IMA South Central Indiana chapter will be presenting IMA®’s Diversity and Inclusion Workshop: Cultivating a Bias-Free Workplace
This workshop is designed to increase our awareness of the different factors that generate all kinds of biases in the workplace and how they hurt the workplace. We will also discuss personal and organizational strategies for reducing workplace bias. For companies to succeed in the global marketplace, leaders must fully leverage the skills and attributes of a diverse team. In the quest to attract and retain the right skills, best minds, and the strongest talent, companies must create an environment that embraces diversity and inclusion.
Learning Objectives:
After this session, attendees will be able to:
• Define bias and identify how cognitive reasoning and stereotypes impact biases.
• Describe unconscious bias.
• Explain the value of diversity and inclusion.
• Recognize bias and its effects in the workplace.
• Discuss strategies for overcoming biases.
Presenters: Bernice Jenkins and Rinku Bhattacharya, IMA D&I Committee Members
Bernice F. Jenkins, CMA, CPA, MBA, MAcc
Bernice Jenkins is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. She received a B.S. in Accounting from Tuskegee University in 2001 and a joint MAcc/MBA from Samford University in 2009. She earned the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation in 2013 and the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation in 2014.
Jenkins began her career with the General Electric Company (GE) in 2001. She is a graduate of two of GE’s premiere financial leadership development programs: Financial Management Program (FMP) and Corporate Audit Staff (CAS). Both programs consisted of global rotational assignments across different finance functions for multiple GE businesses. She also obtained GE’s Six Sigma Green Belt & Black Belt Certifications.
Since moving to Birmingham, Alabama in 2005, Jenkins has worked in a variety of management accountant roles as a consultant with The Siegfried Group, LLP and a senior accountant for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL). Her most recent role with BCBSAL consists of managing operational accounts within the Provider Billing area. Prior to this, Bernice led the cost allocation process for the administrative service agreements with BCBSAL’s government subsidiaries.
Jenkins is an active member for both the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) & National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). She is a member of IMA’s Global Board of Directors and also serves on two of IMA’s standing advisory committees - Diversity and Inclusion Committee & ICMA Exam Review Committee. Jenkins was also recently appointed as Financial Literacy Director for the Southern Region of NABA. Her focus will be to revitalize NABA’s financial education programs across the southern region. In her personal time, Bernice enjoys fitness, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Rinku Bhattacharya, CMA, CPA, DPS
Rinku Bhattacharya, CMA, CPA, DPS has more than 25 years of financial and administrative experience in areas of financial management, information technology, and financial strategy and infrastructure building with a specialty in the non-profit sector.
Bhattacharya is currently serving as the CFO for Westchester Community Opportunity Program in Elmsford, NY, and is responsible for the financial operations, strategy, business development and risk management for this community based non-profit organization. Bhattacharya is an adjunct professor of Accounting at Manhattanville College.
An IMA member since 1999, Bhattacharya has worked on several IMA in various committees and capacities. She was one of the founding members of the leadership academy, and currently still serves on the faculty for the academy. In addition, she serves on the Diversity and Inclusion and Strategic Planning Committees. Rinku is also a part of the IMA’s Metro Council Board.
Bhattacharya has a doctoral degree in Accounting (DPS) from Pace University, an MBA in Finance from the University of Bridgeport, an MS in Non-Profit Management from the New School University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Calcutta.
Rinku is an avid cook, and particularly enjoys cooking for and with her two children.
Moderator: Amy Renner, IMA Community Relations Team
Amy Renner is a Community Relations Manager at IMA Global supporting chapters and councils in the Central U.S. Region. This includes the IMA South Central Indiana chapter and IMA Lincoln Trail Regional Council.
CPE Credit: 1.0 NASBA CPE credits
Delivery Method: Group-Internet
Field of Study: Personnel/Human Resources
Level: Basic
Prerequisites/Advanced Preparation: None
For more information about IMA official NASBA sponsor, refund/cancellation policy, and complaint resolution policy, please click here: IMA CPE Info
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