Event held at Nourish Farms on October 23, 2024
At United Way of Sheboygan County, fostering understanding and collaboration across our community is central to our mission. On October 23, we had the privilege of hosting Derek Mosley, former Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge and current Director of Marquette University’s Lubar Center, for a captivating training titled “Unconscious Bias: Knowing What You Don’t Know.”
The event, organized in partnership with the Sheboygan Area Nonprofit Network, brought together over 90 attendees, including nonprofit leaders, corporate HR professionals, and local government representatives. Held at Nourish Farms in Sheboygan Falls, the training sparked conversations that left participants inspired and equipped with tools to examine their own biases.
Why Focus on Unconscious Bias?
Unconscious bias—subtle, often unintentional preferences or judgments—affects how we interact with others and make decisions. For organizations committed to equity and inclusion, understanding these biases is crucial. Derek Mosley’s presentation illustrated the ways bias can influence our perceptions, from seemingly innocuous moments in children’s books and Disney movies to larger societal patterns.
Highlights from the Event
- Engaging Examples: Judge Mosley used relatable examples, blending his witty sense of humor and thought-provoking insights to make the topic approachable. Who knew that even our favorite childhood stories could shape our unconscious expectations about the world?
- Interactive Discussions: Participants shared their own stories, diving into how biases show up in their personal and professional lives.
- Practical Tools: Attendees walked away with actionable strategies to recognize and mitigate unconscious bias, fostering more inclusive workplaces and communities.
Feedback from Participants
The impact of Judge Mosley’s message was evident in the overwhelmingly positive feedback. Attendees appreciated his ability to simplify complex ideas while maintaining a nonjudgmental space for learning. One participant shared, “This training helped me see the blind spots I didn’t realize I had. I feel more confident addressing these issues in my day to day work.”
Moving Forward Together
United Way of Sheboygan County is committed to building a community where everyone feels valued and included. Events like this are just one step in our journey. We’re grateful to Judge Mosley for his wisdom and to all attendees who are championing change within their spheres of influence.
Special Thanks
A big thank-you to the Sheboygan Area Nonprofit Network for their partnership and to everyone who participated. Together, we’re fostering a culture of reflection and growth.
