As we honor Black History Month this year, we’ll focus on the importance of having ongoing conversations about racism and discuss practices that can create an inclusive and equitable work experience for Black professionals. We’ll reflect on the various manifestations of anti-Black racism in the workplace and ways to affirm Black voices and experiences. We’ll also explore the intricacies of resilience and what it means to have an expansive definition of wellness and health in the face of systemic barriers at work. By the end of the webinar, we’ll review actionable strategies to address the impact of racism and promote a supportive environment for our Black colleagues.

Learning Goals:

• Revisit the definitions of race, anti-Black racism, and anti-racism
• Review and identify systemic racial inequities in the workplace
• Examine the impact of the “emotional tax” on the mental health and well-being of Black employees
• Critically examine approaches that enhance resilience while reflecting on strategies to avoid placing undue burdens on Black employees
• Explore proactive methods to empower and amplify the voices and experiences of Black employees

About the Facilitator:

Fatima Dainkeh is the Director of Training for She+ Geeks Out, where she specializes in topics related to systems of oppression, change management, and liberatory practices. Fatima has facilitated conversations and conducted trainings for students, leaders, organizations, and companies to help raise equity consciousness and provide knowledge, tips, and strategies to support individual and institutional change. Fatima is a facilitator, coach, and consultant who believes in the power of openness and storytelling, which she uses as tools for individuals and groups to connect and witness different perspectives and realities. With a background in religious studies, anthropology, public health, and somatics, her goal is to create a brave space where we can use our inner and collective wisdom to create positive shifts and, ultimately, change in our workplaces and beyond.

Fatima received her Masters in Public Health from Boston University and earned her BA in Religious Studies and Anthropology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. When she’s not facilitating, you can find her reading or writing poetry, dancing, singing, hanging out with her nieces or embarking on her new journey as a life coach.