Unintentional Intolerance 

Steve L. Robbins, October 16, 2008

4:30pm - McConomy Auditorium, UC

Research and experience tell us that we all have biases that we are often unaware of.  Yet, these biases guide us on a daily basis.  Could we be making "bad" decisions and engaging in exclusive behavior without knowing?  Dr. Robbins underscores the message that when it comes to diversity and inclusion, "we are in this boat together."

An author, Robbins works with numerous organizations around the country to help them develop the necessary skills and environment to maximize diverse human resources. He has consulted with a variety of major corporations, including Microsoft, Toyota, PepsiCo and General Mills, along with organizations such as NASA, the National Cancer Institute and the Federal Reserve Bank.
     
His book "What If? Short Stories to Spark Diversity Dialogue" highlights his unique approach to creating diversity and meeting inclusion challenges. Noted for his resonating, humorous style, he also writes and edits a weekly e-newsletter on diversity and inclusion, titled "Inclusion Insights."
     
Born in Vietnam, Robbins immigrated to the U.S when he was 5 years old at a time when there was much anti-war and anti-Vietnamese sentiment in the U.S. He credits this experience in part for helping him to create his insightful perspective on diversity and inclusion.
     
Robbins received his undergraduate degree in communication from Calvin College, and his master's and doctoral degrees in communication from Michigan State University. He resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan.