Learning Circles

Small group, virtual sessions to discuss DE&I related topics

The Council’s DE&I Learning Circles are a series of virtual, small-group sessions designed to help members confront difficult truths, expand awareness and unlearn dominant societal norms.

During six 90-minute sessions held over several months, professional facilitators explain how racist and discriminatory practices have shaped our society. These sessions offer a safe space for participants to share with peers, learn how to navigate sensitive topics and create more inclusion in the workplace.

To gain maximum benefit from this learning experience, it is strongly recommended to attend all six, 90-minute sessions. There is no cost for members to participate.

Past Learning Circles

Previous series have focused on:

  • Dismantling of cultural norms that have benefited certain groups of Americans, specifically those who identify as “white” and “male.”
  • Implicit biases that shape leadership culture at the office
  • Moving beyond “performative gestures” to practical applications of DE&I principles
  • Assessing your “anti-racist intelligence quotient” (ARQ)

Upcoming Learning Circle

Register here

Current Facilitators

  • Tracy Rogers, Activist & Certified Life Coach

    As sole proprietor of Tracey L Rogers LLC, Tracey L. Rogers is an activist, professional Astrologer and certified Life Coach serving clients throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, nationally and abroad. Tracey’s work as an activist and entrepreneur has been featured in several publications and online journals including Alexandria Living, Black America Web, Martha Stewart Weddings, O – The Oprah Winfrey Magazine, Other Words DC, Rebelle Society, Sasstrology, Sesi Magazine and The Horoscope Junkie. Tracey has also been a regularly featured guest on nationally syndicated talk radio shows including the Russ Parr Morning Show (MAJIC 102.3) based in Washington, DC, and Dee Dee In The Morning (K104) based in Dallas, TX. Tracey’s activist career began with political campaign management and organizing after college, and she has worked tirelessly to combat racial injustice and gender inequality.

    Tracey has launched anti-racism/anti-blackness campaigns and teach-ins with different groups and faith-based communities throughout Northern Virginia and is a 2019 recipient of the Charles P. Monroe Civil Rights Award given by the Arlington, Virginia chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Tracey has developed and facilitated workshops centered on women’s empowerment, racial justice, interfaith peace-building, and millennial organizing (in the Middle East). Tracey also participated in an Indigenous and People of Color witness delegation to Israel/Palestine, which inspired her to curate Movements of Oppression, Solidarity and Hope; Movements is a pop-up photo exhibit featuring images that reflect shared struggles of oppression amongst various human rights and liberation campaigns that share a hope for change through solidarity. Tracey holds a B.A. in Political Science from Temple University and an M.A. in International Education with a focus on Arab Culture and Islamic Education from The George Washington University. Tracey currently lives Philadelphia, PA.

  • Richard Schaeff, Consultant, WMFDP

    Richard Schaeff from White Men as Full Diversity Partners (WMFDP), has been leading organizational and personal change work for over 30 years as an executive leadership coach; an experiential facilitator for individual and team development; a culture change specialist; a mediator and conflict resolution facilitator; and a trainer for transformational curriculum. Schaeff is appreciated for his approach of combining humor, authenticity and assertiveness to create environments that allow others to hold the real tensions of difference while embracing diverse voices for genuine growth. While the curriculum may differ by group and size, Schaeff’s aligned approach remains the same: everyone wants their true selves to be seen and heard. WMFDP is a consulting firm that helps companies with diversity and inclusivity training.

Past Facilitators

  • Farzin Farzad, Founder, Critical Equity Consulting

    Farzin Farzad is an Organizational Justice practitioner with experience in higher education, local government, and the private sector. Holding two master’s degrees in international affairs and diplomacy as well as a certificate in conflict resolution skills, Farzin leverages his unique academic background, extensive travel experience, and experiential knowledge to provide comprehensive, thought-provoking local and global approaches to his work.

    In addition to training and education programs, Farzin is a seasoned project manager with expertise in developing strategies that build equitable workplace environments and government services, as well as Employee Resource Group events and programs. Farzin is the founder of Critical Equity Consulting, LLC, a boutique Organizational Justice consulting firm focused on helping organizations rebuild with a primary focus on creating equitable outcomes.

Upcoming Learning Circles