Blue Ox Success Series: Showing up to Build and Lead an Inclusive Workplace

Description

Webinar: Showing up to Build and Lead an Inclusive Workplace 

• Learn about why it matters to understand inclusion from a workplace viewpoint from expert Sarah Oquist, our keynote speaker.
• Hear from local Central Lakes College President, Dr. Hara Charlier, about the importance of working together to create inclusive places to work, learn, grow, and support one another through the journey.
• Understand what challenges three local businesses and organizations have had in developing an inclusive workplace and what they've done to overcome and succeed.

About Our Speakers

Our Keynote: Sarah Lynn Oquist; National Speaker, Corporate Attorney, Executive Coach, and Business Consultant
Sarah Oquist is a national speaker, corporate attorney, executive coach, and business consultant.  She currently serves on the board of directors of six companies and chairs and serves on numerous board committees, often including a company’s finance, governance and executive committees.

Sarah started her combined legal, business career over 20 years ago – first as a commercial finance lawyer at Faegre, then as primary international lawyer for U.S. Bank. She then served at Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures as CEO and chairman of the board of all the tribe's businesses, providing strategic leadership and overall direction for the parent company and its various commercial businesses; and most recently co-founder/COO for a Minneapolis commercial litigation law firm. 

Passionate about equipping leaders to transform their corporate environments for positive, sustainable growth, Sarah speaks and consults most often on topics of successful leadership, corporate governance, and workplace inclusion.

The National Association of Corporate Directors certified Sarah as a Corporate Governance Fellow for demonstrating her commitment to exemplary corporate governance. Lyon College, Sarah’s alma mater, honored her with its 2020 Distinguished Alumna Award for her notable degree of professional success, and Minnesota Lawyer honored Sarah with its 2020 Diversity & Inclusion Award for going above and beyond in her efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive community.

Being of both Native American and African American descent, Sarah grew up in Arkansas but now lives in a Minneapolis suburb with her husband and three school-aged children.

Dr. Hara Charlier, President, Central Lakes College
Dr. Hara Charlier took her post as president of Central Lakes College in July 2016.  During her tenure, the college has experienced growth at a time when nationwide community college enrollment is falling, expanded its commitment to sustainability with solar arrays on each campus, renovated facilities to better serve students, and launched new programs to meet the region’s workforce needs. Dr. Charlier considers relationships to be the foundation of any successful organization. Under her leadership, the employees of CLC have worked to build a strong culture focused on people and voice. Recently, the college was recognized as a 2020 Great College to Work For, achieving elite Honor Roll status by the program. 
 
Prior to joining Central Lakes College, Dr. Charlier served as vice president of instruction and student services at Virginia Highlands Community College. Previously, she held leadership and faculty roles at Blue Ridge Community College in Virginia. Dr. Charlier lives in Nisswa with her husband, Russ, and a menagerie of animals. They have two adult daughters, Devon and Lili. 

Inclusive Workplace Award Recipients Panel:

Central Lakes College: Dr. Hara Charlier, President
Essentia Health: Nathan Hamilton, PHR, SHRM-CP; Human Resources Business Partner
Delta Dental of Minnesota: Trisha Maruska, Human Resources Director (Bemidji)




**This program is made possible by a grant from Northwest Area Foundation through Region 5, along with a partnership with the Welcoming Communities Advocacy Group and our event sponsors listed below. Thank you!

    


If you have any questions, send to Paula Chapulis (blueox@brainerdlakeschamber.com) at the Chamber.  

About the Blue Ox Business Academy and Success Series:
With support from Anderson Brothers Construction, the Blue Ox Business Academy delivers local, affordable and high-quality training that strengthens our community by helping businesses succeed. By investing in yourself or your employees, you achieve the highest possible returns in enhanced skills, confidence and job satisfaction. Blue Ox trainers are professional presenters with engaging personalities and real-world experience. Participants make great peer connections and leave with tools and ideas to immediately put into action.