Bias Navigator Program

meet our navigators

Navigators can provide a safe space to express concerns, help to navigate through the resources and options available and provide conflict resolution coaching. 

 

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When Leila Armas encountered a microaggression at work, she struggled with whether to speak up or to let it go. She eventually confided in her coworker for support. Unbeknownst to her, her coworker, Shinetra Pryor, was a Bias Navigator. It was through their conversation that Leila discovered the program and the vital role it plays.

Shinetra helped Leila alleviate her self-doubt and concerns about whether she was overreacting. She outlined every step of the formal reporting process and clarified Leila on what to expect if she chose to pursue that route. While Leila decided not to formally report the incident, having her feelings heard and validated and being aware of the options available to her made all the difference.

“The one resounding theme that I hear from a lot of people is that they just want to be heard. They don't necessarily want everyone to hear their story. They just want to share it with someone to know that they're not overreacting, that their feelings are valid, that they're not alone, that there are other people also experiencing the same things. And sometimes it's just therapeutic to know that there's someone else feeling that, too. You're not alone."

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Lori received her Master of Arts degree in Speech Communication from the University of Washington in Seattle where she studied organizational and interpersonal communication focusing on listening skill development in complex organizations. Since then she has managed, led, and coordinated groups where she has integrated listening as an essential human activity in a variety of roles.

Lori is a relationship-oriented communicator with a passion for serving others, connecting people with the resources they need to be successful, and has worked at UW Medicine for fifteen years.

On the weekends, she enjoys connecting with her family and community, dance classes, and nature walks.

 

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A Seattle native, Charlie attended Franklin High School and Bellevue College before moving to Baltimore, Maryland, where she studied communications and public relations at Morgan State University. 

In 2011, she started at the University of Washington as a payroll specialist in the Division of Medical Oncology, working her way up to her current position as manager of human resources.

As the HR manager, Charlie advises management, senior leadership, and employees on a variety of HR matters including employee discipline and corrective action, classification/ compensation, employee development, recruitment issues involving diversity awareness and retention, regulatory compliance, and adherence with HR polices and processes.

 

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Daniel Cabrera is a Hospitalist at Harborview Medical Center in the Division of General Internal Medicine. He serves as an Assistant Program Director for Diversity and Inclusion and Assistant Student Clerkship Director for Diversity and Inclusion for the Internal Medicine Residency Program.  

Dr. Cabrera’s work centers on medical education and issues of equity, diversity & inclusion. Ultimately, he aims to diversify the field of medicine so that patients from all backgrounds can receive high-quality care.

When not at work, Dr. Cabrera can be found spending time with his wife Laura, and their new son, Hugo.

What do Navigators do?

Their roles can be broken down into three categories:

Bias Intake and Listening

“What did I just experience? Why do I feel this way?”

Experiencing a bias incident can be jarring and cause people to wonder. Navigators can be there to just listen if you need someone to talk to and help process what occurred. We are here to affirm your experience and offer a safe space to express your concerns.

Resource Guide

We are here to show you your next step if you feel comfortable enough to move a process forward. The Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, and University at large can be a complex institution. A Navigator will be able to inform you of the options available to you after experiencing a bias incident and point you in the best direction, whether you choose to follow an informal or formal process.

Conflict Resolution Coaching

We understand that some individuals would prefer addressing the incidents they may have experienced themselves. Navigators are trained to help coach and help utilize the skills, language, and strategies to have tough conversations on your own. This practice is grounded in understanding context, power dynamics, and other factors that should be taken into account when trying to address a bias incident in your place of work.

What is a bias incident?

A bias incident involves any discriminatory act against an individual or a group based on their age, religion, disability (physical or mental), race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or any other identity.

CONFIDENTIALITY

It is important to note that Navigators do not perform formal investigations. Our mission is to provide you with support and advocacy while determining follow-up activity where appropriate. Responses will vary based on the nature of the incident and can include additional communications with pertinent offices on campus. In most cases, the employee decides if they want to have a formal investigation initiated. However, there are certain instances (e.g., sexual misconduct, hate crimes) where we may be compelled by law to report.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Well-Being & Safety

• CareLink
• Peer-to-Peer
• Know Your Rights
• LiveWell Confidential Advocates
• Queer Center
• Safe Campus
• Transgender Resources
• TheWholeU

Reporting Tools and Complaint Resolution

• Bias reporting tool
• Civil Rights Investigation Office
• DOM Intranet-Complaint Resolution Resources
• DOM Academic HR: Jackie Monroe or Dr. Cynthia Ko
• DOM Staff HR: Bryn Vaswig or Chrissie Younie

Accessibility

• Disability Services Office
• Ergonomics 
• Office of ADA Coordinator
• Workplace Accident Reporting

Affinity Groups

• Asian and Pacific Islander American Faculty & Staff Association
• Black Faculty & Staff Association
• Q Faculty, Staff & Allies Association (QFS)
• Latinx Association 
• Native Association

Conflict Resolution

• OMBUD