Please join us for another session in our DEI Series \;on November 14 to hear from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR)\, as we discuss equal opportunity and access for all. \; \;The MDCR'\;s primary purpose \;is to investigate complaints of discrimination in employment\, education\, housing\, public accommodation\, law enforcement and public service. The alleged discrimination must be based on religion\, race\, color\, national origin\, arrest record\, genetic information\, sex\, age\, height\, weight\, marital status or disability. \;
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\nWe will also talk about inequities in certain industries as it relates to disabled individuals and access to jobs and promotions.
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Whether you\, or your organization\, \;are just getting started on your DEI journey\, or even if you have a good comprehension of Diversity\, Equity and Inclusion\, this session is for you.
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\nAttendees who bring an open mind\, and a genuine interest to learn about DEI issues to this event can develop a \;better awareness and understanding of where they and their organization are on the continuum\, and how to continue taking meaningful steps toward greater equity of opportunity. \; \;
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#DEIA2Y
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\nFeatured Speaker:
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\nAlfredo Hernandez
\nDirector of Diversity\, Equity\, and Inclusion
\nMichigan Department of Civil Rights
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\nAlfredo was born and raised in Panama. \; He moved to the United States in 1990 and joined the US Army at an early age. \; He spent 5 years stationed in Hawaii before moving to Illinois in 1997 and Michigan in 1998. \; He obtained a bachelor'\;s degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Philosophy at Grand Valley State University where his work\, Language\, Culture\, Perception and Knowledge\, was published \;in the \;McNair Scholar Journal. \; He obtained his master'\;s degree in Comparative Religion from Western Michigan University and has \;worked in the field of equity for numerous years developing inclusive strategies for organizational change.
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\nGuest Speaker:

\nAlex Gossage
\nExecutive Director \;
\nAACIL
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\nAlex is the Executive Director of the Ann Arbor\, Livingston\, and Monroe Centers for Independent Living. \; Since becoming interim executive director in 2017\, he has led the launch of new services\, including employment services\, benefits counseling\, the growth of disability awareness programs for school age youth and transportation workers\, and the establishment of a wide range of social and recreation programs. \; \;Alex is passionate about the inclusion of people with disabilities throughout our community\, and within the organization.
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A2Y Diversity\, Equity &\; Inclusion Series \;is a collaborative \;between the \;Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti RegionalChamber\, \;Destination Ann Arbor\, and \;United Way of Washtenaw County.
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Community Sponsors:

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\nEvent Sponsor

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True Community Credit Union
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\nFood &\; Beverage \;Sponsor
\nThe Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority
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The A2Y DEI Series is an educational series intended to provide information\, access to resources\, connectivity\, and provide a safe space to have meaningful conversation\, in order to invoke positive change. \; \;

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