Register now to join Emily Bottino, Founder & CEO of DaZyne, as she explores the importance of recognizing bias as the critical first step for human service leaders and HR professionals in building cultural competence in an interactive session.

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Session Overview

In this session you will learn to:

• Admit, appreciate and identify some of your own cognitive biases
• Question if your biases are negatively effecting your work practices.
• Effectively call out biases without threatening your teams.

Understanding our own biases lays the foundation for more inclusive, empathetic, and effective leadership. However, true cultural competence extends beyond theory—it must be built through real-world experiences. This growth happens over time, in environments that are both fun and psychologically safe, where individuals feel encouraged to explore, question, and engage with diverse perspectives. By creating space for ongoing learning and reflection, leaders can cultivate the skills needed to support diverse teams and communities in meaningful, lasting ways. Cultural competence isn’t a destination—it’s a continuous, active process of learning, unlearning, and intentional connection.

About the Presenter

I’m Emily Bottino, founder & CEO of DaZyne. I’m an inspirational speaker, trainer, and consultant passionate about helping individuals and organizations discover and embrace their true selves. My work focuses on leadership development and executive coaching, particularly within the health and human services sector. I specialize in fostering authentic, empathetic leadership to enhance communication, employee engagement, and organizational culture. Through my signature program, the DaZyne Leadership Lab (DLL), I support leaders at all levels in creating meaningful, measurable, and lasting transformation.

Cancellation Policy: A full refund will be issued if the cancellation request is made on or before 5 calendar days before the scheduled program. Please email events@tdmaine.org with your inquiries.

What if the real measure of a great learning environment isn’t how well people agree—but how safely they can disagree?

Register now to join Chief Inspiration Officer Devin C. Hughes in a hands-on session to explore how to create spaces where people feel heard, respected, and empowered—even when they don’t see eye to eye.

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Session Overview

In this session you will learn to:

• Build psychological safety in learning spaces

• De-escalate tense discussions while maintaining engagement
• Encourage diverse viewpoints and productive conflict
• Train others in core skills of respectful disagreement

In a world where disagreement often leads to division, Learning & Development professionals have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to turn conflict into a catalyst for growth. Disagree Better is a powerful, hands-on workshop that equips L&D leaders with practical tools to foster civil dialogue, navigate tough conversations, and build psychologically safe learning environments. Whether you're leading DEI initiatives, facilitating leadership training, or coaching teams, this session will help you create spaces where people feel heard, respected, and empowered—even when they don’t see eye to eye.

About the Presenter

Devin C. Hughes is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and leadership consultant specializing in diversity, emotional intelligence, and workplace culture. Drawing from a unique blend of behavioral science, storytelling, and lived experience, Devin helps organizations build more inclusive, connected, and resilient teams. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and educational institutions across the globe, empowering leaders to foster meaningful dialogue and bridge divides. Devin’s dynamic style and practical insights make him a sought-after voice on restoring civility and connection in today’s complex work environments.

Cancellation Policy: A full refund will be issued if the cancellation request is made on or before 5 calendar days before the scheduled program. Please email events@tdmaine.org with your inquiries.