Speaker Series & Events

This speaker series and other events will provide the opportunity to be in a community and learn something new through the DEIBJA lens. The speaker series will bring presenters from outside UC Berkeley as well as colleagues from across campus to share their knowledge and lived experiences. Feel free to share this information with anyone who might be interested.

Upcoming Speakers & Events

Safe Space: A Monthly Drop-in Session
Friday | Feb. 13 | 10 a.m.

Join me for a general safe space where we can explore different topics coming up in your day-to-day. These 45 minutes are for you to be in community with your colleagues.

Zoom link for Safe Space

Non-Native English Speakers Support Association (NESSA)
Last Wednesday of every other month at 11 a.m. | Next meeting is Mar. 25

NESSA, which stands for "Non-Native English Speakers Support Association," is our identity-based staff support organization. In this group, we welcome multilingual speakers, native English speakers, and English language learners who are interested in supporting, mentoring, and learning from each other. Zoom link

Our group wanted to share an amazing presentation and resource created by Padma Vemula, Language Beyond Borders

bIT Weekly Meditation | Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m.

Our amazing colleague, Janhavi Deshpande, will be offering a monthly guided meditation practice! Some of you may remember this practice pre-pandemic, and we thought what a perfect time to bring this practice back to our community. Zoom link for meditation

DEIB Event Archive

	DEIB @ 3 \| Tuesday, Oct. 21 \| 3 p.m. We had a very special guest this month! Patricia Juárez facilitated our session. Please joined us for this quick and impactful conversation on non-violent communication. Conflict is a natural part of our lives. Communication is an essential part of our lives. How could we coalesce and reconcile these two important parts of our lives to compassionately and peacefully deal with conflict? Non-violent Communication was a key answer and valuable resource for us to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflicts that we faced in our lives.
	DEIB @ 3 \| Tuesday, Sept. 30 \| 3 p.m. This month we explored the video UC Berkeley News shared with the campus on Structural Racism Explained in 101 seconds with Stephen Menedian, Director of Research at the Othering and Belonging Institute. When you came to our DEIB @ 3 conversation you needed to have listened to/watched the above link. You were asked to come up with one thought or one question… that’s it! We looked forward to a midday thought partner session.
	DEIB @ 3 \| Aug. 19, 3 p.m. \| Aug. 28, 10 a.m. Last month, Britt offered two 30-minute presentations/workshops on stereotype threat. There were limited spots for this workshop. It explored stereotype threat—the risk of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group—and its significant impact on staff performance and workplace dynamics. By the end of the workshop, participants had developed a deeper understanding of stereotype threat, practical tools for creating more inclusive working experiences, and actionable strategies for supporting staff retention through equity-minded practices. es.
	DEIB @ 3 \|Tuesday, July 22 \| 3 - 4 p.m. Over the last two months, Britt offered a one-hour presentation/workshop on stereotype threat. The workshop explored stereotype threat—the risk of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group—and its significant impact on staff performance and workplace dynamics. By the end of the workshop, participants had developed a deeper understanding of stereotype threat, along with practical tools for creating more inclusive working experiences and actionable strategies for supporting staff retention through equity-minded practices.
	Black History Walking Tour Wednesday, July 9 \| 12 p.m. The Black History Walking Tour about the Black community at UC Berkeley was a great success. This tour was written and designed by long-time staff member and alumna Gia White ('86), and it drew from her extensive research on the earliest Black students at UC Berkeley, our notable Black faculty members, and the special spaces that Black people have created on campus. Twelve staff members participated in the walking tour, which began at the Koret Visitor Center/Cal Athletic Hall of Fame, Memorial Stadium on July 9 at 12:00 pm and lasted for approximately 90 minutes.
	DEIB @ 3 Tuesday, June 24 \| 3-3:30 p.m. The third Tuesday of each month (the fourth Tuesday in that month), Britt hosted a 30-minute collaborative conversation about a specific article, podcast, book chapter, or video that was provided in the newsletter and calendar invite. The conversation explored why people dig in deeper when presented with facts that challenge their beliefs. Rather than changing their minds, they often strengthen their original positions—a phenomenon known as the Backfire Effect. The session's topic was chosen because in our climate of polarization and information overload, understanding this psychological tendency (and its related concept of backlash) offers valuable insights for navigating difficult conversations and examining our own thought processes. Participants were invited to join an open exploration of how we process conflicting information and what this means for effective dialogue in our personal and professional lives. Attendees were asked to have listened to or read the provided materials beforehand and to come prepared with one thought or one question.
	DEIB @ 3 \|Tuesday, May 20 \| 3-3:30 p.m. Britt hosted a 30-minute collaborative conversation about: It’s Cool to Be Kind: The Value of Empathy at Work Empathy vs Compassion Leading with Compassion has Research-Backed Benefits Attendees were asked to have listened to or read the materials beforehand and to come prepared with one thought or one question.

	DEIB @ 3 \|Tuesday, April 22 \| 3-3:30 p.m. The third Tuesday of each month (this month it’ll be the fourth Tuesday), join Britt for a 30-minute collaborative conversation about a specific article/podcast/book chapter/video that they provide in the Newsletter (and the calendar invite)! This month we discussed retention strategies. The Essentials: Retaining Talent This is what makes employees happy at work
	DEIB @ 3 \|Tuesday, March 18 \| 3-3:30 p.m. On the third Tuesday of each month, join Britt for a 30-minute collaborative conversation about a specific article/podcast/book chapter/video that they provide in the Newsletter (and the calendar invite)! This month, in light of Women’s History Month, there are two 25-minute videos to watch for our upcoming conversation. Don’t fear, if you only have time for one that’s ok! Engage in at least one video… or both if you’d like. Talent Leaders Driving Gender Equity in the Age of AI Evidential Currency: Proof of Skills as a Catalyst for Progress When you come to our DEIB @ 3 conversation you need to have listened to/read the episode and come up with one thought or one question… that’s it! Looking forward to a midday thought partner session. Zoom link for DEIB @ 3.
	DEIB Speaker Series \| Your Brain and AI with Dr. Avriel Epps Tuesday, Feb. 25 \| 1-2:00 p.m. We are excited to have Dr. Avriel Epps, computational social scientist and a Civic Science Postdoctoral Fellow at the Cornell University CATLab. She will be joining us for an hour to talk about: The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Social Equity, and Bias Clear your schedules for this presentation which examines how artificial intelligence perpetuates systemic inequities and explores strategies for creating fairer, more inclusive technological systems. Watch the recording.
	DEIB @ 3 Tuesday, Feb. 18 \| 3-3:30 p.m. On the third Tuesday of each month, join Britt for a 30-minute collaborative conversation about a specific article/podcast/book chapter/video that they provide in the Newsletter (and the calendar invite)! This month we will be listening to an episode from the popular podcast, Code Switch, entitled “The co-opting of MLK Jr. by… everybody” When you come to our DEIB @ 3 conversation you need to have listened to/read the episode and come up with one thought or one question… that’s it! Looking forward to a midday thought partner session. Zoom link for DEIB @ 3.
	DEIB @ 3 \| Returns in January … with a twist! Tuesday, Jan. 21 \| 3-3:30 p.m. The third Tuesday of each month, join Britt for a 30 minute collaborative conversation about a specific article/podcast/book chapter/video that they provide in the Newsletter (and the calendar invite)! Next month we are going to discuss this Ted Talk by Celeste Headlee called 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation When you come to our DEIB @ 3 conversation you need to have watched the Ted Talk and come with one thought or one question… that’s it! Looking forward to a midday thought partner session. Zoom link for DEIB @ 3.

	DEIB @ 3 \| Tuesday, Oct. 21 \| 3 p.m. We had a very special guest this month! Patricia Juárez facilitated our session. Please joined us for this quick and impactful conversation on non-violent communication. Conflict is a natural part of our lives. Communication is an essential part of our lives. How could we coalesce and reconcile these two important parts of our lives to compassionately and peacefully deal with conflict? Non-violent Communication was a key answer and valuable resource for us to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflicts that we faced in our lives.
	DEIB @ 3 \| Tuesday, Sept. 30 \| 3 p.m. This month we explored the video UC Berkeley News shared with the campus on Structural Racism Explained in 101 seconds with Stephen Menedian, Director of Research at the Othering and Belonging Institute. When you came to our DEIB @ 3 conversation you needed to have listened to/watched the above link. You were asked to come up with one thought or one question… that’s it! We looked forward to a midday thought partner session.
	DEIB @ 3 \| Aug. 19, 3 p.m. \| Aug. 28, 10 a.m. Last month, Britt offered two 30-minute presentations/workshops on stereotype threat. There were limited spots for this workshop. It explored stereotype threat—the risk of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group—and its significant impact on staff performance and workplace dynamics. By the end of the workshop, participants had developed a deeper understanding of stereotype threat, practical tools for creating more inclusive working experiences, and actionable strategies for supporting staff retention through equity-minded practices. es.
	DEIB @ 3 \|Tuesday, July 22 \| 3 - 4 p.m. Over the last two months, Britt offered a one-hour presentation/workshop on stereotype threat. The workshop explored stereotype threat—the risk of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group—and its significant impact on staff performance and workplace dynamics. By the end of the workshop, participants had developed a deeper understanding of stereotype threat, along with practical tools for creating more inclusive working experiences and actionable strategies for supporting staff retention through equity-minded practices.
	Black History Walking Tour Wednesday, July 9 \| 12 p.m. The Black History Walking Tour about the Black community at UC Berkeley was a great success. This tour was written and designed by long-time staff member and alumna Gia White ('86), and it drew from her extensive research on the earliest Black students at UC Berkeley, our notable Black faculty members, and the special spaces that Black people have created on campus. Twelve staff members participated in the walking tour, which began at the Koret Visitor Center/Cal Athletic Hall of Fame, Memorial Stadium on July 9 at 12:00 pm and lasted for approximately 90 minutes.
	DEIB @ 3 Tuesday, June 24 \| 3-3:30 p.m. The third Tuesday of each month (the fourth Tuesday in that month), Britt hosted a 30-minute collaborative conversation about a specific article, podcast, book chapter, or video that was provided in the newsletter and calendar invite. The conversation explored why people dig in deeper when presented with facts that challenge their beliefs. Rather than changing their minds, they often strengthen their original positions—a phenomenon known as the Backfire Effect. The session's topic was chosen because in our climate of polarization and information overload, understanding this psychological tendency (and its related concept of backlash) offers valuable insights for navigating difficult conversations and examining our own thought processes. Participants were invited to join an open exploration of how we process conflicting information and what this means for effective dialogue in our personal and professional lives. Attendees were asked to have listened to or read the provided materials beforehand and to come prepared with one thought or one question.
	DEIB @ 3 \|Tuesday, May 20 \| 3-3:30 p.m. Britt hosted a 30-minute collaborative conversation about: It’s Cool to Be Kind: The Value of Empathy at Work Empathy vs Compassion Leading with Compassion has Research-Backed Benefits Attendees were asked to have listened to or read the materials beforehand and to come prepared with one thought or one question.

	DEIB @ 3 \|Tuesday, April 22 \| 3-3:30 p.m. The third Tuesday of each month (this month it’ll be the fourth Tuesday), join Britt for a 30-minute collaborative conversation about a specific article/podcast/book chapter/video that they provide in the Newsletter (and the calendar invite)! This month we discussed retention strategies. The Essentials: Retaining Talent This is what makes employees happy at work
	DEIB @ 3 \|Tuesday, March 18 \| 3-3:30 p.m. On the third Tuesday of each month, join Britt for a 30-minute collaborative conversation about a specific article/podcast/book chapter/video that they provide in the Newsletter (and the calendar invite)! This month, in light of Women’s History Month, there are two 25-minute videos to watch for our upcoming conversation. Don’t fear, if you only have time for one that’s ok! Engage in at least one video… or both if you’d like. Talent Leaders Driving Gender Equity in the Age of AI Evidential Currency: Proof of Skills as a Catalyst for Progress When you come to our DEIB @ 3 conversation you need to have listened to/read the episode and come up with one thought or one question… that’s it! Looking forward to a midday thought partner session. Zoom link for DEIB @ 3.
	DEIB Speaker Series \| Your Brain and AI with Dr. Avriel Epps Tuesday, Feb. 25 \| 1-2:00 p.m. We are excited to have Dr. Avriel Epps, computational social scientist and a Civic Science Postdoctoral Fellow at the Cornell University CATLab. She will be joining us for an hour to talk about: The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Social Equity, and Bias Clear your schedules for this presentation which examines how artificial intelligence perpetuates systemic inequities and explores strategies for creating fairer, more inclusive technological systems. Watch the recording.
	DEIB @ 3 Tuesday, Feb. 18 \| 3-3:30 p.m. On the third Tuesday of each month, join Britt for a 30-minute collaborative conversation about a specific article/podcast/book chapter/video that they provide in the Newsletter (and the calendar invite)! This month we will be listening to an episode from the popular podcast, Code Switch, entitled “The co-opting of MLK Jr. by… everybody” When you come to our DEIB @ 3 conversation you need to have listened to/read the episode and come up with one thought or one question… that’s it! Looking forward to a midday thought partner session. Zoom link for DEIB @ 3.
	DEIB @ 3 \| Returns in January … with a twist! Tuesday, Jan. 21 \| 3-3:30 p.m. The third Tuesday of each month, join Britt for a 30 minute collaborative conversation about a specific article/podcast/book chapter/video that they provide in the Newsletter (and the calendar invite)! Next month we are going to discuss this Ted Talk by Celeste Headlee called 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation When you come to our DEIB @ 3 conversation you need to have watched the Ted Talk and come with one thought or one question… that’s it! Looking forward to a midday thought partner session. Zoom link for DEIB @ 3.

Speaker Series & Events

Upcoming Speakers & Events

DEIB Event Archive

One IT Events

Education & Resources