Code Switching and Its Impact in the Workplace, presented by CaTyra Polland '10

Code-switching occurs when people adjust their language, behavior, dress or attitude to adapt to the dominant racial, gender and socioeconomic makeup of a workplace. It has an even greater impact on misrepresented groups such as Blacks in America, women or immigrants. Code-switching can create an unwinnable tug of war between the desire to fit in and excel at work and the desire to be ones’ self.

In this webinar, UAlbany alum CaTyra Polland discusses common types of code-switching and how it impacts those who are expected to assimilate into mainstream society. You will learn how you can help reverse the trend toward code-switching by fostering a workplace environment that values and embraces diversity at all levels.

THE PRESENTER
CaTyra Polland, BA ’08, M.A.’10 is the founder and CEO of Love for Words, an MWBE editing and copywriting firm for writers and authors, where she serves as an editor, mentor and supporter of each writer's creation. She is also a published author, poet and keynote speaker. CaTyra is a 2023 ATHENA International Finalist, a 2023 Rochester Business Journal Elevating Women Honoree, a 2018 Rochester Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree and a national Point of Light Honoree. CaTyra, a service leader and community pillar, founded the Literacy Love Scholarship for high school students in Rochester, N.Y. She is also the founder of National Black Authors Day (May 4). Her mission is to promote literacy, empower others and see that her wildest dreams come to fruition.

UALBANY CAREER WEBINAR SERIES ARCHIVES: