Event Details

Topic: We're Better Together: Impactful Stories of Cultural Competence in the Workplace

Speaker: Gloria Ochoa

Centerplace Regional Event Center: 2426 North Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA 99216 

TIME: Check-in begins at 11 AM, announcements begin at 11:30AM, Session runs from noon - 1pm

Click here for Registration

 REGISTRATION CLOSES Thursday, April 6th at 4pm - REGISTER TODAY! 

This presentation will spotlight the necessity of greater cultural competence in our workplaces by exploring the personal experiences of applicants and employees from various cultural backgrounds here in Spokane.  Cultural competence is the ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures.  Its development requires a willingness to be responsive and respectful to the beliefs and practices-and cultural and linguistic needs-of diverse population groups, beyond race and ethnicity.  Indeed, in acknowledging and honoring these differences, our employees and workplaces benefit from cross-cultural perspectives.  Moving forward together allows us to acknowledge our biases and make everyone's contribution significant. Please join our panel as they share their individual experiences and help us find ways to foster more inclusive work environments for all.

 "We may not always see eye to eye, but we can try to see heart to heart." - Sam Levenson

Learning objectives:

• Hear compelling stories from applicants and employees discussing workplace examples that demonstrate the need for cultural competence.
• Assess organizational diversity in your workplace
• Learn how to invest in building capacity for cultural competency and inclusion
• Practice strategic planning that incorporates community culture and diversity
• Discover how to implement prevention strategies using cultures and diversity as a resource
• Develop cultural competence for your workplace

Gloria Ochoa - Director, Local Government and Multi-Cultural Affairs

Gloria Ochoa currently serves as the Director of Local Government and Multi-Cultural Affairs for the City of Spokane and is an Adjunct Professor at Gonzaga University School of Law.  She also serves as a Commissioner for the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs. Gloria commenced her legal career as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Benton County and then transitioned into private practice.  Gloria has extensive jury trial experience in criminal cases both as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and as Defense Counsel.  Gloria's criminal law practice focused on felony matters in both State and Federal Court.  Gloria also held a judicial services contract with the Spokane Tribe of Indians and served as Chief Judge for Spokane Tribal Court. 

Gloria is a graduate of Leadership Tri-Cities Class XII and Leadership Spokane 2012.  She is a member of the Hispanic Business Professionals Association, the Latina/o Bar Association, the Spokane County Bar Association's Diversity Committee, and Washington Women Lawyers. Gloria serves on the board for the Washington State Bar Association Lawyer's Fund for Client Protection Board. 

Gloria is a Washington State Bar Association Leadership Institute Fellow in the inaugural class of 2005 and a 2012 Judicial Institute Fellow.  She was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star by Law and Politics Magazine in 2005 and 2013.