FOR:
Community
OFFERED:
Virtually
REGISTRATION:
Online
POINT OF CONTACT:
I.C. Better Bridges Institute
Wednesday, January 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Register Here for Free
The Iowa City (I.C.) Better Bridges Institute is a day-and-a-half day event designed for business owners and managers to learn more about identity, bias, and strategies to have inclusive customer service. Each participant will receive a toolkit during this section. Upon completion of the Institute, participants will receive a certificate from the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Key partners in the initiative are the U.I. Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Iowa City Downtown District, UI Tippie College of Business, U.I. Office of Community Engagement, City of Iowa City, Undergraduate Student Government, Iowa City Area Development, and Iowa City Business Partnership.
ICBB Institute is a one-and-a-half-day event starting January 12, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and January 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Supplemental Sessions*
Supplemental Sessions are NEW! These sessions will dive deeper into the four pillars. Attend a session that meets your needs. You may attend one or all four. The choice is yours!
Session #1: Equitable Hiring Practices and Retention Efforts
Thursday, January 13, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Co-Facilitated with Ken Brown Ph.D., Tippie College of Business, and Erin Stresow Ph.D., Division of Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Session #2: Socially Just Customer Service
Thursday, February 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Facilitated by Erin Stresow Ph.D., Division of Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Session #3: Leading & Managing Diverse Teams
Wednesday, March 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Co-Facilitated with Michele Williams Ph.D., Tippie College of Business, and Erin Stresow Ph.D., Division of Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Session #4: Inclusive Marketing
Wednesday, April 13, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Facilitated by Erin Stresow Ph.D., Division of Diversity Equity and Inclusion
*Prerequisite for Supplemental Sessions: Completing the one and a half day ICBB Institute. Participants who have completed the Institute in previous years may attend any or all Supplemental Sessions. Participants will receive a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion toolkit/participant packet, signed certificate, and recognition of institute completion on our website. Coffee, pastries, and snacks will be provided at all sessions.
Information
In response to the 2015-2016 climate sessions, University of Iowa and Iowa City community members partnered to increase education and training for downtown businesses to become more culturally intelligent.
The inaugural Iowa City (I.C.) Better Bridges Institute is a day-and-a-half event designed for business owners and managers to learn more about identity, bias, and strategies to have inclusive customer service. The inaugural Institute was held January 10 – January 11, 2017.
The training consists of content from the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) training session on Leadership for Equity & Inclusion, socially just customer service, equitable hiring practices, leading and managing a diverse team, and inclusive marketing. Each participant also receives a I.C. Better Bridges Toolkit and has the chance to apply for a Micro Grant to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at their organizations.
“Diversity and inclusion are crucial concepts for owners, managers, and the general business person. Working with a diverse team means new ideas, innovation, and (ultimately) increased profit, but only if that team is well supported and different experiences are acknowledged and valued. This institute provided a wonderful opportunity to discuss those experiences, and receive informative training on best practices,” said Brianna Marcelo, director of Inclusive Education and Strategic Initiatives in the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “We appreciate all who participated, and we look forward to continuing to work together with our partners to talk about and implement steps we can all take to continue to improve the climate both on campus and in Iowa City for all members of the community.”
Representatives from the following businesses/organizations received their certificates:
Chuy Renteria, Author
Bradley & Riley PC
Leepfrog Technologies, Inc.
MidAmerican Energy Company
Oaknoll Retirement Residence
City of North Liberty
Representatives from the following businesses/organizations received their certificates:
Cedar Rapids Community School District
FilmScene
Hayek, Moreland, Smith & Bergus, LLP
Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
Iowa City Area Development Group
Johnson County
Rape Victim Advocacy Program
Summer of the Arts
Think Iowa City
Representatives from the following businesses/organizations received their certificates:
Beadology Iowa
City of Iowa City
Cole's Quality Foods
Englert Civic Theatre
High Ground Cafe
Hills Bank and Trust company
Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
Iowa City Downtown District
JMI Laboratories
Johnson County
Leepfrog Technologies, Inc.
Prince International
The Java House & Heirloom Salad Co.
Yotopia Frozen Yogurt
Zion Lutheran Church
If you have any questions about this program, please contact Erin Stresow, Assistant Director of Inclusive Education and Strategic Initiatives, at erin-stresow@uiowa.edu, 319-467-3291.