Program

Friday, May 3, 2019

8:00 am–5:00 pm (optional) Pre-Conference Workshops (separate registration required)
Constructing Change: Policies vs. Culture
Negotiation Skills for Women
5:00–6:00 pm Registration
6:00–7:30 pm Opening Panel
Where Policy Meets Culture: A Discussion on Diversity in STEM
7:30–9:00 pm Networking Reception

Saturday, May 4, 2019

7:30–8:30 am Registration and Breakfast
8:30–8:45 am Conference Chair Welcome
8:45–9:30 am Morning Keynote
Michele Romanow
9:30–9:45 am Break
9:45–10:45 am Workshop
You as a Brand
Panel
Bias-Busting: Identifying and Removing Biases in Hiring
Panel
Intersectionality in STEM
10:45–11:00 am Break
11:00 am–12:00 pm Workshop
Escaping Your Career Plateau: Perfectionism, Risk, and What's Actually in the Way
Panel
Being an Ally in the Workplace
Panel
Innovation Driven by Diversity
12:00–12:45 pm Lunch
12:45–1:30 pm Afternoon Keynote
Ella Chan
1:30–1:45 pm Break
1:45–2:45 pm Panel
Tall Poppies: Maintaining Your Confidence
Workshop
Constructing a More Inclusive Workplace
Panel
Being a Role Model
2:45–3:00 pm Break
3:00–3:45 pm Closing Keynote
Sabina Nawaz
3:45–4:00 pm Closing

Friday, May 3, 2019

Our Friday program serves as an enticing introduction to our conference. Friday features two pre-conference workshops in the afternoon and the opening panel in the evening. 

Constructing Change: Policies vs. Culture Policy Forum (optional): This afternoon policy forum will analyze the implmentation of policies in workplace culture. This half-day facilitated discussion welcomes researchers, HR professionals, and industry workers to share their experiences as an ignition point for table discussions, brainstorming, and the generation of new ideas. 

Negotiation Skills for Women Workshop (optional): This professional development workshop will equip women with the knowledge, support, and skills to advance their careers. Participants will learn about adjusting your mindset around negotiation, how to know your worth, and how to ask for what you want. 

Opening Panel: Our conference opener is an investigative panel that will look at the intersection of policy and culture surrounding diversity in STEM with speakers from the industry, academia, and politics. Be sure to stay afterwards for our reception, featuring hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, to make valuable connections with people from a wide range of backgrounds. 

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Our Saturday program emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion through three track themes: Look Within, Look Around, and Look Ahead. There are sessions for everyone, so choose from any track to create your best conference experience.

Look Within focuses on growth, confidence, and integrity in the face of adversity. Change starts from within, and underrepresented groups in STEM face unique challenges in both opportunity and promotion that takes strength to overcome. This track will address these concerns through engaging workshops and an afternoon panel. 

Look Around focuses on creating change in one's environment—starting at the workplace. This track features two panels and a workshop that address workplace culture and the barriers that may be hindering diversity in STEM. Hear speakers from all backgrounds share their experiences in implementing change against the norm. 

Look Ahead focuses on building a future where people of all genders and diverse backgrounds can pursue their ambitions and thrive in STEM. This track features three panels that will inspire and motivate change for the next generation.

Panel Discussions: Features three or more panelists and a moderator; you can expect to hear about the topic from people with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. Most panels will include a question and answer session at the end.

Interactive Workshops: A facilitator will engage participants on the topic. There may be some prepared information, but be ready to actively contribute to the session either through individual reflection, group work, practice, or other facilitated activities.