Event Details

Speaker:  Baraka Kasongo, CEO of Volatia Language Network

Pre-approved for 1.0 General recertification credit! 

RSVP: https://nrv.shrm.org/forms/rsvp-april-2018-meeting-0

Session Content:

Diversity is one of the most important topics in currently facing our workplace today.  In fact, according to 2017 Stanford University study, commitment to diversity does much more than benefit an organization's image. Research suggests that organizations with more diversity have higher levels of innovation. One study found that businesses with more diverse leaders were more likely to report that they increased their market share and captured new markets in the past year than businesses with less diverse workforces.

Through his inspiring story from Rwandan refugee to respected business leader, Baraka Kasongo will focus on why leaders should CHOOSE diversity in the workplace and shed light on the key elements needed to foster an inclusive culture. The discussion will focus on empowering each member of a team to positively influence the attitudes, values, and behaviors of diversity.

About the Speaker:

Baraka is a transformational leader who has achieved a tremendous record of success in various aspects of his life. He demonstrates an exceptional ability to lead, innovate, and pioneer new paths through his collaborative nature. His passion for bridging language and cultural barriers is fueled by his experience of being a refugee in five different countries for a period of seven years. Baraka founded VOLATIA to be the means through which he can mitigate linguistic and cultural disparities that exist in every community throughout the United States and around the world. He serves on numerous boards that focus on creating and fostering diversity and inclusion at every point of contact.

Baraka holds a bachelor of science degree in Management & Leadership from Bluefield College, an associate of applied science in Emergency Management from Frederick Community College, and is certified as a Green Belt Lean Six Sigma practitioner through Virginia Tech.

Baraka founded Volatia Language Network in 2008 and has been dedicated to language services since well before that, as he himself served as an interpreter.  Baraka also serves his community as a Lieutenant in the Roanoke City Fire Department.