FOR:
Community
OFFERED:
In-Person
REGISTRATION:
Online
POINT OF CONTACT:
I.C. Better Bridges Institute
Wednesday, January 11 from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday, January 12 from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm 2750
In-Person at University Capitol Center Room 2766
The Iowa City (I.C.) Better Bridges Institute is a one-and-a-half day event designed for business owners and managers to learn more about identity, bias, and strategies.
Included are core concepts, strategies, and resources for you to build your knowledge and develop your skills based on the Institute's Four Pillars: Equitable Hiring Practices and Retention Efforts; Socially Just Customer Service; Leading and Managing Diverse Teams; and Inclusive Marketing.
As a participant of this institute, you will receive a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion toolkit/participant packet, signed certificate, and recognition of institute completion on our website. Coffee, pastries, and a boxed lunch will be provided.
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 4. The choice is yours!
Session #1: Equitable Hiring Practices and Retention Efforts
Thursday, January 12 from 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm no cost to attend
Facilitated by Erin Stresow PhD Division of Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Session #2: Socially Just Customer Service
Wednesday, February 8 from 8:30 am - 11:30 am no cost to attend
Facilitated by Erin Stresow PhD Division of Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Session #3: Leading & Managing Diverse Teams
Wednesday, March 8 from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm no cost to attend
Facilitated by Erin Stresow PhD Division of Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Session #4: Inclusive Marketing
Wednesday, April 5 from 8:30 am - 11:30 am no cost to attend
Co-Facilitated by Erin Stresow PhD Division of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, and Dana Dominguez, Associate Director Communications, Pomerantz Career Center
*Prerequisite for Supplemental Sessions: Completion of the 1.5-Day ICBB Institute. Participants will receive a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion toolkit/participant packet, signed certificate, and recognition of institute completion on our website. Coffee, pastries, and/or snacks will be provided at all sessions.
Brought to you by: UI Division of Diversity Equity, and Inclusion, Iowa City Downtown District, UI Office of Outreach and Engagement, City of Iowa City, and Iowa City Area Development.
We appreciate your dedication to the making more inclusive spaces in your companies and organizations and in our community.
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.