Past Events

2022

January

Diversity Terms 2.0
January 26
Webinar

Over 75 individuals attended the Coalition’s first event of 2022, Diversity Terms 2.0, on January 26. Following the session, the Coalition updated its popular glossary, “Key Terms Used in the D&I Conversation,” to include changes and additions that have occurred to the terminology over the past year. This guide is an ongoing work in progress, so please feel free to reach out to us if you notice anything else that needs changed. We encourage our members to use this glossary as a resource and share with their organizations. The PLDIC would also like to extend a special thank you to Danielle Mundekis, Employee Relations and Inclusion Manager at Coalition member Eckert Seamans, for providing her expertise during this program and helping to update our terms glossary.

February

Bias Interrupted: Creating Inclusion for Good and for Real
February 28
Webinar

The Black Lives Matter and #MeToo movements have revealed the inadequacy of our efforts to date, in addressing racism and gender discrimination. “We have to change systems,” declares Joan C. Williams, Director of the Center for WorkLife Law and professor at the University of California, Hastings. Williams discussed her book, Bias Interrupted, on February 28 at 1 p.m. In her book, she shares the results of a decade-long research program with nearly 18,000 people in different industries. Her research shows that mentoring and other programs only help people navigate systems that remain fundamentally unfair, while bias training, while well-meaning, is ineffective or even counterproductive. Williams’ highly pragmatic approach begins with measuring progress at four key points where bias is transmitted in organizations: hiring, performance reviews, compensation, and promotion (as well as access to opportunities like key assignments). Williams then introduces bias interrupters: evidence-based, metrics-driven tools that can, over time, produce big changes.

March

Q&A with Ruchika Tulshyan
March 24
Webinar

The PLIDC hosted a webinar Q&A with author, keynote speaker, and inclusion strategist Ruchika Tulshyan. Ruchika’s book, Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work, was released on March 1. You may also have seen Ruchika’s article from the Harvard Business Review, “Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome.” Upon registering, participants were able to submit their questions to Ruchika.

May
Deep Retention: Inclusion vs. Tokenism
May 11
In-Person CLE

The PLDIC held a free CLE program, Deep Retention: Inclusion vs. Tokenism. Nearly three dozen people representing nine PLDIC member organizations attended the training, which received positive feedback from many attendees. Thanks to Asta Kill, Esq. of the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation for leading this informative program. Additionally, thank you to member Babst Calland for hosting the event. Many Babst employees were able to take advantage of this opportunity – and not just lawyers, either – representatives from other departments such as HR and Marketing took part. If you would like to host a future PLDIC event at your organization and make it easier for your employees to attend a DEI event, please let us know!

June

Sewickley Community Center’s Juneteenth Festival
June 18

The Community Building Committee had a great time meeting local attorneys, community members, and students at the Sewickley Community Center’s Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 18. The PLDIC was represented by Community Building Chair Aarthi Murty, Gretchen Roos from member PPG, and Rebecca Kennedy from member K&L Gates. Special thanks to Meghan Kalmar for coordinating with the SCC and for donating candy and toy favors for the kids in attendance!

Riverhounds Pride Night Event
June 25

The PLDIC’s Community Building Committee and many other PLIDC members celebrated Pride with at the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Pride Night. This special event benefited the PGH Equality Center, an LGBTQIA+ Community Center that serves as a bridge that promotes education, advocacy, and social justice for all LGBTQIA+ people and allies in Western Pennsylvania.

October

Implementing a Successful CLE Program
October 24
In-Person CLE

The PLDIC Retention Committee held a CLE event on October 24, Implementing a Successful Stay Interview Program. More than 30 attendees learned from attorneys who have integrated stay interviews into their employee development programs. The CLE covered different types of stay interview programs and how they were developed and implemented, benefits of stay interviews, and lessons learned by panelists. The event also included small group exercise and rounded out with a happy hour in celebration of Diwali. Attendees received a how-to guide with tips on implementing a stay interview program in their own organizations (available on our Members Only page). A big thank you to member organization Dentons Cohen & Grigsby for hosting this program.