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Learning Circles

Fostering an inclusive workforce through honest, small-group, virtual discussions

The Council’s Learning Circles are a series of virtual, small-group discussions intended to help insurance professionals build a culture of inclusion and belonging in their organization. Creating this type of environment starts with examining cultural norms that have historically benefited certain groups over others, resulting in biased practices and ideologies.

Over the course of six bi-monthly, 90-minute sessions, professional facilitators lead difficult but important discussions to help attendees “unlearn” dominant cultural norms and recognize how they are deeply embedded in all aspects of life. Learning Circles are a safe space to navigate challenging topics in a supportive setting.

Attendance at all six sessions is highly encouraged and there is no cost to register.

Previous Learning Circles have covered:

  • Analyzing the influence of cultural norms.
  • Addressing unconscious biases in leadership practices.
  • Moving from symbolic actions to meaningful implementation of inclusion- and belonging-focused activities

Current Facilitators

  • Tracy Rogers, Activist & Certified Life Coach

    As sole proprietor of Tracey L Rogers LLC, Tracey L. Rogers is an activist, professional Astrologer and certified Life Coach serving clients throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, nationally and abroad. Tracey’s work as an activist and entrepreneur has been featured in several publications and online journals including Alexandria Living, Black America Web, Martha Stewart Weddings, O – The Oprah Winfrey Magazine, Other Words DC, Rebelle Society, Sasstrology, Sesi Magazine and The Horoscope Junkie. Tracey has also been a regularly featured guest on nationally syndicated talk radio shows including the Russ Parr Morning Show (MAJIC 102.3) based in Washington, DC, and Dee Dee In The Morning (K104) based in Dallas, TX. Tracey’s activist career began with political campaign management and organizing after college, and she has worked tirelessly to combat racial injustice and gender inequality.

    Tracey has launched anti-racism/anti-blackness campaigns and teach-ins with different groups and faith-based communities throughout Northern Virginia and is a 2019 recipient of the Charles P. Monroe Civil Rights Award given by the Arlington, Virginia chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Tracey has developed and facilitated workshops centered on women’s empowerment, racial justice, interfaith peace-building, and millennial organizing (in the Middle East). Tracey also participated in an Indigenous and People of Color witness delegation to Israel/Palestine, which inspired her to curate Movements of Oppression, Solidarity and Hope; Movements is a pop-up photo exhibit featuring images that reflect shared struggles of oppression amongst various human rights and liberation campaigns that share a hope for change through solidarity. Tracey holds a B.A. in Political Science from Temple University and an M.A. in International Education with a focus on Arab Culture and Islamic Education from The George Washington University. Tracey currently lives Philadelphia, PA.

  • Richard Schaeff, Consultant, WMFDP

    Richard Schaeff from White Men as Full Diversity Partners (WMFDP), has been leading organizational and personal change work for over 30 years as an executive leadership coach; an experiential facilitator for individual and team development; a culture change specialist; a mediator and conflict resolution facilitator; and a trainer for transformational curriculum. Schaeff is appreciated for his approach of combining humor, authenticity and assertiveness to create environments that allow others to hold the real tensions of difference while embracing diverse voices for genuine growth. While the curriculum may differ by group and size, Schaeff’s aligned approach remains the same: everyone wants their true selves to be seen and heard. WMFDP is a consulting firm that helps companies with diversity and inclusivity training.