The Evolution of DEI Communications: Showing vs. Telling

The language of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is ever evolving and changing. The meaning behind the words used to describe and engage in meaningful DEI dialogue often change based on the speaker, body language, the experiences of the listener, with the nuances of terminology changing over time. This evolution, plus constant additions to DEI terminology, make understanding concepts more complicated and communication more intimidating–especially in the workplace.

In this session, we will take a closer look at how words, acronyms, imagery can become barriers to advancing DEI work and how relying on the power of context and storytelling can move us forward in progress and forming meaningful connections with others.

In this webinar, you will learn how to:

• Explain why DEI language and communication are key to creating an inclusive workplace
• Explore various DEI terminology
• Discuss different ways to communicate DEI
• Clarify language and terminology to enable people to discuss DEI matters

About the Speakers:

Paige Kracke (she/her) | Senior Manager, Curation and Content Strategy, OpenSesame

Paige Kracke is a content curation enthusiast, explorer of new technologies, and lifelong learner, currently serving as the Senior Manager of Curation at OpenSesame. She has over half a decade of experience creating training programs for enterprise-level organizations including Honda North America, McDonalds, Quest Diagnostics, and Caterpillar. In her current role, Paige leads the development of OpenSesame’s curation product and strategy, leveraging human expertise and machine learning to curate elearning content experiences for global audiences. She supports a team of curation experts who build learning paths that are aligned to a wide range of professional competency frameworks on a daily basis. In 2020, Paige was recognized as one of Learning’s Thirty Under 30 for demonstrated leadership and innovation in the online learning space. Paige earned her Bachelor’s Degree in economics from Tufts University.

Tara Cooper (she/her) | Equity Diversity & Inclusion Strategist, OpenSesame  

Tara is a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant, and Chief Operations Officer at Inflexion. She has over 2 decades of experience addressing issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion. She has worked collaboratively with organizations to build skills, strategies, and capacity to advance and sustain equity and inclusion at every level of the organization. In addition to her professional experience in advancing equity, she also holds a master’s degree in intercultural communications and is currently completing her doctorate in adult learning and leadership.

Tom Geary (he/him) | Founder, ECD, School of Thought

Tom Geary is the founder and creative director of School of Thought. Prior to founding SoT, Tom worked at Goodby Silverstein and Partners, Ogilvy NY, Butler Shine & Stern, McCann and AKQA, on more than 100 brands. His work has been featured in Communication Arts, Adweek, Creativity, and has won dozens of awards. Lest you think he’s that impressive, he did open School of Thought right before the Great Recession. And also turned down an offer from Salesforce to be their CCO. For more than 7 years, School of Thought has been a communications leader on equity, sustainability and social responsibility issues. Our guiding philosophy is to Make Them Care.