Engaging Women of Color returns with a new one-day conference for women of color working in the public sector. The workshop is designed to provide a space for women of color to learn together and connect with each other. This year’s sessions will support women of color seeking to clarify their goals, enhance their skills, and learn strategies for self-care and healing. Through inspiring speakers, personal reflection, and supportive small group discussions, we will explore the unique challenges faced by women of color navigating public sector workplaces and strategies to navigate them.  We hope you leave this conference energized and better equipped to care for yourself and your community.

Schedule: This conference will be held from 9:00am-4:00pm at the NC Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill. The full agenda is linked here. 

Attendees: Women of color in public service, including those in local, state, and federal government and nonprofit organizations

Meet the Presenters

Asila Calhoun

Asila Calhoun is a certified coach and facilitator whose practice focuses on partnering with new and emerging leaders through executives who are ready for change. Asila has clients from a wide variety of backgrounds and industries, including biotechnology/clinical research, healthcare, non‐profit organizations, and business owners.  During Asila’s 25+ year career as a strategic HR business partner, she has successfully worked with senior leaders to enhance the skills, tools, and learning opportunities they need to positively impact employee performance.

Joelle LaGuerre

Joelle LaGuerre is an HR professional with over 20 years of experience in workplace learning and development. She is a consultant and coach – most energized by helping individuals navigate work and life towards the fulfillment of their full potential. Through her company PRO-YOU®, she works with clients to focus on self-awareness and exploration as the foundation for meaningful career and leadership development. An equally passionate consultant, Joelle guides organizations through planning processes designed to align talent with business outcomes. Joelle began her career in the non-profit sector and has since held program management and leadership roles in private industry, higher education, and the federal government.

Shanna B. Tiayon, PhD:

Shanna B. Tiayon, PhD, also known as “The Wellbeing Dr.”, is a Social Psychologist, former Senior Global Human Resources professional, speaker and writer. Shanna has over 20 years of experience in the field of international HR, and her academic research focused largely on mental and physical health in minority populations.

Shanna is the Founder and CEO of Yes Wellbeing Works, LLC, a consulting firm focused on fostering employee wellbeing through data and metrics, training, and strategy. Shanna writes and speaks on topics of wellbeing and the ways we may infringe upon the wellbeing of others. She is a TEDx speaker, and her writing has appeared in several publications including Greater Good Magazine, The Guardian, and Yes! Magazine. She was a 2022 National Magazine Award Finalist and is a frequently quoted expert in the mental health space.