SVSHRM welcomes DR Jacqueline font-guzmán for our September Chapter Meeting!

Topic: Connecting & Disrupting for Inclusivity and Equity

A diverse workforce leads to a more creative, innovative, and productive work environment. And yet, as diversity increases, so does the potential for conflict, inequities, and feelings of not belonging. The complex interaction between supporting employees to connect across their differences and transforming systems within the organization to achieve equity and inclusivity is one of the main challenges that human resources leaders face. We often try to avoid or manage the challenge by focusing on a commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and objectivity, but this inevitably puts us on the side of the most powerful and stifles change. Together we will look at how human resources specialists can support employees in making connections across differences while also creating the space to disrupt the status quo–and the systems that support them–in ways that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and the organization’s mission.

About Dr. Jacqueline Font- Guzmán

Jacqueline (Jackie) N. Font-Guzmán, MHA, JD, PhD (she/her/ella), strives to be a change agent and sees her role as co-creating spaces for relationships to flourish while constructively disrupting systems to advance equity and justice for everyone. She is a Fulbright scholar with vast experience in conflict, healthcare, academia, and the legal system. Her work has been internationally recognized. She has provided consulting and training to universities, government agencies, courts, healthcare institutions, nonprofits, and many other entities around the world. She serves as the inaugural Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Professor in their Center for Justice and Peacebuilding. Jackie’s newest book (with Bernie Mayer, PhD) is The Neutrality Trap: from Constructive Engagement to Strategic Disruption in Social Conflict. You can find more information about Jackie’s work here.

Meeting Sponsored by Blue Ridge Community College. 

 In-Person & Virtual options are available! [Meal included for In-Person attendees]

Topics will be submitted to SHRM & HRCI for CE credits. 

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