ROUNDTABLE BREAKFAST: When Privilege, Race and Culture Converge: Conflict with "Allies" in the Workplace

ACR-GNY & CUNY Dispute Resolution Center at John Jay College present:

WHEN PRIVILEGE, RACE AND CULTURE CONVERGE:

Conflict with "Allies" in the Workplace

PLEASE NOTE: ROOM 630

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION: 8:00 AM

PROGRAM: 8:30 AM

SANDRA S. YAMATE

Workplace conflict is nothing new. Nor is conflict that may be grounded in issues of race and cultural differences. But often, it is unexpected when it arises among people who would otherwise consider themselves “allies” across lines of difference or connected by a common mission or vision. It can be compounded by privilege and result in wounds far deeper than other types of conflict. Indeed, the very unexpectedness can exacerbate the conflict. During this discussion, we’ll explore the intersection of race and culture with privilege and how that can manifest in conflicts among “allies.” This session will not focus on employment law issues or legal rights or potential causes of action but rather on understanding how privilege coupled with racial/cultural differences can be a conflict landmine that real allies need to appreciate.

SANDRA S. YAMATE is the CEO of the Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession (“IILP”). IILP is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to creating a more diverse and inclusive legal profession through research and educational programming. IILP works primarily in the US but has begun expanding its efforts into the UK, EU, and Latin America. A lawyer by training, Sandra spent ten years as the Director of the American Bar Association’s Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession and the preceding three years as the first Executive Director of the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms. Prior to that, she was a litigator in Chicago for ten years.

Sandra is the immediate past Chair of the National Judicial College (“NJC”) and serves as a member of the board of the National Association of Women Lawyers (“NAWL”). She also serves on the Leadership Advisory Council of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (“NAPABA”), chairs the Harvard Law School Asian American Alumni Group, and is a member of the New York City Bar Association’s Enhance Diversity in the Profession Committee.

Sandra helped found the Asian American Institute, the National Women’s Political Caucus of Greater Chicago, and a number of local diversity bar associations. Currently, she is trying to learn more about Animal Law and animal rights and welfare issues. Sandra earned her JD from Harvard Law School as well as an AB in Political Science (cum laude) and History (magna cum laude) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.