Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workshop Series: Including People with Disabilities when Prioritizing Diversity and Inclusion

May DEI Workshop: Including People with Disabilities when Prioritizing Diversity and Inclusion 
Starting (s) and Advanced (a) Track 

Research tells us that at least 1 in 4 people have a disability, however, people with disabilities are often overlooked and under-supported, even at organizations with stated diversity, equity and inclusion priorities. In collaboration with Cayuga Health, the Chamber is delighted to invite members to engage in this conversation where we will expand our view of disability inclusion as a necessary practice and explore the ways we can effective and intentionally welcome, employ and serve people with disabilities at our organizations. 

Presenters: 
Erin Sember-Chase, MA, is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Learning Consultant with Cornell University's Department of Inclusion and Belonging. With over 20 years professional, and a lifetime of personal, disability experience to draw from, she encourages examining disability access and inclusion in all areas of life through a social justice and inclusion lens. Her professional roles have included working in University student disability services, assisting on federally funded disability and employment grant projects, serving in a variety of DEI leadership and collaborative roles on and off campus including co-chairing the Cornell University Disability Employee Resource Group for over 12 years, and co-designing and teaching the first ever Introduction to Disability Students course at Cornell. She had designed and facilitated numerous training, presentations and lectures at the campus, local and national levels, for a variety of audiences including educators, local government entities, college students, student providers, businesses, nonprofits and employers. She has actively engaged and consulted on my diversity, equity and disability access and inclusion efforts at Cornell and within the Ithaca community. 

Herb Alexander, Chief Diversity Officer at Cayuga Health System. 
Herb Alexander is a visionary leader with a passion for workforce development and health equity. He is the Inaugural Chief Diversity Officer for Cayuga Health System and began his tenure in August 2021. Prior to joining the Cayuga Health team, Herb worked in higher education for a Rochester based university. During his time in higher education, Herb servedas a Chief Diversity Officer and was charged with shaping organizational strategy, creating programming and developing educational offerings for faculty and staff. Prior to that role, Herb was an Associate Dean of Students, in which he oversaw the Health & Counseling Center, led the organizations COVID testing strategy and many other student related initiatives. Herb also has a passion for youth and community development. He served as a NCAA Head Assistant Men’s basketball coach for seven years and cherished the opportunity to develop young men on and off the court.

• Workshops geared towards those who are just starting (labeled s) their journey of learning and understanding how to begin cultivating diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) workplaces
• Workshops geared toward those are consider themselves advanced (labeled a) in understanding DEI and want an opportunity to continue learning and take a dive deeper into specific topics.