Change is possible, and it starts with each of us!

Katherina Alvarez, Ph.D., a dog trainer, social psychologist, racial equity, and anti-oppression educator committed to collective liberation, will raise social justice awareness among our beloved dog professionals community by unlearning (un)conscious oppressive social patterns and learning anti-oppressive practices. She is the author of the newly released article The Reality of Being a Black, Indigenous, and Global Majority Dog Professional."

This webinar will discuss how oppressive systems work, how we may (un)consciously support them, how our social circumstances and privilege frequently result in power imbalances that we are unaware of, and how we can make society more fair, humane, and just. We will learn about our role in perpetuating inequitable systems and how each of us can make a difference. Working against these systems benefits everyone.

In this webinar, we will share the lived experiences of BIPGM dog professionals interviewed for a qualitative research study, as well as insights from researchers, scholars, writers, and activists leading the way to positive social change. We will speak about some of the difficulties that BIPGM dog professionals face in their daily lives and work, as well as how their experiences can inform broader discussions about social justice, equity, and inclusion. By bringing together diverse perspectives and voices, we hope to encourage a deeper discussion of the complexities of these issues and inspire meaningful action toward positive change.

We will hold a shame-free, courageous, and compassionate space, as well as encourage empathy, active listening, and a willingness to learn from BIPGM experiences. We aim to foster a positive learning environment to keep participants on the learning edge as we learn about privilege, social power, white supremacy, racism, ableism, heterosexism, and other oppressive systems.

We will create the space for acknowledging, processing, and healing from our collective history of injustice, as well as any emotions that may arise, in order to move toward healing, reparation, and reconciliation and build a stronger, more resilient community.  

This unique webinar will offer insight and inspiration for building a more equitable community. You will walk away with a better understanding of how to actively work in your personal and professional lives to dismantle systemic oppression and promote positive social change.

Live Webinar with Q&A Session. Dr. Alvarez will be joined by PhD Candidate Kassidi Jones to respond to questions that have come up in the care spaces during the latter part of the webinar (see more below about care spaces). See you Wednesday, May 31st, 10am-12:30 pm Pacific Time.
Will be recorded for registered students to watch later.

  • Suitable for anyone who wants to create a common language for discussing various systems of oppression and their intersections (for example, racism, ableism, sexism, heterosexism, etc.). This is not a dog industry problem; this is systemic.

  • Learn to reframe discomfort as an opportunity to learn by noticing and exploring when we are on a learning edge and when we are moving to our comfort or panic zone.

  • Recognize the institutional, interpersonal, systemic, and cultural means by which racism, white supremacy, and white privilege are reinforced and communicated. 

  • Explore real-life examples of the experiences of BIPGM dog professionals.

  • Appreciate the richness of diversity, unique perspectives, and various ways of knowing.

  • Examine anti-Blackness, colorism, internalized racism, and horizontal hostility.

  • • Move beyond the boxes or categories that society has assigned to us.

  • Explore ways to advocate for those who are marginalized in society without becoming a savior. Take action to challenge oppressive systems and co-create liberatory alternatives.

  • If you identify as being part of a marginalized population, please scroll down to see the sliding scale options.

  • This webinar and all of the other classes in the school are included with a Diamond Membership All Access Pass. For one low price per month, you get access to all of our emotionally enriching dog courses. See if Diamond is right for you.

    Already a Diamond? You're already enrolled in this webinar, at no extra charge. Just log in and refresh this page, and you'll see a Start Learning or Resume Learning button on the top.

Thanks for being part of this!

Please keep reading to get the most out of this webinar.

  • Your Well-Being is Important

    Because this webinar may elicit strong emotions, it is important that you take care of yourself before, during, and after the session.

    A professional moderation team will be in the chat and there will also be care spaces. Care spaces take place in breakout rooms, 15 minutes each in duration.

  • Structure & Continuing Education Units

    This mind- and heart-expanding webinar is about 2.5-3 hours, with around 1 hour and 45 minutes of presentation (including bio breaks), two 15-minute breakout rooms, and a time for Katherina Alvarez, PhD, Kassidi Jones, PhD Candidate to respond to questions that remain from the care groups. Please note that questions from BIPGM will be prioritized.

    Professional dog trainers and behaviorists earn CEUs from the CCPDT and IAABC too!

    CCPDT: 3 CEUs for Trainers & Behaviorists, IAABC: pending

  • Continue the Learning

    Within 24 hours of the live session, you'll also get a recording, transcript, and downloadable handouts to facilitate your learning. You are free to watch the recording as many times as you like. Please note that if you're using a sponsor coupon, your access may only be for 7 days.

    Attendees are also eligible to continue the conversation in the Grisha Stewart Learner Support Facebook Group.

    Diamond members can also post in the special group for Diamonds.

About the Instructors

Research Consultant, Psychologist, and Racial Equity and Antioppression Educator

Katherina Alvarez, PhD

Dr. Katherina Alvarez (she/her) was born and raised in Panama, in Abya Yala, also known as Central America. She now resides in Amsterdam with her partner and heart dog, who inspired her to pursue her lifelong dream of training dogs. Katherina began her studies in psychology in Panama before moving to Amsterdam to pursue a Research Master's degree and a Ph.D. in Social Psychology, thanks to several grants from the European Union, the Netherlands, and Panama. She has worked with people from diverse cultural backgrounds in the Netherlands, the United States, and Panama over the course of her more than 15 years as a psychologist, researcher, and educator.

Katherina's lived experience has motivated her commitment to reducing the effects of systemic oppression and trauma by facilitating the healing process of those excluded or marginalized from society through individual and group coaching. She also teaches and conducts research consultancies on how to incorporate anti-oppressive practices. Her approach is trauma-informed, based on scientific research, applied and experiential knowledge, compassion, empathy, kindness, mindfulness, and a sense of humor.

Katherina is part of the Global Majority, Latine, disabled multiracial and multicultural body, and a cisgender immigrant. She can be reached at katherinaalvarez.com.

Photo Description: A mixed-race woman with curly black hair wearing a white blouse and blue jeans. She sits on a couch, looking at the camera, while patting her dog, Umi, who is also looking at the camera. Umi is a small white and brown Jack Russell mix. He's sitting on a small piano bench next to the couch.

Ph.D. Candidate

Kassidi Jones

Kassidi Jones (she/her/hers) is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in African American Studies and English at Yale. Her dissertation is an exploration of nineteenth-century ecopoetics, focusing on pleasure as an experience central to the relationships between Black folks and nonhuman members of their environments. She shares some of that research through content creating for @gingers_naps on Instagram. She currently resides in the Hartford area with her dog, Ginger.

Sponsored Access: Get in Free!

These organizations and schools have contributed financially to this webinar. Please support them!

Each sponsor gets a certain number of free tickets to this webinar, depending on donation level. If you're affiliated with these organizations, look for an email or check with them for a special sign-up link for free access.

Empowerment level: DogsThat.com. Inspiration Level: CCPDT, IAABC, Malena DeMartini. Awareness Level: BehaviorWorks, Canadian APDT, Dogwise.

We are just getting started.

This webinar is an introduction to a much larger discussion, and we will cover as much ground as possible. If you are a member of the Global Majority and would like us to discuss a topic that is not covered here, don't hesitate to contact Katherina, and we will do our best to include it.

We are all in the process of learning and co-creating.

Sliding Scale for Marginalized Populations

We invite you use the Discounted or Free options below if (and only if) you identify as being part of a marginalized population, including, but not limited to Black, Indigenous, People of the Global Majority, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, Disabled, Neurodiverse, etc.

  • Cisgender Women

    Cisgender means your gender expression matches the sex assigned to you at birth. While cisgender women do experience systemic oppression relative to men, please also remember that dog professionals are primarily women, so we ask you not to use the sliding scale option if you do not identify with an additional marginalized identity.

  • Marginalized Populations - Half off

    Use this option if it is comfortable for you to financially support this work: $14.50 or $19.50.

  • Marginalized Populations - Free Access

    Free Access to this webinar

    The Grisha Stewart Academy also has ongoing need-based scholarships for 6 months of Diamond membership, totally free. That includes all the coursework for the CBATI-KA certification.

Paid-Access Registration: Ready to co-create a better world together?

It's your choice: buy this online session individually for the price that your financial situation allows or get it (and a lot more) for FREE as a Diamond Member.

We invite you to see other registration options above.

  • $39.00

    $39.00Social Justice: Cultivating Equity for All Dog Professionals with Katherina Alvarez, PhD. May 31, 10 am Pacific

    Standard Contribution.

    One-time payment to add this recording to your library of courses. Your access will not expire.
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  • $49.00

    $49.00Social Justice: Cultivating Equity for All Dog Professionals with Katherina Alvarez, PhD. May 31, 10 am Pacific

    Supporting Contribution.

    Thanks for contributing $10 extra on behalf of those who cannot afford the standard rate! This level is especially appreciated from those who have not been systemically marginalized. One-time payment to add this recording to your library of courses. Your access will not expire.
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  • $100.00

    $100.00Social Justice: Cultivating Equity for All Dog Professionals with Katherina Alvarez, PhD. May 31, 10 am Pacific

    Super-Supporting Contribution.

    Thanks for contributing $61 extra on behalf of those who cannot afford the standard rate. Thanks!

    One-time payment to add this recording to your library of courses. Your access will not expire.
    Buy Now
  • $29.00

    $29.00Social Justice: Cultivating Equity for All Dog Professionals with Katherina Alvarez, PhD. May 31, 10 am Pacific

    Discounted Rate.

    For those who cannot afford the standard contribution. One-time payment to add this recording to your library of courses. Your access will not expire. Marginalized Populations see above.
    Buy Now
  • $29.99 / month

    $29.99 / monthDiamond Membership All Access Pass

    Great value! Access to ALL live and on-demand streaming content on the site, including this webinar.

    Diamonds are also part of a thriving, supportive community that loves to dig into every aspect of dog behavior. You'll get help from an extensive and growing library of emotionally intelligent animal behavior and care classes, taught by my favorite experts from around the world. Diamonds also get special events, student coupons, and other perks. [Learn more].
    Go Diamond

Diamond membership Information

If you choose to purchase a Diamond membership, it will go for a month from the start date and then renew automatically each month after that. You can easily cancel renewal at any time and your access to the content will just expire on your renewal date.

Already a Diamond? You're already enrolled in this webinar, at no extra charge. Just log in and refresh this page, and you'll see a Start Learning or Resume Learning button on the top.

Scholarships: the cost of education should not be a barrier. If the requested contributions are beyond your financial means, but you believe you will benefit from attending this webinar, please check out our Diamond membership scholarship program. Scholarships are for 6 months of education at the Academy, including this webinar.

Scholarships do take time to process, so thank you for your patient. If you apply within a week of the webinar, you may need to watch the recording instead of the live event.