FWHR Webinar - Implicit Bias in the Workplace

Approved for 1 hour of HRCI & SHRM recertification credit.

Bias in the workplace acts as a barrier to employee equality. Significantly, the most dangerous form of bias is implicit and difficult to remedy. Bias prevents employers from cultivating diverse talent, developing an engaged and inclusive workforce, and sparking innovation and collegial relationships through collaboration. Bias at work can appear anywhere, but most often in hiring, screening, performance reviews, and promotions. Notably, bias in the workplace exposes employers to claims of discrimination and civil liability. The more aware of the biases we have, the more we can consciously challenge every decision we make.

Presented by Rasha Zeyadeh, Attorney

Rasha Zeyadeh is a trial attorney in the Dallas office of Rob Wiley, P.C. Ms. Zeyadeh is an aggressive advocate for employee rights. Ms. Zeyadeh is dedicated to ensuring that her clients’ rights are protected and that justice is served.

Ms. Zeyadeh represents employees with various claims, including claims brought under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 1981, and Section 451 of the Texas Labor Code. Ms. Zeyadeh also represents employees in governmental administrative proceedings, including those held before the Texas Workforce Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States, the U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board. Additionally, Ms. Zeyadeh represents employees in appeals to the Office of Special Counsel and the U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. When not advocating for her clients in state court, federal court, or in administrative proceedings, Ms. Zeyadeh can be found negotiating severance agreements and contract terms on behalf of her clients.

Ms. Zeyadeh received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas State University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Following her undergraduate education, Ms. Zeyadeh went on to receive her Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech University School of Law, where she graduated Cum Laude. During her time at Texas Tech University School of Law, Ms. Zeyadeh demonstrated the ability to balance academic commitments and extracurricular activities. Ms. Zeyadeh excelled academically earning the Distinction Award in both the Study of Trial and Appellate Procedure and Criminal Defense. She was also recognized as the 2017 Law Student of the Year by the National Jurist and the 2017 Graduating Law Student of the Year by the Lubbock Bar Association. Ms. Zeyadeh was also inducted into the Who’s Who Among Law Students in American Universities and Colleges program. Ms. Zeyadeh’s achievements and work ethic were recognized by many, earning her the Judge Lucius Bunton Endowed Scholarship, the Judge Meade F. Griffin Award, and the Judge Ken G. Spencer Award.

Ms. Zeyadeh proudly represented Texas Tech University School of Law as an advocate. She served as the Director of Trial Advocacy for the Board of Barristers and competed in several mock trial and moot court competitions throughout the country. In her second year, Ms. Zeyadeh won the National Southwest Mock Trial Competition and received the Hunt for Excellence in Advocacy Endowed Scholarship. Most notably, in her third year, Ms. Zeyadeh was inducted into the National Order of the Barristers.

Ms. Zeyadeh also believes in service to the community. Ms. Zeyadeh’s commitment to working on behalf of underrepresented people and causes has earned her the Clifford W. Brown Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Award, the Brendan Murray Criminal Defense Endowed Scholarship, and the Tim Cole Endowed Scholarship.

Ms. Zeyadeh is Palestinian and grew up in Amman, Jordan. She recently became a naturalized American Citizen. Her journey to the American dream caught the attention of the Department of Homeland Security – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, who have asked her to become a regular keynote speaker at various naturalization ceremonies.

Ms. Zeyadeh is fluent in Arabic and English.

Ms. Zeyadeh understands the strife of underrepresented communities and takes pride in her ability to be the voice for those in need. To Ms. Zeyadeh, being an attorney isn’t just a job, it’s her calling.