Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Learn the PAUSE model

DEI conversations help to establish a culture that embraces diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, physical/intellectual ability, neurodiversity, national origin, religion, age, and other protected classifications. For DEI initiatives to be effective, leadership and staff must be involved.

Lynda Katz Wilner and Kashonna Marrow collaborate to deliver dynamic, relevant, and action-oriented training workshops and presentations. They hosted the “DEI Conversations” interview series with leaders of major corporations. They completed coursework for the DEI in the Workplace Certificate from the MUMA College of Business at the University of Southern Florida.

They present and facilitate the following topics: microaggressions, implicit bias, cultural competency/intelligence, and listening skills. These conversations implement the PAUSE model and the OLE' Approach of communication to engage all team members. Learn the steps to open conversations that can shape a more inclusive culture.

Watch their playlist of videos

Lynda Katz Wilner

Kashonna Marrow

Who Can Benefit?

Actors

Architects

Attorneys

Broadcasters

CEOs

Clergy

Customer Service Representatives

Executives

IT Professionals

Lab Technicians

Nurses

Pharmacists

Physicians

Politicians

Professors

Professional Athletes

Realtors

Receptionists

Sales Executives

Scientists

Stockbrokers

Teachers

Telemarketers

Trainers

Reviews

  • Lynda Wilner Katz and Kashonna Holland are professional, knowledgeable and engaging presenters. They bring every day, real life experience into their training and presentation. Their presentation on biases and listening was informative and it engaged our associates with small breakout sessions. Some of the feedback we received from our associates, “engaged speakers”; “liked the breakout sessions”; and “nice to get a different perspective” were just some of the comments we received. Their presentation met our goal of encouraging our associates to “respect the pause” and listen to one another while also highlighting similarities, expedience and experience biases. Ms. Wilner and Ms. Holland were able to deliver I&D training in a manufacturing environment during a pandemic. They were flexible, supportive and open to trying something different based on our plant’s PPE requirements. I will be more than happy to talk with anyone who wants more specific information on the training that Lynda and Kashonna provided.

    -Jennifer M. Kane, PHR, HR Manager

  • Lynda Katz Wilner and Kashonna Marrow were such a joy to work with as well as have them present for our first 2023 Chapter Meeting of the year for Columbia Basin Chapter of SHRM (CBSHRM). I appreciated their organization and communication throughout our event preparation. We had a small snafu on our end (CBSHRM) but Lynda and Kashonna were amazingly gracious and accommodating. Day of the presentation, the subject matter was so in line with current times and situations plus well received by our members that attended. Lynda and Kashonna presented DEI Conversations That Shape Inclusive Cultures: Respect and Embrace the PAUSE. They were well-spoken and well versed on the subject matter and co-shared the presentation seamlessly. We had good attendee participation that they fostered and good feedback from our member attendees after the event. I would definitely recommend for presentations to organizations and companies. We really enjoyed our hour with them.

    Eryn Brooks, MSHRM Columbia Basin Chapter Society of Human Resources Management (CBSHRM)

  • Lynda Katz Wilner is an accomplished, insightful coach and leader in the DEI space. I had the privilege of engaging with Lynda and several other leaders (Kashonna and Yolanda) earlier this year to co-create a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Program for Collington. Lynda's ease and knowledge of DEI in the workplace supported the leadership team through the process of DEI conversations, active listening, and the power of the PAUSE. Lynda created a safe environment for participants to share openly about their life experiences to build trust, confidence, understanding, and empower participants for a shared learning experience. I highly recommend Lynda and DEI Conversations to any organization committed to this important work!

    Paige Mills-Haag, Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement, Collington, A Kendal Affiliate

  • We worked with Kashonna Marrow and Lynda Katz Wilner for our DEI work, and they were FANTASTIC!!!! Such a great team, and we really enjoyed working with them - - THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

    Yolanda Hunter, Director of Human Resources Collington A Kendal Affiliate

  • I invited Lynda Katz Wilner and Kashonna Marrow to speak at USA Lacrosse about having DEI sensitive conversations and I am so glad I did! In their dynamic presentation we learned a lot of great ideas and about the art of the PAUSE when having coversations! I personally took a lot away from the presentation and will be more conscious when having conversations to ensure I am being sensitive to my audience and actively listening when having conversations! I highly recommend these two to any organization!!

    Maggie Brook, MS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Director of Human Resources USA Lacrosse

  • The information was clear, concise and very well presented. Engaging and thought provoking. The presenters made you feel safe and comfortable about a difficult topic to discuss in the workplace. The presenters had a way of striking a balance and connecting with ALL participants.

    Attendee at DEI facilitation session