Leadership: Keeping the DEIB Fires Lit in the face of policies and cases designed to chill
Join us for an interactive workshop designed to empower public defender leaders navigating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Acceptance/Belonging (DEIA/B) strategies despite recent federal appellate decisions and state initiatives designed to chill. We will discuss successes and challenges to creating more inclusive offices. Together, let's fortify our commitment to justice and diversity within public defense.
Alison Bloomquist, Esq.
Co-Director, EIDEIA Institute
EIDEIA Institute | Special Public Defender, Connecticut
Alison Bloomquist is a racial justice educator, strategist, and trial attorney with two decades of experience advancing equity in the criminal legal system. A Certified Racial Justice Trainer and long-standing faculty member at the National Criminal Defense College, she designs and leads national initiatives on antiracist advocacy, cultural humility, and systems reform. She previously served as Vice President at the National Legal Aid & Defender Association and Director of Training for the Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services.