Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workshops

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are top of mind for many organizations, but many of us lack the knowledge, skills, or tools to take meaningful and long-term action.

We provide workshops for companies and individuals who want to implement real changes in their workplace. SGO workshops are interactive, open to all, and are designed to bring about actionable results. We address sensitive and important issues, in the welcoming space that we're known for. We offer workshops on a variety of content topics, in person and virtually, and tailor them to your company's needs. Is there something you're looking for that isn't represented here? Let us know-- we can also work with you to build out a custom offering!

massachusetts workforce grant
Team leader sharing ideas with colleagues in meeting

About Our Workshops

We focus on providing actionable methods to support change. Workshops are designed in a modular fashion, and we can mix and match to meet your needs and the experience level of your attendees.

Each workshop is specifically tailored to your individual goals. However, we routinely create customized programming on a variety of DEI-related topics and themes. Let us co-create something with you!

Workshops

Foundations of DEI and Unconscious Bias in the Workplace

This workshop is designed for team members of all levels. We review basic concepts and topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and bias. Attendees will explore how implicit attitudes and socializations impact our decisions and the interactions we have with one another. By the end of this foundational workshop, participants will understand and be able to discuss key concepts, articulate what unconscious bias is, and spot how it manifests at work. Participants will be provided with methods and strategies to help mitigate bias in the workplace and beyond.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify and discuss the foundational concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Explain the concept of unconscious bias and how it manifests in a workplace environment
  • Recognize how bias manifests in the workplace
  • Apply methods for mitigating bias in the workplace

Recognizing and Responding to Microaggressions

Microaggressions are everyday verbal and nonverbal slights, snubs, or insults, which can either be intentional or unintentional. These actions communicate negative or hostile messages that are based solely on the recipient's perceived marginalized group membership. In this workshop, we’ll cover what microaggressions are, how they manifest, and how we can respond to them as a recipient, as someone who has committed a microaggression, and as a witness to one.

Learning Objectives:

  • Recall what a microaggression is and how it manifests
  • Describe how to respond to microaggressions from three different perspectives

Allyship in the Workplace

In today’s world, it’s not enough to be a bystander– we have to move to learning how to understand and act as an ally. This workshop covers a discussion of how to act as an ally in the workplace. We review best practices, terminology related to power and privilege, and specific allyship tools and skills. The workshop includes interactive discussions on relevant real-life scenarios tailored to you.

Learning Objectives:

  • Review terminology related to power and privilege
  • Describe allyship frameworks
  • Practice responding and applying ally skills through scenario discussions

Creating an Inclusive Culture

The workshop will open with a foundational overview of diversity, equity, inclusion, and unconscious bias. We will examine the presence of bias in the workplace and attendees will gain concrete tools and action plans for supporting their teams. Attendees will walk away with a deep understanding of how to personally contribute to creating a supportive and inclusive culture that will improve retention, provide support, and help employees grow professionally.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand how inclusive work culture is created and sustained
  • Understand the attributes of belonging
  • Know how to support all members of your team
  • Plan and measure efforts toward greater team and organizational inclusivity

Understanding and Addressing Racism

This three-part introductory workshop examines the root causes of racism and the ways in which it manifests in the workplace and beyond. We will discuss our own personal experiences while thinking of ways to dismantle and unlearn harmful narratives we’ve consciously and unconsciously accepted. By the end of this workshop, participants will be provided with an anti-racist framework on how to begin recognizing and addressing manifestations of racism.

Learning Objectives:

  • Review a snapshot of how racism has impacted the lives of various racial groups
  • Describe how racism manifests at the ideological, individual, interpersonal, and institutional levels
  • Practice engaging in meaningful conversations related to our identity, power, and  privilege
  • Discuss ways we can begin adopting an anti-racist lens in our personal and professional lives

Recruiting and Hiring Inclusively

Geared toward recruiters and hiring managers, this workshop series examines each step in a typical hiring process through the lens of inclusivity. The workshop will open with a review of the foundational concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion, and unconscious bias. We break down the entire life cycle of your specific hiring process through an inclusive and equitable lens. From creating the initial job description to making an offer, participants will explore how bias manifests at each stage, and provide tangible strategies to mitigate it. We will practice with hands-on activities, and wrap up by having each participant develop their own action plan so that they feel empowered to take steps toward change after the workshop.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define how unconscious bias manifests during the hiring process
  • Analyze job descriptions through an inclusive and equitable lens
  • Recognize how to expand your sourcing practices
  • Express how to inclusively assess your candidate pool via resume review, interviewing, and negotiating

Reviewing Resumes Inclusively & Inclusive Interviewing

The workshop explores how bias manifests during resume review and interviewing. Participants will discuss how to apply an inclusive and equitable lens to both of these stages of the hiring process. We will practice with hands-on activities and discussions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss how to inclusively assess your candidate pool when reviewing resumes
  • Review how to inclusively interview

Running Inclusive Meetings

Attendees will take an in-depth look at a vital part of everyone’s day– meetings– and discuss how to best prepare for, run, and support inclusive work gatherings. We’ll cover how bias shows up in meetings, different ways people communicate, and how to most effectively acknowledge and include everyone, no matter where your team is working from.

Learning Objectives:

  • Name ways bias can impact in-person and virtual meetings
  • Identify strategies for running meetings with an inclusive lens
  • Assess opportunities to give inclusive feedback both written and verbal

Custom Workshops

Each workshop is specifically tailored to your individual goals. However, if you don’t see a workshop topic listed here, we routinely create customized workshops on a variety of DEI-related topics and themes. We are happy to have a conversation with you to learn more about your needs.

Participant Feedback

"I thought this was one of the best workshops I have attended because I was able to engage in challenging content without the triggering panic. The educational visuals were amazing and somehow, the content structure was able to remain neutral while still conveying sometimes uncomfortable topics. I also appreciated the pace and shared scientific info (educational and non- patronizing). Great work!! Would highly recommend."

LabCentral

"She+ Geeks Out delivers training like none other. They are engaging, conversational, educational, and accepting of everyone's thoughts and opinions. Contributing to the success are my amazing colleagues that take part in these conversations, but credit has to be given to SGO for fostering an environment in which these important conversations can occur. If you are considering a greater focus on DEI in 2023, you have to take a look at She+ Geeks Out. You'll learn a ton and be glad you made the investment!"

ezCater

"This workshop was one that was very eye opening. It helped me dig down deep to learn more about myself which has also made me more mindful of how I operate with others. My facilitator was awesome and helped my group feel at ease with uncomfortable conversations, which led to great engagement from the participants."

American Red Cross

"Every team member who did the workshop loved it, and our leadership team is adamant that we bring in SGO again for a team-wide, mandatory workshop!"

Outschool

"I've been to about half a dozen DEI trainings, and this was by far the most useful. I think the combination of theory and specific examples was great."

Harvard Initiative for a First Amendment

"The facilitation was really spot on with the balance between educating, giving time to process/think, and giving space for people to speak up. The facilitator was also really welcoming and affirming of each comment/observation that was shared, which created a very positive learning environment. The use of breakout rooms to engage in conversation combined with sharing key points in the larger group was a great way to facilitate everyone's engagement, too."

BookBub

"The conversations of the group were great. We all had varied opinions, and I liked how safe the conversation felt. The facilitators really made it a positive experience."

Blackbaud

OUR CLIENTS INCLUDE

Our benefits

1

Customized

We tailor our vast content repository to your specific requirements, providing a framework for understanding concepts so that participants feel empowered to have conversations with colleagues outside of the training.

2

Action-Oriented

We provide effective tools and strategies to mitigate bias. Our training creates a lifelong learning experience and lasting change, from the bottom up as well as top-down.

3

Knowledgeable

Our team is incredibly skilled at facilitation and holding space for these important conversations. Also, we're geeks! We're constantly updating our materials based on current research.

We would love to learn more about you and your needs regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training. Please complete the form below (it should take 3 minutes or less) and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.