0821 - Leading with Intention to Promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

After the July 2020 virtual member meeting, "AATA's Focus on Equity, Where We've Been, and Where We're Going," members told us they wanted to learn more about AATA’s next steps in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I)—and hear more from our DE&I consultant. This webinar is a subsequent conversation with Margaret Carlock Russo, AATA’s President, and Gary Smith, co-founder of the IVY Planning Group, about how we create sustainable, systemic change for our organization and profession.

Margaret and Gary discuss the importance of addressing DE&I in the “current reality”—during the Coronavirus pandemic and the unprecedented activism after George Floyd’s horrific killing. They also identify next steps for the organization, including upcoming listening sessions, long-term strategies, and how our members can get involved in this DE&I journey.

Dr. Margaret Carlock-Russo

Past President, American Art Therapy Association

Prescott College

Margaret Carlock-Russo, EdD, LCAT(NY), ATR-BC, ATCS, is a board certified art therapist and licensed creative arts therapist, currently serving as the President of the American Art Therapy Association. Margaret has over 25 years of experience as an art therapist working with individuals and groups. Much of her career has been spent working with people with health conditions or impairments, learning disabilities and dementia. Most recently, she has developed Chroma Soul Arts, an organization focused on providing community groups and retreats, addressing issues of aging, social connection, self-care, and wellness. Margaret is also an associate faculty at Prescott College, coordinating their Expressive Arts Therapy Post Master’s Certificate Program.

Gary A. Smith

Co-Founder and Senior Partner, Ivy Planning Group

Gary A. Smith is cofounder and Senior Partner of Ivy Planning Group (Ivy), a 28-year-old management consulting and training company that specializes in strategy, diversity, leadership and change management. Consulting Magazine honored Mr. Smith as one of the Top 25 Consultants of 2007. Profiles in Diversity Journal named him a Diversity Pioneer. Minority Business & Professionals Network, Inc. named Mr. Smith one of “Fifty Influential Minorities in Business.”

He has over 25 years of strategy, technology, management consulting and executive coaching to large private sector and government organizations. He has led numerous engagements to develop core business, technology, diversity, and marketing strategies leading to improved revenue performance, mission-critical improvements, and more effective customer service. Mr. Smith assists clients in solving problems. His skills in management, marketing, and information technology allow him to synthesize data to meet his clients' challenges. He has worked directly with corporate CEOs, executive teams, agency administrators, and senior officials to build strategies, facilitate challenging discussions, and achieve their organization’s vision

Kat Michel (Moderator)

Sr. Manager of Member Services

The American Art Therapy Association

Kat Michel, MA is Sr. Manager of Member Services with the American Art Therapy Association. She is responsible for member retention and recruitment and for developing programs and resources for AATA members that focus on professional development, such as continuing education offerings and virtual webinars. Additionally, she oversees online member engagement and experience through the MyAATA community. Art therapy is a cause near and dear to her heart, and in 2015 she graduated with her Master’s degree in Art Therapy from The George Washington University.