Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for All
The expectation that organizations and institutions demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) has been increasing over the last decade. In this introductory workshop we’ll explore key terms and concepts related to EDI.
Group discussions and activities allow participants to apply the material to their lives and work contexts. Participants will leave with a foundational understanding and practical tools for embedding equity in their personal and professional lives.
Because this event is over 3 hours long we will be providing refreshments (water, coffee, tea & fruit). There will be also be a break at about the half way point.
SPEAKERS:
LaSonja “Sonja” Chargois serves the Macon County community in her role as Community Health & Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator for Decatur Memorial Hospital. In that capacity Sonja develops partnerships in the community with organizations and stakeholders to improve Community Health. She also serves as a change-agent for equity, diversity and inclusion internally and externally for Memorial Health and Macon County. Sonja is proud of Memorial Health’s commitment to addressing racism, injustices and discrimination. As a certified diversity professional and a victim of racism and injustice, Sonja is committed to being a champion for the advancement of all people, especially those who are often marginalized within our communities.
LaSonja “Sonja” Chargois was born and raised in Decatur, IL. She attended schools in Decatur School District 61 and is an Alumni of Millikin University. Sonja holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on management and she is also a Certified Diversity Professional and holds Mental Health First Aid certification.
Tiffani Saunders is Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant for Memorial Health. In that capacity, she supports Internal and external initiatives focused on health equity, including those having a direct impact on patients and colleagues.
Tiffani is a Maryland native and alum of Bowie State University, Maryland’s oldest historically black college/university. She attended Indiana University for graduate school and holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in sociology, along with Certified Diversity Professional credentials. She spent a decade as a lecturer of Sociology and African American Studies at University of Illinois Springfield, specializing in race and ethnicity, family, mental health, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. She was also a leading voice in equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations in higher ed during her time on the faculty. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, she pivoted her career and joined Memorial Health as Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant. In that capacity, she supports internal and external initiatives focused on health equity, including those having a direct impact on patients and colleagues.
LIGHT REFRESHMENTS:
Light refreshments of tea, coffee ad fruit will be available. Please feel free to come early and network.
MAPS:
Follow these links for visitor parking. Please note that guest parking is $1.00 per hour in all of our lots. However, free accessible parking is available right next to Brookens Library. This is available to anyone with a handicap hangtag or license plate: https://www.uis.edu/visit/maps
For more information:
Contact: Pamela M. Salela
E-Mail: cinrc@uis.edu
Phone: 217-206-6783
