About the Program:
What is “Unconscious bias in the workplace” training?
In this training, we explore the concept of unconscious bias and how it plays out in the workplace, its impact on your organization’s brand and ability to attract and retain talent.
Why is “Unconscious bias in the workplace” training important?
One of the primary obstacles we face in leveraging workplace diversity is our own unconscious bias. Research suggests that we instinctively place people into categories based on their appearance, educational level, social status, job title, and so on. Right or wrong, this helps us order our world and saves us time and effort as we process information about people. These unconscious biases can affect who is hired, promoted, and developed in the workplace, which can ultimately derail your organization’s culture, diversity efforts, and overall productivity.
During this presentation, we will:
- Define and explore the concept of unconscious bias
- Explore how it impacts your workplace culture, your brand and your ability to attract and retain talent
- Learn strategies to interrupt your biases
Speaker: Claudia Schabel
In April 2026, Claudia Schabel was named President and CEO of the Iowa Women’s Foundation. The Iowa Women’s Foundation is a statewide 501c 3 nonprofit.
Claudia was born and raised in Brazil and lived and worked in Japan for five years prior to moving to Iowa in 1999. She earned a BA in International Relations from Drake University in Des Moines, where she made her home with her spouse, Brad, and their loving Golden Retrievers, Charlie and Emmy Lou.
Her work background includes ownership of a workplace culture and leadership development consulting and training firm (Schabel Solutions Inc.) as well as employment at multinational Fortune 100 and 500 organizations (DuPont and Principal Financial Group, respectively) and a Des Moines-based non-profit (now the Iowa International Center).
For over 20 years, Claudia has been very active as a volunteer. Claudia currently serves on the Grand View University Board of Trustees, Capital Crossroads Regional Council as well as the boards of the Science Center of Iowa, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Advisory Council.
Her many years of leadership within the community led to honors and recognition such as the Drake University Zimpleman College of Business Women’s Impact Award (2024), Business Record’s List of Business Leaders You Need to Know (2024), Business Record – Iowa State University Ivy College of Business Woman Business Owner of the Year Award (2023), CITYVIEW Business Journal’s 22 from 2022 Award, Iowa International Center Passport to Prosperity Award (2014), State of Iowa’s Robert D. Ray Iowa Latino Ambassador Award (2010), and Business Record ‘Forty Under 40’ Honoree (2008).
Registration begins at 11:30 am. The program will begin at noon.
Please Note:
Lunch will be served buffet-style and is included with your registration. Lemonade and water will be offered. If you have specific dietary restrictions, we will do our best to offer inclusive options, but we are only able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies at this time. You are welcome to bring your own beverage or additional items if needed.
Registration closes the Thursday before the luncheon at 5:00 PM.
Payment must be received at the time of registration or your spot will be released. We can no longer accept late registrations. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you there!
