Advancing Anti-Racism and Resilience through Mentorship and Leadership: A BCBELA Black Leaders Symposium
This one-day symposium in partnership with UBC Connects and the BC Black Educational Leaders Association , will bring together racialized leaders, community advocates, and allies from diverse sectors and communities to engage in impactful conversations about equity and inclusion.
Through keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, we will:
- Empower racialized leaders to share their experiences, insights, and strategies for success.
- Build a supportive network that fosters collaboration and resource sharing across sectors.
- Advocate for change by addressing systemic challenges faced by racialized professionals and communities and promoting equitable policies and practices
Event Information
Date
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Time
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location
UBC Robson Square
800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2E7
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Event Schedule
8:30 Registration opens
9:00 Programming begins
9:30 Keynote address
10:00 Break
10:15 Morning Sessions A
11:15 Break
11:30 Morning Sessions B
12:30 Lunch and networking
1:15 Afternoon Session
2:30 Closing Plenary
Session Details
Many racialized folks who enter the workforce do not prioritize mentorship because it can be interpreted as ‘not knowing how to do your job.’ However, mentorship plays a vital role in skill development, building confidence, establishing community, and achieving personal and professional goals. Seeking out a mentor can be intimidating, and many folks do not know where to start. This session will explain the value of mentorship, especially for racialized professionals, the role of the mentor and the mentee, and provide strategies on how to find a mentor that is the right fit.
Stress and moments of increased tension disproportionally affect racialized professionals in the workplace. Understanding what healthy stress is and feels like for you, in addition to learning self-resourcing strategies, can support healthier relationships and a healthier you. This session will explore how many racialized people experience increased stress due to their identity. We will explore how stress affects the body and we will explore strategies to set healthy boundaries. Participants can expect discussions, time for self-reflection.
Power dynamics exist in every relationship; however, they are most acutely noticed by racialized professionals in the workplace. Understanding how power manifests can empower those to take action. For those who are holding the power, it can help to dismantle power structures and create spaces of increased access. This session will explain power dynamics. Participants can anticipate time for discussion and application through lived experiences and other examples.
A living library offers learners the opportunity to listen to and ask questions of people who have a unique expertise or set of experiences. The living library will have a cross-section of various fields, including: Education, Healthcare and Law, Entertainment and Business. Each of the three spaces will have three to four “books” who will share their knowledge with participants. After the “books” have shared with the larger group, participants will have the opportunity to break off into smaller groups and ask questions. We respectfully ask that participants stay in the room they have selected for the duration of the Living Library session to avoid disrupting the learning and sharing of others.
Registration
Please register for this event by clicking this link.
