Penn State Health launches 2025-2026 Upstander Café series

Be an outstanding upstander.

That’s the focus of the 2025-2026 Upstander Café series, now open. The first session on addressing microaggressions and unconscious bias is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 1 from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

Being an upstander means recognizing workplace instances of microaggressions or unconscious bias and respectfully speaking up.

“Practicing upstander skills can help create a more welcoming workplace and lead to better patient outcomes,” said Hector Ortiz, program manager for Diversity and Inclusion, who holds a doctorate in diplomacy and international sciences. “Microaggressions are indirect, subtle verbal or behavioral slights, either deliberate or accidental, toward a specific group. Unconscious bias is an automatically occurring prejudice of which we are unaware.”

In fiscal year 2026, virtual Upstander Café education on microaggressions and unconscious bias will be offered quarterly. In addition to Aug. 1, sessions are scheduled from 7:30 to 8 a.m. on Fridays, Dec. 5, 2025, and March 6 and June 5, 2026, from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

Exploring current issues

The Upstander Café also incorporates one-hour sessions each quarter on timely social issues and their effect on patients. These sessions will occur virtually from noon to 1 p.m. the first Friday of each quarter. Participants discuss current social issues that can result in unconscious bias or microaggressions.

Register here for the Aug. 1 session on “Addressing Workplace Retaliation: Steps to Protect Employees and Promote Accountability.”

Upcoming topics are:

• The Link Between Organizational Culture, Individuals’ Culture and Well-Being: Reducing Stress, Distress and Anxiety at Work
• From Arguments to Understanding: How Dialogue Can Reduce Polarization and Strengthen Workplace Relationships
• Navigating Cultural and Religious Differences in Health Care: Challenges and Opportunities

Nearly 600 employees attended Upstander Café sessions in fiscal year 2024-2025. All Penn State College of Medicine faculty, students and staff are welcome to attend these educational opportunities.

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