The I.D.E.A.L. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility in Legal Aid) breakfast event, organized by MidPenn Legal Services' Justice & Equity Center, is an important step towards initiating conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues from a civil legal aid perspective in Lancaster County. With an esteemed panel of speakers, this event offers attendees an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the complexities of DEI issues and become more effective advocates in their communities. Our panel discussion will focus on moving the DEI dialogue forward by exploring the various dimensions of diversity, and the ways in which we can work towards systemic change. Our panelists will share their experiences, insights, and strategies for promoting DEI in their respective fields, and provide actionable steps that attendees can take to create a more equitable and inclusive community. By participating in this event, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of DEI issues in civil legal aid and how they can play a role in advancing these efforts. We hope that this event will serve as a catalyst for ongoing conversations and actions towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.

Date: June 6, 2023          Time: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Location: Lancaster County Convention Center & Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, 25 South Queen Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, 17603

Cost: Free

Partner: The Lancaster County Community Foundation

Agenda

7:30 a.m. Registration/Breakfast

8:00 a.m. Panel Discussion

                Keynote Speaker: Deborah D. Vereen, CCDP/AP, The Vereen Group

                                              Fran Rodriguez, Senior Program Officer, Lancaster County Community Foundation

                                              Arlene Marshall-Hockensmith, Esq., Director of Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging, Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network

                Moderator:          Rhodia D. Thomas, Esq., Executive Director, MidPenn Legal Services

9:00 a.m. Networking

9:30 a.m. Closing