Presenters: Shay Stewart-Bouley & Debby Irving

How can we speak openly and honestly in cross-racial conversations? What would such a conversation even sound like? Join Shay Stewart-Bouley (Black Girl in Maine) and author Debby Irving as they talk about racism’s impact on their lives and how conversation has been instrumental in their own understanding of 21st century racial dynamics.

Shay and Debby will explore the common fears and pitfalls of cross-racial conversation that keep people isolated in their own racial groups, at the expense of personal, professional, and societal growth. They’ll also help audience members understand how interpersonal social patterns hinder organizations from living up to their own ideals for diversity and how good intentions can actually undermine collective progress.