Race Matters Events

HR’s Race Matters initiative offers regular forums with an HR perspective.

Designed for UC Davis HR professionals, managers and supervisors who want to reduce bias in the workplace and engage with their teams on matters of race.  

Next session will be announced soon.

Past Events and Materials

  • The Aggie Black Excellence Project
    Presented January 23, 2024

  • Presentation Content (PDF)
    Audio/Video Recording of Session

    The Aggie Black Excellence Project
    Acting on Findings from Aggie Black Excellence Listening Sessions

    This year’s Race Matters theme is DEI strategic integration - the process of aligning various elements (people, resources and systems) to work together cohesively in pursuit of inclusive excellence.

    This Race Matters session will highlight the findings from the Aggie Black Excellence Project and white paper published by the IDEA initiative in UC Davis' Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in September 2023. We will gain insights into the staff experience of our black employees and learn how DEI leveraged research to illuminate opportunities for advocacy and change.

    Get Prepared to Take Action:
    >  Use the findings from The Aggie Black Excellence research project in your work at UC Davis.
    >  Recognize the DEI progress that has been made at UC Davis and identify strategies to make further advances.
    >  Hear from guest presenters from UC Davis' Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Vice Chancellor Dr. Renetta Garrison Tull and Chief Strategy Officer Dr. Ebony E. Lewis - who will share how they plan to integrate the lived experiences of black employees and feedback from anti-blackness listening sessions to take meaningful action. 

  • Leveraging Diversity Taskforces to Cultivate An Inclusive Workplace Culture
    Presented October 25, 2023

  • Presentation Content (PDF)
    Audio/Video Recording of Session

    This year’s Race Matters theme is diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategic integration and involves spotlighting people and units who are aligning people, resources, and systems; to work together cohesively, in pursuit of inclusive excellence.

    Get Prepared to Take Action:
    >  Hear from colleagues who have facilitated meaningful change in diversity, equity and inclusion through department-led task forces.
    >  Learn about two strategies for DEI integration: UC Davis' You Belong Here initiative and the IDARE initiative at UC Davis Health.
    >  Identify strategies you can leverage to embrace campuswide DEI goals, at the department level. 

  • Race Matters: Championing DEI Efforts through Strategic Integration

    Moving from Action to Integration
    Presented July 17, 2023

  • Presentation Content (PDF)
    Audio/Video Recording of Session

    This Race Matters session marks our fourth year of delivering workshops!

    This year’s theme is DEI strategic integration - the process of aligning various elements, such as people, resources, and systems, to work together cohesively in pursuit of inclusive excellence.

    Of course, we will acknowledge the national DEI backlash, review the Pew Research Center's work, and Chancellor Gary May’s courageous position on the end of affirmative action.

    We will also highlight departments that have integrated DEI efforts into their work through programmatic efforts and advocacy. Join us in this brave space to have real talk.

    Get Prepared to Take Action:
    > Understand how to recognize and overcome resistance to meaningful DEI change in the workplace.
    > Recognize the DEI progress that has been made at UC Davis and identify strategies to make further advancements.
    > Our guest presenters, Kelli Sholer (Undergraduate Advisor for UC Davis' Departments of Anthropology and Sociology) and Joe Martinez (Director of the UC Davis Cross Cultural Center), will share insights about how they integrated DEI best practices to foster discussions on white-supremacy culture in the workplace.

  • Cultivating an Inclusive Workplace for Individuals with Disabilities
    Held April 13, 2023

  • Presentation Content (PDF)
    Audio/Video Recording of Session

    Exploring the intersection of race, gender, disability and the employee experience.

    In this Race Matters session, we will discuss supporting individuals with disabilities in the workplace. We will hear from university leaders who will provide best practices regarding allyship, and we'll explore how intersectional identities impact the experiences of employees with disabilities.

    Get Prepared to Take Action:
    Explore leading practices for supporting employees with disabilities.
    Understand the differences between visible and invisible disabilities.
    Create a culture of inclusion by learning how to provide reasonable accommodations to current and prospective employees.
    Dialogue with leaders who advocate for and support employees with diverse abilities at UC Davis.

  • DEI Metrics - Beyond Race. We have the data, now what?
    Presented Jan. 25, 2023

  • Presentation Content (PDF)
    Audio/Video Recording of Session

    In this Race Matters session, we discussed the new Workforce Diversity data available from Human Resources and how you can use it to measure and communicate progress.

    Get Prepared to Take Action:
    > Learn how UC Davis is tracking DEI metrics and best practices for your organization
    > Understand who is accountable for meeting DEI objectives
    > Create a culture of inclusion by sharing DEI efforts and accomplishments

  • Race, Social Capital and the Employment Life Cycle
    Presented Oct. 4, 2022

  • Presentation Content (PDF)
    Audio/Video Recording of Session

    In this Race Matters session, we discussed the role social capital, personal and professional networks, and working relationships impact the employee experience. 

    Get Prepared to Take Action:
    > Learn about social capital and how it impacts succession planning, training opportunities, and much more.
    > Understand the ways social capital can negatively impact underrepresented employees.
    > Recognize and address the impact inequitable access to social capital has on employees.

  • Race and Mental Health
    Presented June 30, 2022
  • Presentation Content (PDF)
    Audio/Video Recording of Session

    Race and Mental Health

    Supervisors and colleagues that provide support when traumatic and stressful situations occur can make a huge difference in day-to-day wellbeing.  

    In this Race Matters session, guest speakers talk about diversity, mental health, coping with racial trauma, and supporting those impacted by racial trauma.

    Get Prepared to Take Action:
    -  Learn ways stress and trauma are impacting employees in higher education and health care
    -  Understand the impact that racialized incidents and racial trauma have on mental health of staff of color
    -  Be an ally by offering quality social support to colleagues
    -  Share (and take advantage of) ASAP’s resources and support for employees

    Guest Speakers:
    -  Dr. Katherine Meese, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Services Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
    -  Dr. Carol E. Kirshnit, Director, Academic and Staff Assistance Program

  • Race and YOU
    Presented May 25, 2022

  • Presentation Content (PDF)
    Audio/Video Recording of Session

    We've spent months talking about intersectionality and this is the wrap-up. We'll review key concepts and prepare you to consider actions that support colleagues with marginalized identities. Putting to action what we've learned about race and its intersections with other identities we hold is critical to growing a UC Davis community where everyone is respected, belongs and can succeed.

    Get Prepared to Take Action:

    - Reflect on how our multiple identities impact and influence the way we navigate through life.
    - Think through workplace scenarios, brainstorming supportive actions you could take to be an ally.
    - Participate in small-group discussions to envision and practice new skills.
  • Race and Tribal Sovereignty
    Presented April 27, 2022
  • Presentation Content (PDF)
    Audio/Video Recording of Session

    Race and Tribal Sovereignty 

    A series exploring race, intersectionality and allyship.

    The third session in our “Race And…” series focuses on the experiences of our Native American students and employees, tribal sovereignty, as well as on the land ownership of land occupied by the Davis campus and UC Davis Health. By learning about tribal history and sovereignty, we're growing a UC Davis community where everyone belongs and can succeed.

    Get Prepared to Take Action:
    >> Learn about the history and experience of California Native Americans.
    >> Gain awareness about UC Davis outreach to Native American and Indigenous populations, and complexities around race and collecting employee/student data.
    >> Learn more about how to be an ally for our Native Americans community

    Meet our guest speakers and learn how their work supports the Native American community at UC Davis: 
    >> Michelle Villegas-Frazier, Interim Executive Director, Retention Initiatives and Director, Native American Retention Initiative and Native American Academic Student Success Center
    >> Dr. Deserea Langley, Interim Associate Director, Native American Academic Student Success Center
    >> Alejandra Martinez, Diversity & Outreach Coordinator, Leadership Recruitment & Diversity Services

  • Race and Intersecting Identities
    Presented Jan. 26, 2022

  • Presentation Content (PDF)
    Recording of Jan. 26 Race Matters Session (coming)

    We expanded our focus to explore the intersection of race and other identities individuals hold. Understanding intersectionality deepens our cultural competence and is critical to creating a community where everyone belongs and can succeed.

    Get Prepared to Take Action:
    >  Learn about the concept of intersectionality and how our multiple identities influence the way we navigate through life.
    >  Discuss ways you can be an ally and support colleagues with marginalized identities.
    >  Hear from our distinguished panel who are working to create a sense of belonging, support allyship, and how their intersectional identities influence their experience as an employee at UC Davis:

  • How Recruiting Impacts Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    Presented November 15, 2021
  • UC Davis was named as one of the top 50 employers for diversity in the Forbes 2021 list.  One of the most critical aspects for achieving our goals in this area is how we recruit new faculty and staff.  Join this session to learn more about how recruiting approaches impact diversity in the workplace and for practical steps that you can take to make the recruiting process less biased and more inclusive.
      > Presentation Content (PDF)
      > Recording of November 15 Session
  • The Intersection of Inclusion, Belonging and our New Normal
    Presented October 19th, 2021

  • The move to flexible and remote work has had a positive impact in the DEI realm – it’s democratized work experiences and increased accessibility.  In this workshop we explored the pro's and con's related to DEI as well as actions we can all take to maintain progress as we move toward our "new normal". 
      > Presentation Content (PDF)
      > Recording of October 19th Race Matters Session.

  • Allyship Part 2: The Discussion
    Presented June 16th, 2021

  • According to Deloitte, Allies may be the missing link; they’re in the team meetings, the casual conversations, and the decision on whom to promote! In this session we explored the actions, lessons, wins, and stumbles you may have had on your journey to allyship.   
  • Allyship is Intentional, with guest speaker La'Wana Harris
    Presented April 27th, 2021

  • With Special Guest Speaker, La'Wana Harris

    Everyone has the ability to be an ally.  An ally is any person that actively promotes and aspires to advance the culture of inclusion through intentional, positive and conscious efforts that benefit people as a whole.  In this workshop, we explored the topic of allyship, including how to become an action-taking ally in our work world.

    Materials from this session include:
     > Recording of Presentation (Available through July, 2021)
     > Allyship Workshop Guide (PDF)
     > Inviting New Perspectives for Diversity Beyond Lip Service (PDF)
     > Assessment of your strengths and weaknesses around D&I (Online Tool on LaWanaHarris.com)

  • Not Racist is Not Enough: The Journey to Becoming Anti-Racist
    Presented March 23rd, 2021
  • In this session participants considered their own progress in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in our workplace and lives.  We learned what it takes to be “anti-racist,” identified action steps towards becoming anti-racist and cultivating a culture of inclusivity at UC Davis.

    Materials from this session include:
     > Presentation Slide Deck (PDF)
     > Recording of Presentation, with transcript (1hr13m) 
        This recording will be available through June, 2021
     > WordCloud - Attendees answers to "What do you think of when you hear the term anti-racist?"

    This session was presented by Christine Lovely, Ann Foley, Gayle Guest-Brown and Lyndon Huling.
  • 28-Day Challenge to Build Habits Supporting Racial Equity
    February 1st - 28th, 2021 

  • “There is no social change fairy.  There is only the change made by the hands of individuals.”   – Winona LaDuke 

    Social change starts with each of us, as individuals, and like other successful changes you've made in your life, it takes time and attention.  Over 230 people joined in this challenge and started developing habits of engaging with information, resources, and activities that support racial equity.

    Visit the Challenge web page for resources. 

  • New Year, New You: Building Habits for Racial Equity
    Presented January 27th, 2021
  • In this session we invited everyone to join us in a 28-day challenge for building habits around racial equity.  We explored why this was important, how the challenge worked, and then dove in with the first week's theme, History, by exploring the topic of Systemic Racism.

    Materials from this session include:
     > Presentation Slide Deck (PDF)
     > Recording of Presentation (43min)
     > Act.TV Video on Systemic Racism (4min23sec)
     > WordCloud - Attendees answers to "How are you feeling about engaging in the topic of racial equity?"

    This session was presented by Christine Lovely, Ann Foley, Gayle Guest-Brown and Lyndon Huling and discussion group facilitators included Vickie Gomez, Jim Hankins, Mercedes Piedra, Vicky Tibbs, and Kawami Evans.
  • Advancing the Conversation
    Presented December 15th, 2020

  • Christine Lovely, Senior AVC of HR and Chief HR Officer, moderated a candid discussion with these leaders about their experiences with facilitating discussions about race, bias and equity.

       Mercedes Piedra, Director of Multicultural Education at UCDH
       Kawami Evans, Director of Inclusion & Organizational Development, Student Housing
       Jim Hankins, Executive Director of HR Shared Services Organization

    With additional facilitation by Lyndon Huling and Gayle Guest-Brown

    Recording of 12/15 Workshop (1 hr, 24 min)

  • Business as Unusual: Talking About Race at Work
    Presented November 12th, 2020

  • Facilitated by Gayle Guest-Brown & Vicky Tibbs
    This interactive and informative session explored engagement, team agreements, micro-aggressions, and how to use the Crucial Conversations framework  to engage in true dialogues even when faced with tough conversations.  

  • Belonging | Creating Inclusive Environments
    Presented October 8th. 2:00 - 3:30

  • Presented by: Gayle Guest-Brown, MBA and Lyndon Huling, EdD

    This workshop explored how recognizing and mitigating bias is an important first step in creating an equitable workplace, but making our work environments truly inclusive requires more action.

    Download Materials
    Guide:  HR Toolkit for Inclusive Work Environments
    Presentation Slide Deck (PDF)

  • Implicit Bias: Understand It & Mitigate It
    Presented September 10, 2020

  • Presented by: Lyndon Huling, EdD and Gayle Guest-Brown, MBA

    This workshop explored how biases can negatively impact HR policies, practices and personal interactions
    > Understand how bias impacts hiring, compensation and other HR practice
    > Unpack the baggage of stereotypes
    > Leverage a new guidebook to help identify and mitigate bias

    Download Materials
    - Guide: Addressing Implicit Bias in the Workplace
    - Presentation Slide Deck (PDF)

  • Confronting and Reducing Bias in the Workplace
    Presented August 6, 2020

  • Presented by: Shaun Fletcher, PhD

    Participants gained a deeper understanding of the concept of diversity in the workplace and reflect on your role in creating a more inclusive environment.

    Download Materials
    The following addressed strategies for reducing barriers and bias, and encouraging an inclusive mindset in the workplace or community.
    > Presentation / Slide Deck (PDF)
    > Unpack Your Stereotypical Baggage
    > Definitions of Social Identity Concepts & Social Identify Profile

For more on opportunities to learn and engage on topics around racial equity, bias, diversity and inclusion, please visit the Education page for University's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.