Instituting DEI Initiatives
A Virtual Panel Discussion
IN-PERSON OPTION no longer available. Please register to attend virtually!
Virtual Registration: 11:45 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
Chapter Meeting: 11:50 a.m.
Presentation: Noon – 1 p.m.
Members: $35
Not Yet Members: $45
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HRCI and SHRM recertification credits pending.
Virtual Attendee Registration
The panelists will offer suggestions, best practices and resources to institute DEI Initiatives in organizations. They will share opportunities that align with SHRM resources and practices.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will gain additional understanding in how to access their readiness for implementing DEI Initiatives
- Participants will gain additional tools and resources that can be used in implementing DEI Initiatives
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Vidal Dickerson
Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer at Christopher Newport University
Vidal Dickerson serves as the Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer at Christopher Newport University. Over his 22 years in the diversity field, he has served in leadership roles in higher education, in nonprofit organizations, and in the medical education arena. His background encompasses all facets of inclusion work – race and ethnicity, religion and spirituality, gender and sexuality, disabilities and accessibility – delivered through programs in education and training, community relations, leadership development and individual support. Of particular note are the career/college access programs for low income students and families including the Aim Higher St. Louis program for St. Louis Public Schools and the Governor’s Village for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools.
Vidal received a BS in Mathematics from Austin Peay State University, an MS in Higher Education Administration from Indiana State University and is currently a pre-candidate doctoral student in Human and Organizational Learning at The George Washington University.
A resident of Hampton, VA, Vidal is also very involved in the community. He serves on the Peninsula board for the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) and People 2 People – a Newport News-based nonprofit committed to race relations, diversity and quality of life. He is a member of the National Association for Diversity Officers in Higher Education, the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, the Association for Talent Development, and he serves as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chair for the Peninsula Chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management (PenSHRM).
Veleka S. Gatling, PhD
Interim Assistant Vice-President, Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, Old Dominion University
Dr. Veleka S. Gatling, has committed her life to seeking opportunities for educators and community members to achieve excellence in their fields of expertise, while promoting equity. With over 27 years in public education, Dr. Gatling has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, executive director of special and gifted programs, and executive director of professional learning in various school divisions in Hampton Roads. She has also served as an adjunct professor and lecturer in the department of educational leadership at Old Dominion University.
Dr. Gatling has provided keynotes and breakout sessions at state and national conferences on topics related to facilitating better conversations to promote visible equity. Dr. Gatling is a Qualified Assessor of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). She has administered the IDI and debrief results of the IDI with over 200 clients. Her clients have included leadership teams from local school divisions, the leadership team from the Everglades Foundation in Florida, the leadership team of former Governor Northam and students and staff at Old Dominion University. She is also a Certified Trainer of Bold, Inclusive Conversations for public, private and non-profit organizations.
Dr. Gatling was appointed by Former Governor Northam to serve on the Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Education Practices Advisory Committee. The purpose of this committee was to provide recommendations pursuant to SB 853 and HB916. She is also the Co-Chair of a workgroup on the Task Force for Racial Equity at James Madison University.
Dr. Gatling is a proud graduate of James Madison University, Old Dominion University and Virginia Tech. She resides in Norfolk, Virginia with her husband, Rev. R. Perez Gatling. They have one son, Lewis Perez Gatling.
