Tuesday, October 22nd | 8AM – 2PM
Join us for the 2nd annual DEI summit dedicated to fostering community and inclusion in the workplace.
- Overview of DEI: Understand what DEI means for your business.
- Insights from Local Leaders: Learn how to integrate DEI practices from the perspectives of race, gender, culture, sexual orientation, and ability.
- Practical Applications: Gain insights into being more inclusive in hiring, messaging, advertising, and professional mindset.
- Actionable Steps: Learn how to translate knowledge into actions for your business.
This summit is your opportunity to ask tough questions and share your current DEI efforts in a safe and supportive environment. It is a great fit for anyone working in human resources, marketing, or upper management of organizations of all sizes.
AGENDA
8:00 -9:00 – The Inclusion Dilemma: How Do You Move from Diversity to Inclusion – Dr. Jason Woods, St. Cloud State University
9:15-10:00 Breakout Session (choose one)
- The Journey to Opportunity: Tales of Immigration – Hudda Ibrahim, St. Cloud Technical & Community College and OneCommunity Alliance
- Building Bridges: Tools for Creating an LGBTQAI+-Inclusive Workplace – Charlie Curtis, SCSU LGBT Resource Center
- Beyond Accessibility: Creating a Supportive Workplace for All Abilities – Luke Hartog, MN DEED & Cindy Belmont, Vocational Rehabilitation Services
10:15-11:00 Breakout session (choose one, see above)
11:15-12:00 DEI in practice in the workplace:
- The Inclusive Playbook: Cultivating Culture for All Employees – Susan Roberts, Eye-Kraft Optical
- I-WE Program – Angie Dahle, Career Solutions
12:00-12:45 Lunch and Sponsor Presentations
12:45-1:45 – Diverse Realities: Navigating Workplace Challenges Through Marginalized Experiences
- Lacey Lokken, St. Cloud State University
- Melissanne Frank, St. Cloud Technical & Community College
- Dana Zimmerman, St. Olaf University
1:45- 2:00 Ending comments
SESSIONS
The Inclusion Dilemma: How Do You Move from Diversity to Inclusion
Dr. Jason Woods, St. Cloud State University
This session explores how personal experiences shape our understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) while helping participants embrace St. Cloud’s evolving diversity. Attendees will gain practical strategies to build inclusive workforces and communicate intercultural efforts effectively.
The Journey to Opportunity: Tales of Immigration
Hudda Ibrahim, St. Cloud Technical & Community College and OneCommunity Alliance
Hudda Ibrahim shares her personal immigration story, offering insights into the challenges immigrants face when starting new lives. Business owners will learn practical steps to accommodate immigrant employees and foster inclusive workplaces that celebrate diversity.
Building Bridges: Tools for Creating an LGBTQIA+-Inclusive Workplace
Charlie Curtis, SCSU LGBT Resource Center
This session provides essential insights into LGBTQ+ identities and the barriers faced in the workplace. Attendees will learn how inclusive policies benefit not only LGBTQ+ employees but the broader workforce as well.
Beyond Accessibility: Creating a Supportive Workplace for All Abilities
Luke Hartog & Cindy Belmont, Vocational Rehabilitation Services
This session will guide employers on how to attract and support employees with disabilities, focusing on accommodations and sensitive workplace conversations. Attendees will leave with strategies for fostering an inclusive environment for workers of all abilities.
The Inclusive Playbook: Cultivating Culture for All Employees
Susan Roberts, Eye-Kraft Optical
Susan Roberts shares actionable strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, with a focus on training managers and fostering a positive culture. Attendees will discover the power of word-of-mouth hiring and learn how respectful workplace policies drive success.
I-WE Program
Angie Dahle, Career Solutions
The Inclusive Workforce Employer (I-WE) Program equips businesses with the tools to recruit and retain diverse talent. Learn how I-WE enhances recruitment, builds inclusive workforces, and brings benefits through its Designation Program.
Diverse Realities: Navigating Workplace Challenges Through Marginalized Experiences
Lacey Lokken, St. Cloud State University; Melissanne Frank, St. Cloud Technical & Community College; Dana Zimmerman, St. Olaf University
A panel discussion exploring the workplace challenges faced by Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Attendees will learn best practices for fostering inclusive environments and creating equitable opportunities for all employees.
SPEAKERS
Dr. Jason Woods (he/him), St. Cloud State University
Dr. Jason Woods is the Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management at St. Cloud State University, with over 24 years of experience in higher education. He specializes in recruitment, retention, and leadership development, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prior to SCSU, Dr. Woods held leadership roles at various institutions and co-founded the Intercultural Allies for Higher Education.
Hudda Ibrahim (she/her), St. Cloud Technical & Community College and OneCommunity Alliance
Hudda Ibrahim is a diversity and inclusion strategist, conflict resolution practitioner, and the Executive Director of OneCommunity Alliance. She has led professional development through Filsan Talent Partners and taught Diversity and Social Justice at St. Cloud Technical & Community College. Hudda holds a graduate degree from Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies.
Charlie Curtis (they/them), St. Cloud State University LGBT Resource Center
Charlie Curtis is the Director of the LGBT Resource Center at St. Cloud State University, where they lead efforts to support LGBTQ+ communities. With a background in anthropology, Charlie works to address gender- and sexuality-based inequities and make academic theories accessible to broader audiences for social change.
Luke Hartog (he/him), Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Luke Hartog is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with MN Vocational Rehabilitation Services, focusing on person-centered career development. He works closely with individuals and local workforce teams to align skills and job goals while providing resources for education and training. Luke collaborates with CareerForce teams and employers to enhance workforce stability.
Cindy Belmont (she/her), Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Cindy Belmont has been with Vocational Rehabilitation Services since 2006, helping individuals with disabilities find employment and vocational training. As a Transition VR Counselor, she works with local high schools to assist special education students in achieving their vocational goals. Cindy holds degrees in Social Work and Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling.
Susan Roberts (she/her), Eye Kraft
Susan Roberts, HR/Benefits Manager at Eye-Kraft Optical, has over 30 years of experience in human resources, payroll, and benefits management. She holds certifications as PHR and SHRM-CP and has served as President of the Central Minnesota Society for Human Resource Management. Susan stays informed on HR developments and guides organizational policy changes.
Angie Dahle (she/her), Career Solutions
Angie Dahle has been with Career Solutions since 2000, providing business services and coordinating workforce development events. She assists local employers with training, DEI resources, and recruitment while overseeing Career Solutions’ marketing efforts. Angie also facilitates an HR networking group and serves as a Rural Career Counseling Coordinator.
Lacey Lokken (she/her), St. Cloud State University
Lacey Lokken is the Director of the American Indian Center at St. Cloud State University, dedicated to improving American Indian student enrollment and graduation rates. As an Oglala Sioux from Pine Ridge, Lacey brings experience in supporting educational equity and raising awareness of American Indian issues. She advocates for cultural inclusion and student success.
Melissanne Frank (they/them), St. Cloud Technical & Community College
Melissanne Frank is a professor at SCTCC and SCSU, teaching subjects including English, Diversity, and Gender/Women Studies. They advise the Cyclones Pride Club, SCTCC’s first LGBTQ+ group, and are committed to promoting equity and educating others about diverse lived experiences.
Dana Zimmerman (he/him), St. Olaf University
Dana Zimmerman, born with Cerebral Palsy, is the Academic Advisor for Students with Disabilities at St. Olaf University. With a background in Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education, Dana uses his unique perspective to help students with disabilities realize their potential. He previously taught at Monticello Middle School and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
