Interrupting Microaggressions (will NOT be recorded)

Co-hosted with USC

Presenters:  DeAngela Cooks, AMFT & Taunya Black, AMFT   
Moderator: Alicia Martinez, LCSW  
2 CEUs   
Costs: Member/USC Alumni - $65 | Nonmember - $95 | CSCSW Student Member/USC Student - $25 

Microaggressions are toxic to relationships and work environments. If left unchecked, microaggressions damage trust and the integrity of any relationship. In this workshop, we will explore ways in which microaggressions can be interrupted in the service of supporting constructive, authentic relationship dynamics.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this meeting, participants will:

1. Deepen understanding of the various forms of microaggressions.   

2. Basic understanding of being the microaggressed, microaggressor, and active bystander.  

3. Understand how to interrupt a microaggression from each of the three vantage points and how working on doing so in an ongoing way can build trust and productivity

About the Presenters:

DeAngela Cooks, AMFT

I’m DeAngela. I’m a triangle; comfortable with making points and incorporating the three sides of the truth. As a result, I’m a passionate public speaker of 20 years, professional master of ceremonies, an acclaimed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion workshop facilitator, and author.

Hailing from Southern California, I embrace my intersectional identities. As a Black, queer, woman, who is a parent, and has been a minister and stand-up comic, I bring a wealth of experiences to my work; infusing education with elocution, wit and a splash of sarcasm. I have collaborated on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives with UC Davis, The County of Alameda, Facing History and Ourselves, Cal State Fullerton, Designory, Golden Crown Literary Society, San Francisco Department of Probation, regional housing authorities, and the Pacific Center for Human Growth, just to name a few. I have also been a guest lecturer and keynote speaker on the topic of multiculturalism for various organizations.

After knocking out my Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Religion, I decided to graduate with my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I guess it's safe to say I'm a sap.

During my down time, you can find me encouraging parents to stop counting their toddler's age in months and devising a scheme to become unidentifiable by my student loan providers. My superpower is utilizing my humor to help people reflect their sameness while appreciating their differences.

To find out more about my public speaking coaching, workshops and event hosting, visit my personal website at www.DeAngela.net.

Taunya Black, AMFT

I’m Taunya. I’m a circle; able to hold the center, while expanding the circumference to create a transformative space; one that brings together individual gifts in the service of initiating movement for the collective good. I believe that DEI work is both a revolutionary (institutional) and an evolutionary (interpersonal/personal) process that involves the heart, mind and spirit in equal measure. Having worked in non-profit settings as a Program and Executive Director, and strategic management consultant, I bring expertise in program design and implementation, staff development, strategic visioning and operations. This, in combination with my training as a Marriage and Family Therapist, yoga and meditation instructor, and holistic personal coach, allows me to approach DEI work from all sides of being.

As a mixed race Black, bi-coastal, bi-sexual queer woman and former single parent, with familial roots in both the Northeast and the South, I have an experiential understanding of the ways in which binaries operate within the American cultural landscape. I am able to traverse many different cultural binaries, and the spaces in between, with empathy. In addition to my traditional organizational work, and prior to founding TMC, I worked on a variety of DEI initiatives with organizations including Brooklyn Friends School, The Pacific Center for Human Growth, California Institute of Integral Studies, Public Equity Group, and the Bridgespan Group. Some of my other work included participating in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion task forces at various educational institutions, lecturing on multiculturalism for graduate-level psychology courses, collaborating on content for keynotes, and curating a mental health conference specifically addressing the mental health needs of QTBIPoC folx. I currently sit on the board of Acta Non-Verba, a non-profit dedicated to urban farming and food justice.

I hold a BA in Urban Studies and Dance from Barnard College, a BA in Creative Writing from SUNY Empire State, and an MA in Counseling Psychology from The California Institute of Integral Studies. My superpower is creative and strategic visioning, synthesizing complex concepts, and creating platforms for change. To learn more about me, visit my LinkedIn page.

About the Moderator:

Alicia Martinez, LCSW

Alicia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and currently serves as the Clinical Director of a locked inpatient psychiatric hospital in Oakland, CA.  Alicia is originally from the Los Angeles area, receiving her undergraduate degree in Psychology and subsequently a Masters Degree in Social Work with a focus on severe and persistent mental illness (SMRI). Alicia is an active member of her company's Cultural, Humility, Equity, and Inclusion committee. She has worked with various populations in a variety of clinical settings as a psychotherapist and psychiatric social worker; including both intensive community outpatient programs (FCCS, FSP, and outreach) and inpatient psychiatric programs with the veteran, homeless, TAY, Adult, Older Adult, and justice involved populations. Alicia also has experience in international social work; working with women, mothers, and children in poverty – previously stationed in communities throughout India. Alicia also serves as a field instructor for MSW students and oversees ASWs in clinical supervision as they strive for licensure. She utilizes her roles as a platform to further assist clients, staff, and students in reaching their goals and potential; in addition to serving as an advocate for the Social Work profession and marginalized groups.

Contact:  Monica Blauner

Workshop Logistics: After registering you will receive a link to the ZOOM meeting.