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Topic: It Starts With Language: The Original Meaning of Everyday, Common Terms

Session Speakers: Anna Wright (Division Chief) and Mary Peterson (Senior Attorney) from Department of Managed Healthcare

Session Overview:
During this session Anna Wright and Mary Peterson will provide insight on how common words and phrases generally used in everyday business can be triggering to some groups and communities. The presentation will include discussion on the importance of inclusive language in the advancement of California’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

About the Speakers:
Anna Wright currently serves as the Workforce Support Division Chief overseeing Equal Employment Opportunity, Human Resources, Training, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC). In addition, she leads the department’s Equity in Action committee, a departmental-wide team that proposes strategies to advance the department’s Race Equity Initiative. Anna has recently taken on the role of co-chair of the State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee. Prior to joining the state in 2014, Anna worked 24 years in the private sector managing Training and Development. Anna is active in the community where she co-leads Carrie’s TOUCH, Inc. Breast Cancer Survivor’s Support Group; serves as Vice President of Top of the Podium (TOP) Inc., a non-profit organization that provides outreach to youth, and as Treasurer for Leave No Veteran Behind, LLC. Anna holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Mary Peterson is a Senior Attorney in the Office of Legal Services at the Department of Managed Health Care with over 20 years’ experience in the practice of law. She is a founding member of the DMHC’s Equity in Action committee, a departmental-wide team that works to advance the department’s Race Equity Initiative. Before joining the State in 2013, Mary was a managing partner in a law firm focused on family law. A former college instructor, Mary has extensive experience training supervisors in performance management and other leadership topics. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Juris Doctor degree.