Speaking Engagements
Dr. Ansary has presented to diverse audiences, including but not limited to: scholars, government agencies, professional conferences, educators, businesses, not for profit agencies,
as well as parents, and members of various communities. These presentations come in many forms such as keynotes, conference/summit sessions, trainings, as well as less formal talks such as to committees and community organizations. All presentations reference the most current research evidence to inform data-driven recommendations on the issue. She has presented on the following topics:
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Bullying
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Cyberbullying
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Religious Minorities and Bullying/Cyberbullying
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Bias & Microaggression (in schools & within the workplace)
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Psychological Effects of Discrimination
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Muslim Mental Health
Training & Professional Development
Dr. Ansary provides anti-bias training and professional development that stem from her scholarly expertise. These trainings are grounded in the most recent research evidence on bias and bullying. A central feature of these trainings is the recognition that both bias and bullying mostly occur within systems, such as within schools or in the workplace. As such, recommendations are tailored to address the specific system (i.e., school, workplace, etc.) with specific strategies discussed for key stakeholders (e.g., for schools, recommendations are discussed for students, educators, parents, and community).
These trainings can be customized based on the amount of time allotted for training and professional development, and as a corollary, desired intensity.
Assessment & Statistical Evaluation of Training Effectiveness
For consultants or professionals who provide trainings, it is critical to evaluate the effectiveness of this work. Assessment and data analysis evaluating training effectiveness is beneficial for two major reasons.
First, data on the effectiveness of one’s training can be a valuable marketing tool providing leverage over competitors without such evidence. For example, if one’s training is in fact effective, potential clients will likely be impressed by the presence of statistically significant change in participant scores from before to after the training, as well as by the strength of these effects.
The second benefit of such an evaluation is that organizations that deliver such trainings can use data to identify flaws in the training design. When data highlight areas in which expected change in participants is not achieved, the training design can be refined to achieve greater effectiveness.
Training evaluation involves the following:
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Design of an assessment that is specific to the learning objectives of the training
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Consultation on data collection
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Management of data collection
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Data analysis
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A report on the findings of the data collection
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Recommendations for improvement
