DEI Dialogues

Sharing perspectives, understanding differences

We’re all different in many ways. We all have unique perspectives. Understanding and sharing those differences and perspectives helps create an inclusive environment where we feel valued and can contribute fully to AAUW’s mission.

But it’s not easy to have what AAUW National describes as “difficult conversations.” 

That’s where a series of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) discussions held by the AAUW Florida DEI Committee via Zoom from October 2021 to April 2023 can help. The dialogues aim to help you become more comfortable sharing your perspectives or having those difficult conversations – and to inspire you to consider diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of your life. Use them at a branch meeting to start the conversation. 

Click here to access the videos on the Vimeo site. Or check the Branch Resources on this website.

  2022 – 2023 Dialogues

  • DEI Dialogue #1 – November 12, 2022 – Gender Identity and Orientation. Gina Leigh Duncan, Development Leader Central Florida, Equality Florida. Duncan is a national and international advocate, corporate trainer, and speaker specializing in transgender dynamics in the workplace, classroom, and society.
  • DEI Dialogue #2 – January 14, 2023 – Intersectionality of Dance as a Universal Language.  Alexandria Davis., teaching artist, choreographer and screen dance maker, Davis shares becoming and teaching being one’s authentic self in dance.   
  • DEI Dialogue #3 – February 11, 2023 – Understanding Intersectionality.  Melissa LaDuke, AAUW National DEI Committee chair. LaDuke is currently a faculty member at the National Intelligence University in Bethesda, Md., and has been in the US Air Force since 2005. 
  • DEI Dialogue #4 – March 11, 2023 – Inclusion or Exclusion.  Susan Wagner Carter, president, AAUW New Smyrna branch. Carter began her career in technology and later served in several governmental posts, before coming full circle, coming back to technology. 
  • DEI Dialogue #5 – April 15, 2023 – Reflections and Observations. AAUW Florida DEI Committee.

2021 – 2022 Dialogues

  • DEI Dialogue #1 – October 9, 2021 – Implicit Bias – the attitudes and stereotypes that we have but are not aware of. These biases may influence our thinking in ways we’re not even aware of and can’t totally control. The dialogue focuses on identifying our implicit biases and ways of addressing them. 
  • DEI Dialogue #2 – November 13, 2021 – Micro-aggression – a comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group. The session focuses on how to identify and avoid micro-aggressions in our actions and language.   
  • DEI Dialogue #3 – December 11, 2021 – Diversity vs. Equity – DEI chair Jonnie Mae Perry explains how both diversity and inclusion are needed in our state and branch organizations. Then seven other AAUW members share their observations, personal experiences, and questions regarding inclusion.
  • DEI Dialogue #4 – January 8, 2022 – Diversity in Faith – Join Dr. Lucinda Mosher for a discussion about the diversity of religions in Florida and how we may engage with one’s own faith and the beliefs of others.  Dr. Lucinda Mosher is a faculty associate in Interreligious Studies and senior scholar for Executive and Professional Education at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. She teaches courses in interreligious studies, comparative theology, leadership, and Christian-Muslim concerns.
  • DEI Dialogue #5 – February 12, 2022 – Florida’s History of Racism – Andrew Sorbo, a retired History Teacher and Principal. talks about the history of racism in Florida.  Andrew is an Art Collector and has Artifacts dating back to 1500 BC. He is a facilitator of Social and Racial Justice workshops, including the 1619 Project and African Civilizations.
  • DEI Dialogue #6 – March 12, 2022 – Cultural Influence on Girls – Impact on self-perception of girls and young women, and implications for their development as leaders. Jacobs is a retired professor from Western Carolina University where she was department head in educational leadership and foundations.