Emotional Intelligence and Social Justice

The Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) at the University of Minnesota offers a year-long leadership program that integrates emotional intelligence strategies through a social justice lens.  Since its initial launch in 2013, the program has evolved into a highly sought after learning experience.  In this session, staff from the OED will make the connection between emotional intelligence and social justice by sharing their experiences centering both frames in a leadership program.  They will also address successes and challenges with this approach, as well as questions that have arisen.

Kendra Okposo is an Associate to the Director in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at the University of Minnesota.  In this role, Kendra investigates employment discrimination and sexual misconduct complaints involving students, staff and faculty at the University.  Kendra received her EQ-i 2.0/EQ360 certification from Crescendo in June 2016.  She teaches workshops at the University on race and privilege, and on emotional intelligence and mindfulness.  Prior to working at the University, Kendra practiced employment law at Weil, Gotshal and Manges LLP in New York City.  She graduated from New York Law School in 2012.

Anne Phibbs is Director of Education in the Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) at the University of Minnesota, where she is responsible for the development and delivery of OED’s educational programs.   She worked for over 10 years as an academic advisor and GLBT Student Services Director at Metropolitan State University before coming back to the University of Minnesota to serve as Director of the GLBT Programs Office.  She has been in her current position in OED since 2011.  Anne earned her Ph.D in Philosophy, with a minor in Feminist Studies, at the University of Minnesota, and serves as community faculty at Metropolitan State University, teaching Gender Studies and GLBT Studies courses.  Every year, Anne leads hundreds of trainings to help individuals and groups create excellence through diversity.