Identity, Diversity and Inclusion | Lean In Seattle

This is a training for everyone! In this segment we'll unpack identities by learning more about who we are when we remove visible and socially constructed labels that may define us. We'll look at the purpose of D&I globally to understand efforts to increase gender equality and decrease inequalities through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We'll address the discussion of diversity and develop positive narratives using our own language. There will be great opportunities for critical analysis, storytelling and networking.

Part 2 – The Movement: Intentional Inclusion (Panel Discussion and Networking) | Led by Ashlea Elliott and Jonna Bell

We'll zoom in to discuss why this conversation is so critical in Seattle—a metropolitan area that will soon be a minority majority—and how we can develop intentional inclusive best practices a decade before other parts of the country. Seattle has set some benchmarks for equality, and we'll dive into learning more about how industry leaders are incorporating intentional inclusion into their daily lives and into the intentional actions of their organizations to meet the goals of a more inclusive Seattle. We will open the floor for people to share their intentionally inclusive efforts and share resources about opportunities to involve everyone.

This event is free and wheelchair accessible. Restrooms will be gender neutral and wheelchair accessible. The sound system will amplify the presentation to help ensure that all presenters can be heard. We will broadcast this event on Facebook Live and share the video after the event on our page. Please RSVP so we have enough volunteers to check in the attendees.

SCHEDULE
9:00 am: Doors Open
9:30 am: Event Kickoff / Part 1
11:00 am: Part 2
12:00 pm: Event Wrap
 

PANELISTS

Jovana Teodorovic, Director of HR at Rover.com. From building the team that launched Amazon's Echo product to heading Talent and Culture for companies like Socrata and most recently Rover.com, Jovana Teodorovic has built a career on the notion that employee happiness is a competitive advantage in any business. Hiring strong teams and fostering a positive work culture is essential to the success and innovation of companies, particularly in the fast-moving tech industry. As one of the founding members of LIST (Ladies in Seattle Tech) Jovana has been featured on King 5's New Day Northwest as well as in multiple blogs by OpenView Venture Partners as a thought leader in female diversity and the creation of strong company culture.

Karen Braitmayer, Architect. Karen emphasizes a proactive approach to accessible design. For more than 18 years she's advised design professionals and builders, state agencies and institutions on how to create projects that are accessible to the widest audience.

Chaitra Vedullapalli, CMO of Meylah and Ignite Washington board member. In the world of technology, Chaitra develops strategic initiatives for small businesses. She's recognized as a Top 100 Small Business influencer in the U.S. and recently won the 2016 SBA Small Business Advocate award.

Billy Price, Founder, BILLY Footwear. Born and raised in Issaquah, WA, Price had a very active childhood and a fascination for understanding how things worked. Studying mechanical engineering at the University of Washington, Price graduated in 2002. Unfortunately while in college, Price fell from a three-story window, which permanently damaged his spinal cord. But the lasting injury did not slow him down much. In 2003 he started working for the Federal Aviation Administration, where he still works today. In 2012, he and longtime friend Darin Donaldson cofounded BillDon LLC, the parent company of BILLY Footwear. In his spare time, Price loves to travel with his lovely wife and volunteers as a Peer Mentor for newly injured spinal cord patients. 

Darin Donaldson, Founder, Billy Footwear. Born and raised in Issaquah, WA, Donaldson is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for product development, design and innovation. In 2001, he graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington. Early in his career, he was fortunate to gain experience working within both a large corporation as well as a small business. After a few years, it became very apparent that his interest and broad skill set were better geared for the small business environment. Taking a leap of faith, he began his entrepreneurial journey, launching his own and being on the ground floor of numerous ventures.

Heather Redman, Founder, Flying Fish Partners. Heather is VP Business Operations and General Counsel at Indix Corporation. She was Senior Vice President at Summit Power Group and Executive and Senior Vice President at each of AtomShockwave, Inc., Getty Images, Inc., and PhotoDisc, Inc. Ms. Redman's career has had equal parts business and law, and has included heading product development. She is experienced in corporate development and finance, business development and intellectual property strategy. Ms. Redman serves on the boards of Beneficial State Bank, the Washington Technology Industry Association (Vice Chair), the Greater Seattle Chamber, the Hawthorn Club and the Finance Committee for the Seattle Chamber's PAC. She has served on the boards of several privately held companies and many industry associations and non-profit companies as well as on numerous advisory boards. Ms. Redman is active in local and national policy and politics. She is also an investor and advisor in TechStars, 9 Mile Labs, Founders' Co-op, Alliance of Angels and makes approximately ten of her own independent angel investments per year. She speaks and writes frequently on a variety of topics. 
 

PANEL MODERATORS

Ashlea Elliott, Lean In Seattle. Ashlea brings a level of noticing and dialogue to the conversation about diversity and inclusion to the Lean In Seattle chapter. She promotes dialogue about complex identities, dimensions of difference and inclusion and ways to promote belonging for all members. Ashlea graduated from the oldest women's college in the country, has worked in social justice advocacy and been teaching and training groups for more than a decade. She has committed the last five years of her life to serve to humanity and the United Nations Millennium Development and Sustainable Development goals. She currently holds leadership positions with Lean In Seattle, JCI (Junior Chamber International) and the United Nations Foundation.

Jonna Bell, Lean In Seattle. On the board of Lean In Seattle chapter, Jonna leads strategic partnerships, marketing and social engagement where she helps develop ways to activate community and champion women in leadership. An entrepreneur and growth hacker, she recently co-founded Nube9, a startup in responsible fashion, advises small businesses on growth opportunities and sits on the advisory boards of several local startups. Jonna is also the Director of Marketing for POP, one of the west coast's most innovative digital marketing companies.