August Member Meeting: Insights from the Inside: Perspectives from Leaders in Civil and Human Rights

Speakers:

Stefanie Bowers (she/her) is the Director of Equity for the City of Iowa City and Human Rights Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree and holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Iowa College of Law. She has been licensed to practice law in Iowa for over 15 years.

Ms. Bowers’ experience focuses on providing strategies, planning, facilitation, and development of government work on racial equity and engagement for the present and long term. Her work also includes enforcement and protection of Iowa City’s Human Rights Ordinance.

Stefanie Munsterman-Scriven (she/her) serves as the Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission, an agency that provides education and outreach and works to prevent and eliminate discrimination and disparities. She holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Strategic Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

Ms. Munsterman-Scriven applies her expertise in strategic planning, community engagement, program design and delivery, change management, and leadership to advance equity and civil and human rights. She believes it is our individual and collective responsibility to work towards creating a community of belonging.

Summary of Presentation

Through this presentation, attendees will gain insight into the history and purpose of civil and human rights agencies and emergent risk areas: what is ‘hot’ in the employment legal arena will be discussed.  We will delve into the investigative process, procedures, and neutrality, and attendees will hear best practices in responding to a complaint of discrimination.

Learning Objectives

Participants should gain an increased awareness and understanding of:

1. The history and purpose of civil and human rights agencies
2. The investigative process and the neutrality of the agencies
3. Most commonly cited characteristics in employment discrimination complaints
4. Best practices in responding to a complaint of discrimination