Evelyn Carter

Author | DEI Leader | Data Geek 

Dr. Evelyn Carter is the author of the forthcoming Detecting Bias.  She is the former President of Paradigm Strategy, Inc., a consulting firm committed to helping companies build stronger, more inclusive organizations.  A seasoned keynote speaker and self professed data geek, Evelyn's inspiring talks, supported with quantifiable research, illustrate how attention to DEI enhances well-being,  productivity, and profitability.

book evelyn

SPEAKERS WHO GET RESULTS:
​HOW BIAS CAN BE A GROWTH EXPERIENCE
​ WITH DR. EVELYN CARTER

Dr. Evelyn R. Carter is a social psychologist who has conducted cutting-edge research on how to detect and discuss racial bias. Her research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, and her research and insights have been published in a variety of peer-reviewed and popular press outlets. Evelyn has nearly 15 years of experience consulting as a diversity, equity, and inclusion expert in industries ranging from higher education (e.g., UCLA), financial services (e.g., American Express), technology (e.g., Uber), retail (e.g., Nike), and professional sport (e.g., the NFL). She loves adapting the theoretical insights from research to suit the practical needs of people in all areas of life, and her accessible approach to talking about DEI has made her a highly sought-after thought leader. Evelyn’s soon to be published book, Detecting Bias, is a reflection of her ethos: equal parts research, pop culture, and corporate knowledge that combine to provide tangible DEI tips that are broadly applicable.

Speech Topics

detecting racial bias: what counts, who decides, and why it matters

As the United States, and the world, falls further into re-codifying White supremacy as a response to racial progress, it’s clear that change needs to happen at scale, and that the dominant racial group in our society — White people — need to take up the charge with more fervor than ever before. “Detecting Racial Bias” is a talk based on Dr. Carter’s book, Detecting Bias, and is a guide to seeing the world the way that people of color do, with insights into how White people have been socialized to see (or not see) race and racism, how to unlearn those impulses, and how to bring others along that journey as well. Sweeping systemic change will require creating an army of DEI champions who are equipped with the tools to have more nuanced conversations about race; this talk contains the blueprint necessary to get us there.

THE SCIENCE OF DEI: AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

​Over the last few decades, research on how to help diverse groups of people thrive together, rather than simply co-exist, has informed the design of many places we inhabit, from modern workplaces, to the classrooms where we learn, to the social spaces where we connect with our community. This design is not merely based on intuition — it is grounded in a rigorous scientific pursuit of “diversity science” or the broad field of study dedicated to understanding what makes people from all backgrounds feel valued and respected, and how to create environments where there is equal access to opportunity and beneficial outcomes. Audiences will leave this keynote with a clear understanding of what diversity, equity, and inclusion are, and why these concepts are important in a society devoted to producing just outcomes for all. We will also discuss historical and current examples of DEI backlash, so that attendees can effectively champion DEI in their own workplaces, classrooms, and social spaces.

ALLYSHIP IN THE WORKPLACE: THE NEW RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

The rules about how to engage in the workplace have changed significantly over the last few decades. Admonishments to “leave your personal life at home” have been replaced with an understanding that we can’t as easily separate our work persona from our rest-of-life persona. Instead of eschewing conversations about identity, modern workplaces are embracing the importance of enabling employees to bring more of their authentic selves to work. Those same workplaces have a responsibility to equip all leaders and employees with practical tools for how to support their colleagues in a more nuanced and inclusive way. Today’s workplaces are incredibly diverse, spanning up to 5 generations, and a mix of races, genders, ideologies, and cultures. Learning how to take action when something happens that undermines an employee’s sense of inclusion and belonging is critical, as is proactively creating a welcoming environment for the diverse groups that inhabit your workplace; “Allyship in the Workplace” teaches attendees the skills for both. ​

CULTIVATING PLACES OF BELONGING: STRATEGIES FOR A NEW ERA

In an era marked by rapid change and increasing diversity, the need to belong has never been more crucial. And yet, perhaps because of that rapid change and increasing diversity, the goal of creating environments where every individual feels valued, respected, and truly connected can feel like an insurmountable task. "Cultivating Places of Belonging" weaves together research, storytelling, and practical strategies to fostering inclusive spaces in both personal and professional settings. ​​

“When we brought in Evelyn Carter as a speaker, she immediately elevated the dialogue from sharing war stories of encountering racism and bias to a thoughtful and affirming discussion of the effects of these affronts on minority attorneys and practical ways to understand and address bias. While she did this she conveyed humor, deep intelligence and authenticity as a diversity expert, champion and catalyst with a genuine desire to help people.”
​
— Robert White
​Executive Director, California Minority Counsel Program

Previous Engagements​​

• GE
• Ares Management
• American Express
  
• Capital One 
  
• NFL​

​Books

Detecting Bias

For years, I have helped White people and White-run companies detect bias the way people of color do; craft policies and practices designed to combat systemic racial bias; and navigate the discomfort, tension, and backlash that can result. Detecting Bias is an intervention, and a call to action, for White people. It is a guide to seeing the world the way that people of color do, with insights into how White people have been socialized to see (or not see) race and racism, how to unlearn those impulses, and how to bring others along that journey as well. Conversational in nature, Detecting Bias is written in the way I approach my career as a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant, bringing a blend of humor, candor, and lots of research to help create an army of champions who are equipped with the tools to have more nuanced conversations about race.
​
I am generally optimistic about the direction our society can move in, as long as we have people - White people - ready to hold themselves, their families, their co-workers, and their friends accountable for that change. Detecting Bias is the research-backed, story-filled, practical manual that will help them get there.​

​Related Links

OFFICIAL
​WEBSITE

HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW
DEI Initiatives Are Futile Without Accountability

FAST COMPANY
We need to talk about racial justice issues at work. Here's how

LET'S BREAK IT DOWN WITH DR. EVELYN CARTER​