YWCA plans ‘unconscious bias’ program

YWCA of Van Wert County news

The YWCA, in conjunction with Van Wert Manor, welcomes guest speaker Courtnee Carrigan and her presentation, “Unconscious Bias in the Workplace,” to the YWCA on Tuesday, April 16, at noon.  This presentation is free to the public and includes lunch.  Lunch service will begin at 11:45 a.m., with the presentation immediately following at noon.

So what is unconscious bias? It is the concept that people are all biased at an unconscious level that influences their decision-making in ways of which they are unaware. In other words, people, as individuals, make decisions based on stereotypes without intentional control. Social scientists have demonstrated time and time again that unconscious bias exists in the U.S. In fact, the bias begins as early as age 3 when people are taught to categorize the world around them. Categorization allows people to make sense of new information, but also leads to stereotyping. That stereotyping results in discrimination when people rely on those preconceived notions in making employment and work related decisions.

Presenter Courtnee Carrigan has assembled an award-winning presentation that builds awareness and promotes individual and systematic change through common sense actions. She has served as diversity facilitator for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati and program manager for Outreach, Leadership, and Promotions at her alma mater, the University of Cincinnati. Currently, Carrigan serves the YWCA as the director of program development, community advocacy & partnerships, where she has a proven track record in meeting the diverse needs and challenges of the community.

Through innovative leadership, she has been successfully leading the YWCA’s efforts in the development and management of public and private sector program initiatives.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to help further one’s future as a leader in Van Wert County’s ever changing community.  RSVP by contacting Kimberly Laudick at Van Wert Manor by calling 419.238.6655.

For more information, contact YWCA Program Director Danni Chiles at 419.238.6639. The YWCA is a United Way and Van Wert County Foundation funded agency.