Shock. Panic. Nervous laughter. You’re at work making pleasant small talk with your co-worker, when out of nowhere, they say something offensive, with a smile on their face. You’re shocked, horrified, unable to even begin processing what they just said to you, let alone respond and deflect in a quippy, witty way. You want to assume the best of their intentions, and maybe it wasn’t malicious, but you’re left hurt, upset, confused, and unsure of how to proceed.
In spaces where women of colour often find themselves the minority, whether in academic or professional settings, it can be difficult to navigate an environment that doesn’t always feel like it was meant for you and doesn’t fully embrace you.
How do you bring your whole, authentic self to a space where your lived experiences aren’t reflected? How can you build a support system and find allies in navigating your professional development?
This event will be a conversation that addresses these and other questions. We’ll be hearing from women that have walked this path before us as they share their trips and tricks, and facilitating a space where all attendees can share their experiences.
Please note that this event is being organized for women of colour: we recognize that women of colour face specific challenges in academic and professional spaces and as such we would like to create a space for them to participate in an open, honest conversation within that community.