Shared Learning Series: Committing to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
As LeadingAge members look to deepen their commitment to DEI, now is the time to raise our individual and collective awareness, explore shared values for embarking on this journey, and identify scalable ways to cultivate an ongoing practice of diversity, inclusion and belonging within provider organizations.
Series is Closed
This series is currently closed. Please contact Kirsten Jacobs to be added to our waitlist for the next DEI series.
About the Series
Creating a sense of belonging for all—particularly team members—is essential for organizational success and well-being. It positively impacts attracting and retaining team members, increasing engagement and length of service and even improves performance.
During this series, LeadingAge provider members will hear from experienced DEI practitioners and subject-matter experts—and engage in peer-to-peer learning and self-reflection to enhance their understanding of the principles and practices associated with moving diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts forward.
This series is designed to provide foundational information and lay the groundwork to:
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Enhance Our Understanding
of the concepts, principles, and practices associated with moving DEI efforts forward.
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Raise Our Collective Awareness
while building empathy and exploring shared values for embarking on a DEI journey.
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Identify Actionable Ways
to cultivate an ongoing DEI practice within provider organizations.
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Strengthen the Aging Services Workforce
by meaningfully prioritizing DEI to create more equitable and inclusive workplaces.
The series is open to LeadingAge provider members only and is limited to a small cohort of 32 participants.
- A non-refundable fee of $899 per person is required to participate; additional participants from the same organization must each register and pay separately.
- Participation in the program is limited to two individuals from the same organization.
- Registration is now closed.
LeadingAge seeks to eliminate barriers to participation in leadership programs by providing need-based discounts/scholarships to provider members with a demonstrated financial need or hardship situation and a commitment to ongoing professional (and personal) development. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance to participate in the shared learning series, please submit your request using our online form by September 1, 2023. LeadingAge will review requests and notify recipients ahead of the start of the program.
The goal of shared learning is to gain, build, and exchange ideas through a process of open dialogue and collective exploration—to really wrestle in the gray areas and engage in generative conversations with a diverse group of peers.
Five (5) live/virtual sessions will be held from October through November 2023, including a one hour-long shared learning orientation.
To maximize member time and attention, the series will take place virtually on Zoom every other week (October 18 – November 29) with opportunities for asynchronous learning and discussion on the LeadingAge Learning Hub between sessions.
All participants are expected to participate on camera and be present for the full duration of each 3-hour session. Sessions will be highly interactive and include presentations from experienced DEI practitioners and small and full group conversations. Reading, videos, online dialogue, and other resources will be shared between sessions to encourage personal exploration and continued learning.
This program is open to all provider members—irrespective of their professional experience, job title, or type of position within an organization. To enrich this learning experience, we strive for a broad and diverse cohort of participants. Space is limited to a small cohort of participants.
Recognizing that embedding DEI strategies into everyday HR functions can provide a great opportunity to foster and build an inclusive and equitable workplace, this series may be of particular interest to HR professionals and other leaders whose role includes integrating DEI practices into the overall workforce and culture of their organization.
Orientation | Oct. 17 (1–2 p.m. ET)
Exploring Personal Privilege and Embracing Inclusive Leadership | Oct. 18 (1–4 p.m. ET)
Consider the role of individual work and essential leadership qualities, as you strive to create environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Identifying Frameworks to Support Meaningful Change | Nov. 1 (1–4 p.m. ET)
Explore policies, approaches, and best practices to ensure your organization’s DEI efforts are most impactful.
Exploring Tools and Practices to Foster Equity | Nov. 15 (1–4 p.m. ET)
Gain a deeper understanding of the concept of equity and identify tools and practices to sharpen your awareness and bolster your organizational work.
Sustaining Commitment and Avoiding Burnout | Nov 29 (1 – 4 p.m. ET)
Pause to consider how to move hearts and maintain momentum in your individual and organizational DEI journey, as you keep taking the next best step forward.
Please Note: This program has not been approved for continuing education (CE) credits. Those who participate in every session will receive a certificate of completion.
Facilitators
Kirsten Jacobs, MSW (she/her/hers)
As senior director, shared learning initiatives, Kirsten leads LeadingAge’s shared learning strategy and provides thought leadership to various audiences, including speaking/presenting and delivering technical assistance to LeadingAge members on dementia, person-directed wellbeing and diversity, equity and inclusion. Kirsten co-leads LeadingAge’s ageism work and internal diversity, equity, and inclusion council, which support the organization’s mission, the trusted voice for aging and vision, an America freed from ageism.
Mia Robinson-Mullen (she/her/hers)
As the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives for LeadingAge, Mia has responsibility for managing the day-to-day activities of the Executive Office as well as the development and leadership of organization-wide initiatives addressing the effectiveness, results, and internal culture of LeadingAge. Mia works on governance matters that support the Board and Association. Mia co-leads LeadingAge’s ageism work and internal diversity, equity and inclusion council, which support the organization’s mission, the trusted voice for aging and vision, an America freed from ageism.
Guest Speakers
Ian Brown, MS, MA (he/him/his)
Vice President/Chief Employee Experience Officer, Duke University Health System. Ian’s work focuses on developing inclusive leaders who are self-aware, empathetic, compassionate, curious, and accountable.
Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque (she/her/hers)
Board Chair of National Senior Campuses and Assistant to the Pastor for Small Groups at the Historic Alfred Street Baptist Church. Zina’s work focuses on creating change while sustaining hope and faith.
Clair Minson (she/her/hers)
Founder & Principal Consultant at Sandra Grace, LLC. Clair’s work focuses on the intersection of racial equity and workforce development, examining the manifestations of systemic and institutional racism in workforce policies, practices, and cultural messaging.
Dan Stewart (he/him/his)
Associate Director, Aging Equality Project at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Dan’s work focuses advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion, particularly in the aging services sector.
Hi, I’m Kirsten!
Contact me with any questions you have about the Shared Learning Series.
KJacobs@LeadingAge.org