Port of San Francisco: CHAT Speaker Series
About
A multi-event speaker series for the Port of San Francisco designed to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization's 300+ employee workforce. The Culture, History, Art, and Tech (CHAT) series brought nationally recognized experts to facilitate conversations on racial justice, workplace inclusion, cultural heritage, and neurodiversity.
The Challenge
The Port of San Francisco needed to develop meaningful DEI programming that would resonate with its diverse workforce, spread across multiple locations and departments. The challenge was to move beyond surface-level diversity initiatives and create authentic dialogues that would foster lasting cultural change within the organization. With staff working both in-office and remotely, accessibility and engagement were critical concerns.
The Approach
The strategy involved developing and executing a year-long speaker series featuring four distinct events, each timed to align with cultural heritage months and addressing critical workplace equity topics. The approach centered on three key elements: partnering with community-based organizations to ensure authentic representation, creating hybrid experiences accessible to all staff regardless of location, and incorporating culturally relevant elements that honored each event's theme.
Engagement and dialogue were prioritized over traditional presentations. Each event utilized different formats—including interviews, workshops, and interactive conversations—to encourage active participation rather than passive listening. Every session concluded with a Q&A followed by a catered lunch featuring cuisine, music, and cultural elements aligned with the event's theme. This extended format allowed staff to connect with speakers personally and continue conversations organically, fostering deeper relationships and understanding beyond the formal programming.
Each event included comprehensive production elements: detailed run-of-show planning, speaker coordination, and both in-person and virtual attendance options to ensure maximum accessibility.
Event Programming
Event 1 - Hispanic Heritage Month
Partnered with Latinas in Tech founder Rocío Medina van Nierop to address bias in technology and the importance of mentorship for Hispanic professionals. The discussion challenged attendees to examine hiring practices and organizational culture. Lunch by Artesano featured authentic Latin cuisine.
Event 3 - Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Brought in Dr. Sarah Wheeler to examine how organizations can better support neurodiverse employees, challenging traditional workplace norms and expanding definitions of inclusion.
Event 2 - Racial Justice Dialogue
Featured Professor David C. Wilson, Dean of UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy, for a conversation on "A Continuing American Dilemma: Racial Justice and Resistance to Change," exploring systemic barriers and pathways to organizational transformation.
Event 4 - The Legacy of Lowriding
Collaborated with Arturo Villarreal to explore "Cruisin' Through Time: The Legacy of Lowriding," celebrating Latino cultural contributions and connecting cultural pride to workplace belonging.
Each event included comprehensive production elements: detailed run-of-show planning, speaker coordination, culturally relevant catering (such as Artesano for Hispanic Heritage Month), and both in-person and virtual attendance options to ensure maximum accessibility.
The Impact
The CHAT Speaker Series achieved sustained growth and engagement across all four events, demonstrating the power of authentic, well-executed DEI programming.
Attendance & Engagement:
60+ attendees at initial event
20% attendance increase with each subsequent event
Consistently positive staff feedback across all programming
Strong participation from both in-person and virtual attendees
Organizational Culture:
Elevated conversations around racial equity, neurodiversity, and cultural inclusion
Created ongoing dialogue beyond individual events
Provided BIPOC and underrepresented staff with visible organizational support
Generated actionable recommendations for improved hiring practices and mentorship programs
Strategic Partnerships:
Built relationships with leading community organizations including Latinas in Tech
Connected Port leadership with subject matter experts from UC Berkeley and national organizations
Established framework for continued DEI programming
The series demonstrated that consistent, thoughtfully designed programming can drive meaningful cultural change, with each event building momentum and deepening organizational commitment to equity and inclusion.
