We Are All Stewards of Culture
October 26, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Emerson Suites
Hosted By
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Light Breakfast, and Full Lunch are included
Given the increasing economic uncertainty and Federal challenges to DEI, we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to attend this year’s DCTC Roundtable event regardless of ability to pay. If you cannot pay the base ticket price of $100, please click the link below to fill out a scholarship request
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact the Ithaca College Center for Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at eib@ithaca.edu or (607) 274-7011. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.
Discussion Panel
Title
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Breakout Sessions
Kaleidoscope
Workshop Description:
Five members of the Kaleidoscope Workgroup will share early beginnings that set the stage leading to the development of an advisory committee dedicated to increasing accessibility to DSS services. We will talk about the process of identifying our charge; importance of definitions; noticing what we do well; and recommending steps we can take to facilitate a culture of interconnectedness within the agency and with those we serve. After providing a foundation, we will open the discussion up to questions with the goal of highlighting lessons learned and inspiring other organizations to take action.
Tara Clark has served in various capacities at Tompkins County Department of Social Services (DSS) for over 23 years. Currently Tara is a Case Supervisor for Tompkins County Children Services and serves as the CPS Family Assessment Response (FAR) Lead. Tara sits on the Executive Board of Resurrection Tabernacle Church as the Church Administrator, one of her roles oversees equity and inclusion policies. Tara also enjoys public speaking and has been the keynote speaker for several community events.
Donna Scott is a former children’s services caseworker, supervisor, and legal unit administrator. In those roles she helped promote a Trauma-Informed Family Treatment Court that served as a national model. She has trained DSS employees and other county staff in Solution Focused approaches and Trauma-Informed Care. Donna has worked with the department for over 25 years and is a Deputy Commissioner.
Emily Darling previously worked as a Senior Caseworker for Tompkins County DSS, helping children and families navigate complex circumstances and systems. In her current role as Staff Development Coordinator, Emily focuses on creating meaningful learning opportunities, professional training, and effective public service delivery. Emily is passionate about fostering a culture of effective customer service and is committed to strengthening DSS to effectively support employees and the community it serves.
Steve Whalon has worked in the Human Services field for over 18 years, primarily supporting people with disabilities and young people with mental health/behavioral treatment needs. He learned about accessibility issues while working at ACCES-VR and broadened his understanding of challenges faced by those seeking services. In his current position as a Senior Caseworker for Tompkins County Children’s Services, Steve strives to highlight the humanity of each family’s situation and reduce barriers that impact the individuals served.
Jocelyn DeAveiro has worked for the Tompkins County DSS for 10 years. She is currently serving as the clerical supervisor in the Children’s Services Unit. She supervises a team that provides administrative support to caseworkers and supervisors across Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Preventive Services, Home Finding and Adoption. Her team serves as an important point of connection between the department, clients, and community partners by providing customer service and assisting individuals in navigating available services. Prior to her current role, she worked with the Emergency Services Unit, which helps individuals and families experiencing a range of urgent needs, particularly those related to housing instability and homelessness.
How to get out of your own way and show up for yourself and others
with Lydia Dolch (she/they)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-dolch-openthelid/
Lydia Dolch is an Empowerment Coach and the Founder of Open the Lid. She holds multiple New York State teaching certifications and brings more than 25 years of experience in exceptional education, specializing in autism and communication. She is also a parent of 20 years and has lived with Sensory Processing Disorder for a decade following a traumatic brain injury.
Lydia leads workshops, and consults in schools, communities, and residential settings. She also leads a team of incredible educators to provide Open the Lid’s custom classes for people with disabilities and allies of all ages. Under her leadership, Open the Lid is expanding its reach through vocational rehabilitation partnerships with New Jersey and New York State programs.
A dynamic, sought-after speaker, she presents to national advocacy groups, educational and public organizations, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Workshop Description:
Lasting inclusion and real organizational change start from within. But everyday overwhelm, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs can stall even the most committed leaders. In this hands-on workshop, empowerment coach and educator Lydia Dolch gives change agents and leaders practical, accessible tools to break through inner barriers and keep moving forward. Grounded in the belief that “Transformation is Possible, but Action is Not Optional,” you will leave ready to turn intention into lasting action.
Access to Work for the Justice Impacted
with Thomas Tee Jones
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomastjones
Thomas Tee Jones is an Education Associate at Cornell University’s Labor and Employment Law Program (LEL), where he supports employer‑
focused training and outreach within the Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative (CJEI). A master’s degree graduate of Cornell’s ILR School, Thomas previously served as the university’s Fair Employment Practice Specialist. Currently he delivers training on fair chance hiring practices and compliance offering resources for Justice impacted job seekers, workforce development organizations, HR professionals along with government officials. Topics include Labor and Employment Law, HR Strategy and HR evaluation tools for justice‑impacted applicants during critical hiring stages to strengthen equitable hiring systems and expand access to high‑potential, justice‑impacted talent. His work and journey have been highlighted by the Cornell Chronicle and national media for advancing more inclusive workforce practices.
Workshop Description:
Access to Work explores how justice-impacted individuals navigate barriers and opportunities in the labor market after involvement with the criminal legal system. Developed through his work with, the Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative (CJEI), this presentation highlights the impact of criminal records on employment, common legal and practical challenges, and fair chance hiring strategies that support successful workforce participation. Through data, lived experiences, and actionable solutions, participants gain a deeper understanding of how employers, workforce professionals, and communities can expand access to meaningful employment and strengthen economic mobility.
The Belonging Through Menopause Action Framework: Revealing Menopause as Part of Your Organization’s Inclusion Strategy
with Toni Buckley (she/her/they)
Toni Buckley (M.A., Dipl.) serves as the College Diversity Officer at Berkshire Community College in Massachusetts, where she leads efforts to build more connected, inclusive, and thriving communities, and fosters culture change rooted in the interconnectedness of people, place, and collective liberation.
Through pioneering work in menopause inclusion in higher education, she creates spaces for people who experience menopause, beyond the gender binary, to feel seen, supported, and connected.
Toni’s work is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: caring for one another and caring for the earth are deeply intertwined practices that require us to examine systems, strengthen relationships, and act with shared purpose.
Workshop Description:
Menopause is a natural life transition that affects 50% of the world’s population, yet it often remains invisible in the workplace. As a result, many people are navigating significant physical, emotional and professional changes without the support, understanding or sense of community they need to thrive. This interactive session introduces the Belonging Through Menopause Action Framework, a practical, research-informed tool that helps organizations identify opportunities for meaningful culture change. Through guided conversation and shared reflection, participants will connect with peers, exchange ideas, and explore strategies for creating more supportive workplaces. Attendees will leave with the framework, new insights, and actionable approaches for advancing lasting change.
Event Sponsorship
If you are passionate about advancing DEI initiatives, we invite you to review our attached sponsorship form and sponsor at the level that feels most in line with your commitment to DEIJAB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Accessibility and Belonging). Together, let’s confront the backlash and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future. Please reach out with any questions roundtablechair@diversityconsortium.org.
Download a Sponsorship Form
