Join us for a conversation with Drew Ahl, Founder of Ahl DEI Consulting. His company offers DEI data analytics, inclusivity audits, and self-identity strategies. Drew describes himself as a queer, transgender, neurodivergent, disabled Air Force veteran and the son of an Army Chaplain. That isn’t how he would’ve described himself as a child, and his journey to understanding and expressing his full identity is full of detours and pitstops. Along the way, he learned very quickly how the assumptions we make about others based on religion, gender, race/ethnicity, and age, put people in boxes.
Our interactions and communications shift in ways, big and small - from overt bias to microexpressions, and everything in between. In our efforts to build more equitable and inclusive organizations, understanding how to identify and interrupt stereotypes and biases is important. Otherwise, workplace cultures might feel unsafe, or even toxic, leading to disengagement and turnover.
Drew will be joining us to share his personal experiences around being placed in a box, as well as share when he realized he was doing the same to others and how he challenges himself daily to break down those boxes and see the humanity in everyone.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe different identities and dimensions of diversity
- Identify the impact of bias and stereotypes
- Recognize the importance of self-awareness in fostering inclusion
Jina Etienne, CPA, CGMA, CDE®
Etienne Consulting
Human-Centered Leadership Consultant | Speaker | Trainer
[email protected]
(301) 778-5510
Jina Etienne, CPA, CGMA is a speaker, storyteller, and consultant who helps individuals and organizations unlock the power of authenticity, trust, and connection. With more than 30 years of experience in the accounting profession and business leadership, she brings a unique, deeply human approach to leadership development and culture-building.
Her work focuses on the intersection of leadership, belonging, and emotional intelligence, equipping people with the awareness and tools to lead with clarity, empathy, and intention. Known for blending professional insight with personal storytelling, Jina makes complex ideas accessible and relatable. She helps professionals at all levels show up more fully as themselves—both in their work and in their lives.
Drew is a queer, transgender, neurodivergent, disabled Air Force veteran and the son of an Army Chaplain. He lived in 11 different states, and overseas. This has offered him the incredible opportunity to get to know, learn from, and work with a wonderfully diverse group of folks. These experiences have helped Drew lead with empathy and inform what he believes are the three main ideas at the heart of DEI:
• Seeing the humanity in everyone
• Believing and valuing the lived experiences of others
• Creating equitable access and opportunity for marginalized groups
After eight years of DEI work in corporate settings, Drew started Ahl DEI Consulting to use his expertise and skills to help as many people and organizations as he possibly can.
Previous roles include Director – GIDE Performance Tracking & External Benchmarking at Medtronic, and Lead Employee Relations Analytics Consultant for Target Corporation. Drew earned his BA from Metro State University.
About Our Presenter
- CPE Credits
- Support and FAQs
- Terms and Conditions
- Privacy Policy
- CPAwebengage, Inc.