Reframing ‘Limited-English Proficiency’ in the Workplace: Moving Past Linguistic Racism to Valuing and Inclusion

Join us for an eye-opening conversation about potentially discriminatory language policies, like English fluency requirements, that would be a barrier to hiring otherwise skilled workers whose First Language is Not English (FLNE).  Participants will gain a better understand of the value and contributions that bilingual/multilingual workers bring to their workplace and, by extension, to businesses’ bottom line.  Participants will also gain insight into how to be culturally respectful and inclusive of bilingual and/or FLNE co-workers so that they can avoid diversity disasters such as microaggressions and harassing conduct.

After this session you will be able to review your current processes to ensure you are creating in inclusive environment for a multilingual workforce.  A 2017 report by the New American Economy (NAE) found that the demand for bilingual workers more than doubled in five years and, as reported by the Congressional Joint Economic Committee in 2021, “the “COVID-19 crisis has brought renewed attention to the role of immigrants in the U.S. economy.”

Presented by Maria Flores, Outreach & Training Manager - EEOC Chicago District

Speaker Bio:

Maria Flores is a 31-year veteran of the EEOC. As a former bilingual/systemic investigator she was twice awarded national EEOC Chair awards for her investigation and successful resolution of high-profile class cases which had national impact and significant litigation results. She is also a two-time recipient of the Vice Presidential “Hammer Award” for her investigative work and for delivering DEIA training to federal agencies.  For over 23 years Maria has served as the Outreach and Training Manager for the six-state EEOC Chicago District region and has coordinated and conducted DEIA outreach, training, technical assistance, and public relations on a national and regional level.  Maria received her B.A. from Marquette University and in 2019 was named the Marquette University National Alumni Recipient of the “Person for Others” Award.