Creating an Inclusive Workplace: Healing Trauma & Building Resilience

Empowering individuals & organizations to build diverse, equitable, and inclusive trauma-informed workplaces with DEI Consultant & Speaker Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross

Create Lasting Systemic Change with Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross
Expert DEI Consultant, Physician, and Keynote Speaker

Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross, a distinguished DEI consultant, Black female keynote speaker, and double board-certified physician, is the expert to turn to for creating long-lasting systemic change. Collaborating with organizations, she promotes diversity, inclusion, and equity as the foundation for a prosperous, resilient workplace. Dr. Ross focuses on equitable mental and physical health for BIPOC communities, guiding organizations to create diverse and inclusive climates for the future.

As an African American motivational speaker, diversity consultant, and accredited professional, Dr. Ross inspires safe spaces for growth and innovation. Her unique perspective on the link between adversity and diversity has led her to develop an approach driven by compassion and relatability. Understanding the impact of trauma on identity, she considers socio-economic factors like race, culture, income, gender, religion, and sexual orientation when creating trauma-informed DEI solutions. Acknowledging diversity among individuals and communities, Dr. Ross helps organizations achieve lasting, inclusive systemic change grounded in integrity.

Harnessing Diversity, Amplifying Success

Inclusive Workforce

Enhanced Team Innovation

Better Decision-Making

Boosting Collaboration

Improved Conflict Resolutions

Higher Employee Retention

When Good Intentions Aren’t Enough:
The Challenges of Combating Workplace Bias

In combating workplace bias, decisive action is imperative beyond the realm of good intentions. The journey to addressing unconscious bias involves delving into its deep-seated influence on both individuals and corporate ethos. A comprehensive DEI strategy, fostered by collective dedication and informed by expert DEI consultant, Dr. Carolyn Ross, is key to effectuating enduring reform. Leadership’s empathy and self-awareness must cascade through all levels, ensuring inclusive practices are more than aspirational concepts. It’s about dismantling entrenched inequalities to nurture an authentically equitable workplace. Such transformation is underpinned by a commitment to value every team member, creating an environment where equity and understanding drive progress toward an inclusive organizational culture.

I loved the combination of the speaker’s displaying education, vulnerability and humor. Thank you!!

 I loved how they shared personal experiences to help keep the audience actively engaged.

Phenomenal presentation – ranks in the top presentations I’ve attended in my 20-year career.

Heartfelt Stories of Transformation and Success

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Dr. Carolyn Ross changed my life. She put words to what I experienced growing up in America as a person of color. She helped me understand racial trauma, epigenetics and how it impacted my family and myself. For the first time in my life, I felt seen and understood.

As an Executive Director of a substance abuse treatment center I wanted to drive culture change and hired Dr. Ross and the team of professionals she works with to do trainings at my facility on diversity, equity and belonging.This kind of work is essential as we address health equity issues and it has changed our perspectives, our way of thinking and being. I am a different person, a better human because of this work and am eternally grateful for the work they’ve done and hope everyone can take the journey that we’ve taken!

Christina Simos

Executive Director, Friendly House

Dr. Carolyn Ross has been instrumental in the development of the Eating Disorder Program at Integrative Life Center. Her experience and expertise in integrative models of treatment is extensive and her ongoing consultation with our treatment team provides sound medical guidance as well as creative approaches to clients with eating disorders, addictions and other trauma related conditions. Over the past five years, Dr. Ross has made herself available whenever we need her and we can count on her to provide the most cutting edge approaches to treatment in the field. A wealth of knowledge, without a doubt!

Holly Cook, Lpc-Mhsp

Executive Director Integrative Life Center

Dr. Carolyn Ross is a pioneer in the use of Integrative medicine for the treatment of mental health issues, addictions and eating disorders. Her compassion and understanding bring hope to patients and family members whose lives are affected by these difficult problems by showing us that transformation and healing at the deepest level are possible.

Andrew Weil, MD

Physician and Best Selling Author Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Well-Being

…To say your presentation with Project Thrive was mind-blowing would be an understatement. All of the facts and data was insightful but where I think it hit home for many was how you were able to personalize why we should care. By telling the story of Jane and others we could see that no one is immune and we need to find ways to make space for compassion and further conversations about mental health. The part about not being able to tell who is bringing their trauma is something everyone needs to hear.

You’ve left us with a lot to think about, your slides were eye-opening as were your talking points and I’m thrilled to be able to send this recording out to the CEO’s that have expressed interest. Love the presentation!

Leslie Metcalf

B2B & Group Event Specialist

This is probably the most timely and educational/psych-educational presentation I have attended at any workshop ever. Please tell Carolyn Coker Ross I appreciate her work and life.

Attendee at The Renfrew Center Foundation Conference

Carolyn Coker Ross was fantastic. I appreciated the way in which she placed intergenerational and historical trauma in context and used a lot of examples, statistics, and evidence to demonstrate what intergenerational and historical trauma is and how it impacts individuals, communities, and society. I also appreciated how she explained the relevance of epigenetics with a caution for recognizing that genes can be turned on to impact experiences of trauma and can be turned off to impact our ability to grow resilient.

Attendee at The Renfrew Center Foundation Conference

Very helpful information. I especially appreciate Dr. Ross’s willingness to share her personal story about her brother.

Attendee at The Renfrew Center Foundation Conference

WOW! What energy you brought to our Women’s Health Symposium through your exhilarating and informative presentation. Your ability to present medical information in a way that is understandable to the layperson is truly a gift. You were loved by your audience and rated off the scale…a 10+.

Beverly Weurding

MBA, Former Director, Community Education & Special Events, Sharp HealthCare

As Founder and Co-Director of US Journal Training, Inc., I have had the opportunity to retain Dr Ross as a Keynote and Workshop Speaker on numerous occasions over the past 20 years.

Dr Ross’ expertise on a number of topics, including Eating Disorders, Intergenerational Trauma and Racial Injustice, render her a valuable asset to any professional conference related to medical or behavioral health, mental health or addictive disorders.

I highly recommend Dr Carolyn Ross.

Gary Seidler

Founder, US Journal Training, Inc.

Our Indigenous conference is scheduled for today and I sat in on your entire two hour presentation. The content of your presentation was excellent and extremely thought provoking and will be beneficial to clinicians and other mental health professionals.

I can’t thank you enough for the extra effort you devoted to incorporate Canadian historical events and statistics. You are a superb teacher and your courses are always top notch! Thank you for giving up the opportunity to promote your trainings.

Jack Hirose

Jack Hirose and Associates, North Vancouver BC, Canada

See Dr. Ross’s DEI Work in Action

Trauma-Informed DEI Solutions

Consulting

Workshop

Keynote Speaking

DEI Consulting: A Roadmap to Lasting Change

Crafting a DEI roadmap requires a comprehensive understanding of your organization’s landscape and a commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross is an expert DEI consultant offering organizations a unique and compassionate approach to building actionable strategies that drive innovation, growth, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Dr. Ross prioritizes the individual needs of each organization, taking into account factors such as race, culture, gender, religion, and sexual orientation to ensure a tailored trauma-informed approach to DEI consulting. Through her guidance as a diversity speaker, Dr. Ross empowers organizations to create a lasting positive impact on their employees and workplace cultures.

DEI Workshops: Creating a More Equitable and Inclusive Workplace

Everyone has a different learning style, and renowned diversity consultant Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross understands this very well. Rather than simply listening to a lecture, Dr. Ross’s DEI workshops provide an interactive, engaging, and thought-provoking platform that allows organizations to dive deep into complex issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Through her workshops, participants have the unique opportunity to confront and reflect upon their own innate biases and develop the toolkit necessary to address and deconstruct them. Dr. Ross’s empathetic and informative approach equips participants to better manage challenges and opportunities. With her guidance, organizations can create a more equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone thrives.

DEI Keynote Speaking Topics

Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross is an accomplished DEI consultant and Black female keynote speaker who uses her personal and professional experiences to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Her keynote speeches focus on the intersection between racism, trauma, intergenerational healing, and mental health, inspiring employees to simplify complex topics and engage in powerful conversations that help them learn and heal.

The Trauma-Informed Workplace: Building Resilience to Manage Change

In a world where emotional distress is increasingly common, creating a trauma-informed workplace is crucial for organizations aiming to hire and retain diverse employees. With one in five Americans diagnosed with a mental health disorder and two-thirds experiencing childhood adversity, it’s clear we’re facing a mental health crisis. Trauma impacts various aspects of life, including time management, finances, productivity, and relationships. Creating DEI initiatives centered around equitable mental health resources is essential. By implementing a trauma-informed workplace and fostering resilience, organizations invest in their most valuable resource: the human mind.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the impact of personal trauma on employee mental health and productivity.
  • Learn practical strategies for creating a trauma-informed workplace that fosters compassion and resilience.
  • Invest in your organization’s most valuable resource by building a safe and inclusive workplace that supports employee well-being and adaptability.

Overcoming Self-Sabotage: Breaking Free From Limitations

Trauma can create feelings of unworthiness and lead to self-sabotaging behaviors that hinder our potential. It manifests in the form of binge eating, excessive drinking, or overworking and adversely impacts our well-being and professional performance. Dr. Ross’s keynote helps identify the root causes of self-sabotage through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. By fostering self-awareness and positive habits, we can break free from destructive patterns and unlock our greatest potential. Join Dr. Ross as she shares her expertise in trauma-informed care and sheds light on how to create inclusive environments where mental and physical health are paramount.

Key takeaways:

  • Discover the important link between trauma and self-sabotaging behaviors that impact your well-being and professional performance.
  • Learn how self-sabotaging behaviors can impact employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
  • Cultivate self-awareness and positive habits that unlock your greatest potential and help you achieve your goals.

Healing the Wounds of Our Ancestors: Understanding Intergenerational Trauma

To forget where we’ve been is to not understand who we are or where we’re going. Studies on intergenerational trauma show that unhealed wounds can transcend generations and influence our mental and physical health. Traumatic events like war, genocide, and racial or ethnic disparities and discrimination impact communities for generations. Researchers studying the lasting effects of the Holocaust reported that children of survivors were robbed of their childhood and faced developmental setbacks, influencing their academic and professional performance. Intergenerational and racial trauma is a reality that we must all address to promote healing and growth.

Key takeways:

  • Understand the lasting impact of ancestral trauma and its influence on mental and physical health.
  • Learn how intergenerational trauma influences brain development and life outcomes.
  • Receive guidance on how to understand and heal from intergenerational trauma within yourself and your community.

A Glimpse Into Dr. Ross

Meet Dr. Ross: A Passionate DEI Advocate

Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross is an African American speaker, author, and physician who specializes in eating disorders, addictions, trauma, and diversity consulting. After graduating from The University of Michigan Medical School, she completed a residency and double board certification in Preventive Medicine and Addiction Medicine, followed by a Master’s in Public Health and a fellowship in Integrative Medicine. As a Black female speaker, Dr. Ross’s commitment to equitable and inclusive care to all communities stems from firsthand experiences of the disadvantages faced by people of color in society.

Dr. Ross has specifically focused on treating eating disorders in women of color, co-founding The Anchor Program™, a 12-week non-diet telemedicine program designed to make healthcare more accessible for all. Dr. Ross has authored three books  on food addiction and binge eating disorder and contributed a chapter in the book titled “Treating Black Women With Eating Disorders: A Clinician’s Guide”. She also delivered an engaging TEDxPleasantGrove Talk on intergenerational trauma. Her work in bridging the interracial gap in society also led her to found the Institute for Antiracism and Equity in Mental Health, where she has continued to make a positive difference in communities across the country. 

As a diversity speaker and consultant, Dr. Ross believes in educating and inspiring others to promote long-lasting systemic change. Her holistic approach prioritizes creating a safe and inclusive environment, considering factors like race, culture, income, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. Dr. Ross’s dedication to promoting holistic health and equity makes her an advocate for all individuals and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dr. Ross's background and expertise in DEI consulting and speaking?

Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross, MD, MPH, CEDS is an African American motivational speaker, author, DEI consultant, and expert in the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, and addictions. 

With a medical degree from The University of Michigan Medical School and board certifications in Preventive Medicine and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Ross has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of health and wellness. Over the past four years, Dr. Ross has become a sought-after international Black female speaker and DEI consultant focusing on issues of cultural competence, antiracism, and diversity in mental health, particularly in the treatment of eating disorders in women of color. She also co-founded the Institute for Antiracism and Equity in Mental Health, a consulting group that offers training to organizations on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. With her extensive background in medicine and mental health, Dr. Ross brings a unique and valuable perspective to the field of diversity and inclusion consulting, helping organizations create more equitable workplaces.

How can DEI consulting, workshops, and keynote speaking services benefit our organization?

All types of organizations can significantly benefit from Dr. Ross’s DEI consulting, diversity keynote speaking, and workshops. These services help create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace by addressing unconscious biases, promoting cultural competence, and understanding the impact of trauma. By fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere for all employees, organizations can increase employee engagement, retention, and satisfaction, ultimately improving productivity and overall performance.

Dr. Ross’s background and expertise in trauma-informed practices also provide valuable insights into the interconnected nature of mental health and diversity, strengthening your organization’s approach to DEI initiatives. Through customized solutions tailored to your organization’s unique challenges, Dr. Ross ensures that her services will have a lasting, positive impact on your workplace culture.

The benefits of DEI consulting, workshops, and keynote speaking services go beyond the workplace. According to Gartner, organizations that prioritize DEI initiatives and cultivate a diverse and inclusive culture within their frontline decision-making teams surpass their financial targets, with 75% of them achieving this goal. This helps demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and, in turn, can make them more attractive to clients, investors, and potential employees who share these values. By partnering with renowned DEI speaker Dr. Ross, your organization will gain a competitive advantage and become a leader in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

How do Dr. Ross's medical background and experience in mental health enhance her approach to DEI initiatives?

Dr. Ross’s medical background and experience in mental health significantly enhance her approach to DEI initiatives by allowing her to integrate a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

With her expertise in treating eating disorders, addictions, and trauma, Dr. Ross is uniquely positioned to address the impact of these issues on individuals and organizations from a holistic perspective.

Additionally, her training in integrative medicine enables her to approach DEI challenges with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective, considering the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals within the organization.

This specialized knowledge and experience allow Dr. Ross to provide more effective and targeted DEI consulting, workshops, and keynote speaking engagements, leading to lasting positive change within organizations.

Can we customize the workshops and keynote events to address our organization's unique DEI challenges?

Yes, Dr. Ross is very open-minded and considerate of her clients’ unique challenges and needs. She understands that each organization is different and will work closely with you to understand your organization’s specific challenges, goals, and desired outcomes. This collaborative approach allows her to create customized workshops and keynote events that resonate with your audience and achieve meaningful, lasting systemic change within your organization.

Whether your organization needs help addressing unconscious biases, promoting diversity and inclusion, creating a more equitable workplace, or building cultural competency, Dr. Ross has the expertise and experience to deliver workshops and keynote events that are specifically designed to meet your needs.

By partnering with the sought-after DEI speaker Dr. Ross, your organization can benefit from her in-depth knowledge, compassionate approach, and proven strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Contact Dr. Ross to start a conversation about how she can help your organization achieve its DEI goals.

What are the costs associated with DEI consulting, workshops, or keynote speaking engagements?

The costs associated with Dr. Ross’s DEI consulting, workshops, or keynote speaking engagements can vary based on the specific needs of your organization, the services required, the duration of her engagements, and the scope of the project at hand. During an initial consultation, Dr. Ross will work with you to create a unique solution that is tailored to your organization’s specific requirements and needs. This is also the stage where cost and budget are discussed so that you can understand the investment required for your event. 

Dr. Ross is committed to providing high-quality, effective services that deliver measurable results and drive lasting change within organizations. With her expertise in trauma, addiction, and DEI, she is equipped to guide organizations in cultivating an inclusive, safe, and equitable environment for all. By investing in her services, you are committing to creating a better workplace for your employees and driving long-term success for your organization.

Is Dr. Ross available for ongoing consultations and support following the initial DEI workshops or speaking events?

Yes! Dr. Ross understands the importance of sustainable, long-term DEI strategies and is committed to supporting your organization beyond that of initial workshops or events. She believes that implementing DEI strategies is a process that takes time, effort, and ongoing support. As such, Dr. Ross is committed to helping organizations achieve lasting change and growth in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you are interested in continuing your DEI work with Dr. Ross, she would be more than happy to discuss options for ongoing consultations and support.

 

Building a More Inclusive Future for Forward-Thinking Organizations

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