Speaker Series

Shades Holiday Celebration

Event Overview

Join us as we come together to celebrate the holiday season! Winter holidays are an important time for reflection, connection, and community. This event will highlight the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba), Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith — and explore how these guiding principles align in spirit with WWT’s core values of Trust, Humility, Embracing Change, Passion, Attitude, Teamwork, and Honesty. We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Miller Boyd, III, an esteemed historian and scholar to share insights into the origins and traditions of Kwanzaa as well as a conversation about the linkage between those Principles and THE PATH. Following the discussion, we invite you to enjoy a soul-inspired lunch celebrating the spirit of connection and togetherness. Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate heritage, reflect on shared values, and embrace the principles that connect us all in our lives and workplaces.

Featured Speakers

Aaron Jackson

WWT

Principal, Management Consulting

Lead for Shades, WWT's Black Network Employee Resource Group whose mission is to ensure WWT is a dynamic, safe, inclusive, and great place to work ...
Dr. Miller Boyd, III

Historian

Dr. Miller Boyd, III was born and raised in St. Louis, currently serving as a Social Studies teacher at Whitfield School. Before Whitfield, Dr. Boy...

What to expect

Both sets of principles and values champion community, growth, and integrity, reminding us that cultural values and organizational values alike thrive on connection, respect, and shared purpose. Through this celebration, we’ll reflect on how these shared ideals, from unity and teamwork to faith and trust, help strengthen both our communities and our workplace culture. Also, we’ll be holding a collection for a local food pantry. Please consider bringing non-perishable foods. It’s critical this time of year, especially with tornado survivors still needing support, that we do our part to help our communities.
  • Unity (Umoja) -> Team Player
  • Self-Determination (Kujichagulia) -> Passion & Attitude
  • Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa) -> Honesty & Trust
  • Creativity (Kuumba) -> Embrace Change & Attitude

Goals and Objectives

We hope you walk away feeling a revitalized sense of community and connection.

Who should attend?

All WWT and Softchoice employees