This training brings together two simple important practices: storytelling and Power of the Pause. In a virtual circle, in a virtual community, participants uncover and share meaningful autobiographical stories that illuminate the positive and negative consequences of belonging to a chosen dimension of diversity. The Power of the Pause is designed to discourage cross talk or questions after we share our stories. Instead, we are encouraged to just be with the stories, let them sink in and move to the next story. As in part one, emotional intelligence is central to this training. Participants can increase self-awareness and empathy. Storytelling offers human communities a unique way of gaining insight into how the world treats each of us.

Participants are encouraged, but not required to attend Session 1 on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Registration for that session can be found here. Because this session is focused on connecting, engaging, and storytelling, participants will be encouraged to have their cameras on and to engage with the presenter/other participants as opportunities arise.

Presenter: Yolanda Pourciau
Yolanda Pourciau is the owner and director of Yolanda Speaks LLC, a black queer womyn owned professional speaking and human resource training business. For over twenty years, Yolanda has been inspiring, uplifting, and challenging audiences. Her Southern, down-to-earth, humorous style creates a very engaging atmosphere that participants love. Yolanda’s areas of expertise include: Diversity and Inclusion, Emotional Intelligence, Wellness at Work, The Hurt Series/Racial Healing.

The overarching theme of Yolanda’s work is, Join the Revolution in Caring. The Revolution in Caring is, people, at work, in communities, in families, committing to turning our intellectual and psychological lenses inward first to uncover, manage, and master human biases….. because we care! We care about human connection. We care about social justice. We care about freedom. Join the revolution in caring.

Yolanda has been an adjunct professor of sociology for decades and she currently teaches at FAMU. The courses Yolanda taught that most influence her speaking and training vocation are: The Sociology of Work, The Culture of Human Organizations, Social Problems, Race and Minority Relations, and Human Sexuality.

This program is funded through the Delaware Criminal Justice Council by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Family Violence Prevention and Services Program.