When Love is Not Enough: How Implicit Bias Affects Our Daily Interactions with Others

While we know many harmful actions are conscious, there are also many ways those of us who are well-intentioned are causing harm daily. During this interactive session, we will explore the concept of Implicit Bias. In addition to defining this concept, participants will experience a journey designed to also demonstrate how implicit biases show up, develop, are reinforced, perpetuated and challenged. Participants will learn ways to identify and interrupt the harmful effects of implicit biases. While implicit biases often develop without our knowledge, we are all responsible for learning what baggage we carry and actively work to counter negative and harmful messages we hold about others.

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Marian R. Vasser is the Executive Director for Diversity and Equity at the University of Louisville, where she has served approximately 27 years in various roles.  With over sixteen years of experience as a Diversity and Equity Practitioner, she conducts approximately 300 workshops annually focusing on Anti-Racism, Implicit Bias, Micro-aggressions, Power and Privilege, Engaging in Difficult Dialogue and more.  In addition to her work within UofL, Marian has worked with over 30 external partners to foster spaces that are more inclusive and equitable for all.  These partners include K-12 school districts, universities, government and corporate sponsors.

To name a few:

Presbyterian USA

Volunteers of America

Humana

Red Cross

Leadership Louisville

Center for Women and Families

Metro Council

UPS

Bellarmine University

JCTC

Mortenson Dental

All Women OBGYN

Fund for the Arts

Actors Theatre

and the list goes on

In 2019, Marian received the 2019 UofL Presidential Multicultural Engagement award and was also recognized as an Adult Black Achiever.  She was also nominated as Today’s Woman 2020 Educator of the Year.  She is also being featured on a documentary for PBS Frontline regarding school integration efforts in the U.S., looking back at Brown v. Board of Education and the current state of schools in the U.S.

Marian’s commitment to equitable access in education is evident as she sits on a number of committees designed to improve access and true inclusion throughout school districts.  She also serves as a board member for EVOLVE 502, which is designed to increase access for underrepresented and marginalized communities in Kentucky.

Marian is the proud Mom of three handsome, intelligent, and talented young men.  Marian’s personal commitment to lifelong learning is demonstrated by her ability to complete a BA in Sociology and a Masters in Higher Education Administration while working 2 jobs and single-parenting.  Currently, Marian is in a Ph.D. in College Student Personnel at UofL.