Employees do not operate in a vacuum. Rather, their actions and feelings are influenced by events on and off the workplace. Traumatic events -  whether they stem from childhood or a negative experience at work -  may impact employees, negatively affecting their wellbeing and performance. Traumatic events may include a one-time incident or chronic trauma that may extend over months or even years.  In order to provide a truly supportive and inclusive workplace, organizations must consider trauma-informed practices when formulating policies around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Thus, on Friday, April 21, 2023 from 12:00PM to 1:00PM Eastern, the MSU Accountability Non-Discrimination in Employment (ANDIE) Lab will be hosting a webinar that will examine best-practices surrounding trauma-informed DEI, including best practices to support the wellbeing of employees. Experts in industry and academia will provide guidance on how to create trauma-informed inclusive workplace and will be available to answer questions live from attendees.

Cheryl Williams-Hecksel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Michigan.  She has been on the faculty of the School of Social Work at Michigan State University since 2006.  Prior to joining the faculty at MSU, she has spent more than 25 years in clinical and administrative roles in public and private child welfare and mental health agencies.  She is involved in MSU’s work with the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute where she serves as coordinator of the University Partnerships team and serves on the Racial Equity, Inclusion and Tribal Sovereignty Team. She is a founding member of the MSU Trauma Services and Training Network and provides training and consultation that supports the implementation of trauma informed practice in educational and organizational settings.