Webinar: The Toll of Racial Ambiguity

Overview:

Colorism, or discrimination on skin color, is pervasive in American society and affects people of all races and ethnicities. DEI Facilitator Kia Rivera will discuss the origin of colorism in the United States and its many negative consequences, what it means to be “white passing”, and learn ways that we may consciously or unconsciously perpetuate colorism and racism in our lives. By attending this webinar, you’ll gain a better understanding of the harmful effects of colorism and become empowered to take action to promote greater equity and inclusion. 

Learning Goals:

• Gain knowledge of terms such as colorism, white passing and presenting 
• Gain awareness of how colorism was constructed in the United States
• Discuss and reflect on areas in which we may consciously or unconsciously perpetuate colorism
• Understand how colorism is a manifestation of racism and how that manifests at the ideological, individual, interpersonal, and institutional levels

About the Facilitator:

Kia is passionate about all things grounded in community and equity. She has extensive experience in DEI spaces in both Higher Education and Corporate spaces. As a facilitator Kia believes in the power of storytelling and building community. She uses these tools when facilitating because she believes that when stories are shared and community is built that is when we do the deepest learning.

Kia received her Masters in Higher Education Administration from Suffolk University, and earned her BA in History from Lasell University. When she’s not trying to change systems, she can be found hanging out with her dog and wife, gaming, or enjoying the outdoors either on a hike or on a run.