Workplace diversity has benefits far beyond legal compliance. Research has found that organizations with a diverse staff have larger talent pools to innovate business practices and offerings. A diverse and inclusive workplace culture improves employee performance and increases the reputation of a business, which directly impacts revenue. Aiming for better diversity and inclusion is simply the right thing to do.

During this session, we will explore:

• Why diversity and inclusion is important
• The dimensions of diversity and inclusion
• Federal and state laws associated with diversity and inclusion
•  Business practices that impact diversity and inclusion
• How diversity and inclusion impacts the workplace and workforce

Human Resources Management professional DeAnna Thomas will provide tips and best practices for both small and large businesses, and will answer questions on how to foster and sustain diversity in the workplace.

Schedule

6:30-7:00 PM.: Meet and Greet
7:00-8:00 PM: Presentation
8:00-8:30 PM: Q&A

Location address
FleishmanHillard
1615 L Street NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20036

How to Register

This is a small event and will fill up quickly, so make sure to register in advance! Space is limited to 30 participants. If you register but can’t attend, please let us know in advance.

About DeAnna Thomas

DeAnna Thomas brings over two decades of experience as a Human Resources Management professional. She has worked in HR management positions with non-profits, higher education institutions, corporations and government. In her current role, Thomas serves as Division Manager for Employee & Labor Relations for a major utility company in Maryland. Thomas is also part-time faculty for Maryland Institute College of Art’s Business of Art and Design Program, where she has taught their Human Resource class since the inception of their master’s program.

Thomas has taught diversity courses and spoken at regional and local conferences on various human resources topics. She is certified as both an SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and Senior Certified Human Resources Professional (SPHR). Thomas holds a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Co-Host:

Gain the business skills necessary to start and grow a business or be a dynamic manager or creative director. Combine your creative talents with the business education needed to manage projects, finances, marketing, and resources.

Maryland Institute College of Art's online graduate degrees focuses on an applied field of study that develops practical skills and knowledge for current and aspiring professionals. The program is completed in just over 15 months with three short on-campus residencies that foster interdisciplinary collaboration and community-building.

• Business of Art and Design: Gain the business knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to start and grow a small creative business or be a dynamic manager or artistic/creative director.

• Information Visualization: Learn how to create data-driven information visualization pieces that tell a visual narrative to broad audiences and mediums.

• UX Design: Explore the design and computer science sides of the user-experience equation.

Go to MICA’s Graduate Study page for more information about the programs and how to apply.