michigan State
Earlier this year, we asked LRCC members to complete University. In her presentation Understanding and
a survey to understand better their needs and concerns Addressing Implicit Bias and Microaggressions in the
related to DEI. As a result of that survey, the LRCC Workplace, Professor Andrews led participants through
developed a series of programs and professional a discussion on how our assumptions and beliefs shape
development opportunities to meet and fulfill those our interpersonal interactions in the workplace about
needs. We aim to provide programs that will educate, individuals and groups in society. The stereotypes and
inform, identify challenges and opportunities, create biases that we bring to the workplace often operate
awareness and celebrate the diverse voices of our region. in unconscious ways and can cause unintended
harm to colleagues. Certain mindsets and behaviors
The first program in our series was presented on can also negatively impact workplace relationships,
Sept. 29 by Darryl Shelton, COO, Christian Schools organizational processes, and even worker productivity.
International Davenport University IPEx. The topic
was Inclusive Leadership: Actions, Words, and Their For information on upcoming DEI events , contact
Impact on an Inclusive Environment. The 90-minute Ashlee Willis at michiganpremierevents@
session equipped participants with tools to become lansingchamber.org or visit the LRCC website at
aware of and sensitive to the emotional reactions and www.lansingchamber.org. l
CREATING
HEALTHIER
HEALTHIER
N
U
E
S
I
TI
M
C
COMMUNITIES
M
O
triterra.us 517.702.0470
1305 S. Washington Ave., Ste. 102, Lansing, MI 48910
17
