JOG the Web: Organizational Strengths in Differences – DEI Conference
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has become a larger priority in the workplace in the past few years. In an ever-evolving professional landscape, it is important to be able to make everyone feel comfortable and seen. Through conscious efforts of recognizing what a more representative policy looks like, we are able to recognize what everyone can do to make their workplace more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Tri-County Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG) has been hosting DEI Conferences online since 2021, but this year we are hosting our first in-person conference! (To read more about the conference, please click here.) This conference, “Organizational Strengths in Differences – DEI Conference” (OSiD), will include a keynote speaker and three breakout sessions: two separate speakers and a panel of industry professionals to discuss how DEI affects the workplace. As laid out in the JAG model, the ability to help our students achieve job success is something taught in classroom settings, after-school classes, out-of-school education, and workplace environments. This cannot happen without the JOG employer engagement we build through networking and being involved in our community. Rochelle shared, “Our relationships with employers are important because they allow students who may not have an opportunity in the field they want to be in have a first step through the door.”
We cannot do conferences like this at JOG without having amazing partners. One of these long-time partners is United Way of Summit and Medina County. Leading up to the in-person event, United Way’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team have been working closely with JOG for pre-conference Zoom presentations. These Zoom presentations are covering four topics: “What is Diversity?,” “What is Equity?,” “What is Inclusion?,” and “What is DEI in the Workplace?”
In these presentations, staff and students interact with presenters in breakout sessions and brainstorming sessions. These cover of a variety of topics with a common theme showing how we can approach our lives with a more inclusive mindset. For example, one breakout covered how workplace and academic activities can be made more equitable for all members of a team.
These sessions have brought with them a lot of insights, ideas, and teamwork. When talking about how these sessions have helped the JOG program, our Career Specialist at Alliance High School, Abby Blake, said “This is the best virtual/zoom we have ever had!”
We are proud to be able to host such a successful and insightful set of digital conferences, and we are excited to be able to host “Organizational Strengths in Diversity – DEI Conference” on February 9th!
