Presenter Bio:
Kristina Kircher has been working in the education and training field for over 20 years with over seven of those spent managing Corporate Learning & Development teams. Through her current role with Bison, she leads the development of leadership programs, various training curriculums, and is involved in numerous cross departmental projects. In addition, she is heavily involved in committee work including DEI, employee recognition, accessibility, charitable giving, and social committee. Kristina is an experienced facilitator, having led strategic planning sessions, corporate training, leadership summits, and conference presentations. She is dedicated to enriching the employee experience and happily jumps into projects that enhance workplace culture. “We spend so much of our time at work, I want people to enjoy it! We can have fun and produce excellent work at the same time.” Outside of work, Kristina is deeply interested in fitness, nutrition, and exercising her mind. She enjoys spending her time camping and hiking with her 3 kids or engrossed in a book.
Presentation Description:
Fostering Real Connection and Belonging in the Workplace: A Multi-Pronged Approach to Inclusive Engagement
True workplace engagement goes far beyond surface-level perks. It’s about cultivating a culture where every employee feels seen, valued, and included. In this session, we will explore how to foster genuine connection and belonging by shifting from performative efforts to a purpose-driven, multi-pronged approach that embeds inclusion into the fabric of organizational culture.
Participants will gain a clearer understanding of what meaningful engagement looks like and why it’s critical for employee well-being, team cohesion, and organizational success. We’ll examine how inclusive practices can bridge engagement gaps and promote psychological safety. Drawing from both research and practical experience in disability inclusion, attendees will learn actionable strategies to ensure that their colleagues not only feel welcome, but are empowered to participate fully and meaningfully in their work environments. With the knowledge that 1 in 5 youth and 1 in 4 adults identify as having one or more disabilities, it is essential that we are intentional about building inclusive spaces.
Whether you’re a leader, frontline worker, or advocate, this workshop equips you with the tools to build stronger, more inclusive teams and foster workplaces rooted in equity, connection, and respect.
