Flint & Genesee Group

Understanding diversity and inclusion is a journey that begins at the personal level. Being aware is the first step in understanding and overcoming our unconscious bias. 
Individuals have subconscious preferences for certain people and objects, which unintentionally influence decision making. This personal awareness, once we have it, begins to tip our unconscious into the conscious, where we can begin to manage the bias and its effects. When we become more aware of our hidden biases, we can monitor and attempt to change our attitudes before they are expressed. This can include paying attention to our verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as showing empathy towards others. Join us as we begin to discuss the importance of gaining self-awareness and understanding implicit bias and its effect in the workplace.

Facilitated by Sandra Johnson, Flint & Genesee Group
Sandra Etherly-Johnson, Director of diversity, equity, and inclusion & community relations is an experienced community organizer in academic, nonprofit, political, and faith-based organizations. As a leader of diversity, equity, and inclusion she applies these experiences through strategic efforts to reduce the influence of bias; whether cultural, in-group or unconscious by not striving for political correctness, but through the building of relationships with different people and fostering awareness both interpersonally and through monitoring of behaviors of others.

Sandra has a bachelor’s degree in social work and holds numerous DEI certifications & credentials to stay current in the trends and best practices in the field. She has developed and run many programs at the federal, higher education, and grassroots levels, giving her a unique perspective to & approach regarding DEI and its practical applications in various settings.  Sandra’s DEI expertise has led her to facilitate multiple national DEI workshops, round table discussions, and trainings.