AC2021 - 201: Overcoming Unconscious Bias to Improve Representation

Qualifies for CPD hours - Learning & Development - Talent Management - Workforce Planning

As organizations are making commitments to change the feel and face of their workforce, their efforts are falling short of reaching their desired diversity goals. Unconscious biases and inequitable recruitment processes are often to blame. As a result, candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are not being engaged in the hiring process. This session will examine how to overcome hiring bias and share strategies to prioritize meaningful representation and create inclusive spaces.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the impacts of unconscious bias in the workplace;
• Gain tools to address hiring bias in the recruitment and hiring process; and
• Possess strategies to better attract and promote diverse talent.

Letecia Rose

Principal Consultant, Certified Diversity Facilitator 
Skill Market

Letecia Rose is an equity strategist passionate about creating inclusive and accessible spaces. Her career has transcended multiple sectors working in the arts, youth development, education, recreation and social service. Working in the area of social justice for the past 15 years, Letecia has trained thousands of organizations, educators and stakeholders in hands-on diversity programs across Ontario and has created spaces for individuals to have courageous conversations about issues of discrimination and inequity.

Letecia is a recognized city-builder working alongside groups like Civic Action as a Fellow and has received the United Way Innovation and Creativity award, a Vital People award from Toronto Community Foundation and Inclusion Innovation Award from the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Currently, Letecia is a facilitation trainer and equity and inclusion consultant for Skill Market, working across a variety of sectors to cultivate cohesive and equitable work and learning environments. Letecia remains rooted in the community as the Manager of Partnerships and Programs for Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment’s LaunchPad, a state-of-the-art facility in Moss Park dedicated to using sports as a tool to teach life and 21st-century skills to help youth reach their full potential. Within the community, Letecia sits on the Boards of the Civic Action Leadership Foundation and RISE Edutainment and is the Co-Chair of the Emerging Leaders Network, a community of 2500 rising leaders across the GTA working to connect, develop and activate civic engagement and community response.