Inclusion doesn’t have to be branded to be effective. As organizations move away from buzzwords and standalone DEI programs, the most forward-thinking employers are embedding inclusion into everything - from decision-making to hiring, leadership development, and innovation. This session helps HR professionals reframe inclusion as a strategic imperative rather than a political or compliance response. You'll learn how to create environments where diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and meaningful dialogue are not just accepted, but expected. Walk away with actionable strategies to help your organization attract, engage, and retain employees who feel seen, valued, and connected to the work.

Learning Objectives

1. Examine how modern organizations are evolving DEI by integrating inclusion into leadership, communication, and business operations, rather than treating it as a siloed initiative.
2. Identify workplace strategies that foster trust, belonging, and engagement among diverse employees, especially when formal DEI structures are minimized or absent.
3. Design an action plan to embed inclusive practices into your workplace culture - strengthening collaboration, innovation, and retention without relying on external mandates.

Speaker: Sharon Harrington 

Sharon E. Harrington, MA, CPTD, is a nationally recognized expert in workplace conflict resolution, EEO investigations, and organizational communication. As the founder of Amediate, LLC, she has spent nearly 30 years helping organizations navigate internal disputes, prevent harassment, and foster inclusive work environments. Sharon is a certified professional in talent development and a certified Emergenetics® facilitator, known for her engaging, practical approach to difficult conversations.

She regularly trains federal and private sector EEO investigators across the U.S., teaching the 32-hour MD-110 Certification course and annual refresher programs. Sharon has served as a featured speaker for EEOC Technical Assistance Programs (TAPS) for over five years and is deeply respected for her ability to translate legal frameworks into actionable, culturally responsive strategies.

Her work centers on bridging the gap between compliance and civility, empowering leaders and practitioners to address conflict at its roots and rebuild trust before it escalates. Sharon brings rich case experience, storytelling, and evidence-based practices that resonate with conflict resolution professionals seeking both immediate and long-term impact. Her sessions challenge participants to rethink resolution through a lens of fairness, communication, and behavioral change—making her an ideal voice for ACR’s mission of bridging divides.