Ethical Re-Opening Summit (EP.42)

A year ago, many organizations flipped the switch to being entirely virtual workplaces almost overnight. As the world begins to re-open, we can't simply un-flip that switch. We're still living through the uncertainty of a global pandemic.In this episode, co-hosts Lauren Ruffin and Tim Cynova discuss the upcoming Ethical Re-Opening Summit that they're producing on April 27, 2021. They'll be previewing some of the speakers and sessions, as well as discussing their hopes for the convening.The summit brings together people who for years have been actively thinking and designing organizations to create inclusive and equitable workplaces. Speakers and panels will be discussion how we craft our workplaces that are unique to each of us, our values, our resources, our communities, and our missions. This time together gives attendees a moment to learn, share, and iterate on our own ideas and practices. TIM CYNOVA wears a multitude of hats, all in service of creating anti-racist workplaces where people can thrive. He currently is Co-CEO of the U.S.-based non-profit Fractured Atlas, a 20-year-old organization that in 2013 committed to becoming anti-racist in its work and operations. Relatedly, he is a Principal of the consulting group Work. Shouldn't. Suck. that assists organizations of all sizes and sectors with the “how” of creating anti-racist workplaces. Tim serves on the faculty of Canada’s Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity and New York's The New School teaching courses in People-Centric Organizational Design; he's a trained mediator, and a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). He also co-hosts a popular podcast under the Work. Shouldn’t. Suck. moniker. Earlier in his career, Tim was the Executive Director of The Parsons Dance Company and of High 5 Tickets to the Arts in New York City, had a memorable stint with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, was a one-time classical trombonist, musicologist, and for five years in his youth he delivered newspapers for the Evansville, Indiana Courier-Press. Also, during a particularly slow summer, he bicycled 3,902 miles across the United States.LAUREN RUFFIN is a thinker, designer, & leader interested in building strong, sustainable, anti-racist systems & organizations. She frequently explores how we can leverage new technologies to combat racial and economic injustice. Lauren is the co-founder of Crux, an international network & for-profit cooperative of Black artists creating stories in XR that hosts an online community & will launch VR distribution platform in 2020. Since 2016, she has served as Co-CEO & Chief External Relations Officer for Fractured Atlas, the nation's largest association of artists & creators. She is also the founder of Artist Campaign School, an educational program that has trained more than 70 artists to run for political office. Lauren graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a degree in Political Science & obtained a J.D. from Howard University. She has served on the governing board of Black Girls Code & is on the advisory boards of ArtUp & Black Girl Ventures.