*Please note, session titles & times are subject to change due to schedule conflicts per our speakers.
Thoughtful and committed allyship can positively impact organizations, creating an environment that invites greater diversity and inclusion across a range of dimensions. However, fostering allyship requires the ability to identify and assess allyship needs not only in terms of individual and interpersonal practice, but also in terms of organizational culture, composition, and policy. This session presents an overview of allyship that touches on these different levels.
As open and overt racism returns to the forefront of American's minds, it is not simply enough to not support the racist rhetoric and reprehensible actions that are growing in number and frequency. We, as people, must strive to be actively anti-racist rather than passively just not racists ourselves. This course will instruct attendees in how to be an anti-racist and to combat this culture.
Belonging and the need to belong or be connected with others is recognized as a fundamental human need, drive, and desire akin to food and water. In the workplace, we see that one of the critical factors in Belonging is psychological safety. When people feel that they can participate, learn, and grow in an organization, they become psychologically safe, which leads to a strong feeling of Belongingness. This session introduces participants to the concept of psychological safety in the workplace and how it promotes Belongingness.
In today's interconnected world, brands are increasingly recognizing the power and importance of aligning with social movements to drive positive change and connect with socially conscious consumers. From environmental sustainability to racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights, brands are leveraging their platforms to advocate for social causes and make a meaningful impact on society. However, navigating the intersection of branding and social activism poses unique challenges and considerations, including authenticity, accountability, and consumer perception. In this session, we will explore the evolving role of brands in social movements, examining successful case studies, ethical dilemmas, and best practices for brands seeking to authentically engage with social issues. Join us for a dynamic discussion on the intersection of branding and social change, and discover how brands can leverage their influence to drive meaningful impact in today's social landscape.
Join Carmichael Lynch for an insightful and dynamic conversation around the art and strategic approach to addressing diverse audiences. Learn from the award-winning agency, a renowned client, and culture strategist. This will be an interactive discussion around how to build the brands and organizations designed to thrive in the future.
Career Advice From the C-Suite offers a unique opportunity for professionals at all career stages to gain insights and guidance from seasoned executives who have reached the pinnacle of their careers. In this session, C-suite leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds share their personal journeys, lessons learned, and valuable career advice for aspiring leaders. From navigating career transitions to honing leadership skills and fostering professional growth, participants will glean practical wisdom and actionable strategies for advancing their careers and achieving their professional goals. Join us for an inspiring conversation with top executives and unlock the secrets to success in today's competitive business landscape.
There’s really no playbook for today’s Chief Diversity Officer. Often, CDOs lack access to their CEO or other executives, and this makes it difficult for them to do their jobs. Many of them have difficulty getting the data they need to pinpoint issues within companies. And even when the executives and the data are available, getting buy-in for initiatives is challenging. Dealing with polarizing and nuanced topics requires an adaptable leadership style and specific skill set. Learn what being a CDO is really like in this session.
- Discover the specific background, skills, and credentials for becoming a CDO
- Explore some of the challenges CDOs face in executing their job
- Learn about the future of work for Chief Diversity Officers and how you can prepare to step into the role
This session delves into the importance of establishing a culture that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within organizations. Panelists will discuss strategies for fostering a workplace environment where diversity is not just valued but celebrated, and where every individual feels respected, included, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
Thoughtful and committed allyship can positively impact organizations, creating an environment that invites greater diversity and inclusion across a range of dimensions. However, fostering allyship requires the ability to identify and assess allyship needs not only in terms of individual and interpersonal practice, but also in terms of organizational culture, composition, and policy. This session presents an overview of allyship that touches on these different levels.
As the say goes, no person is an island, and this is particularly truein the workplace. Teams are necessity to ensure that everything is done, to drive results, and to push for growth. This session will discuss how to create teams that are best suited to work together in order to drive the highest performance possible.
The "DEI Best Practices" workshop provides a platform for organizations to explore effective strategies and initiatives for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Through interactive discussions, participants will gain insights into leading practices, tools, and approaches for cultivating diverse talent pipelines, fostering inclusive cultures, and advancing equity across all facets of the organization.
The "DEI Strategy & Planning" session delves into the development and implementation of effective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies within organizations. Participants will explore best practices, frameworks, and tools for creating comprehensive DEI plans that foster a culture of belonging, equity, and innovation
DEI White Male Roundtable: In this unique session, a panel of white male leaders comes together to share their perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This roundtable discussion aims to provide insights into the experiences, challenges, and opportunities faced by white males in championing DEI efforts within their organizations and communities. By fostering open dialogue and candid conversations, the panelists will explore their roles as allies and advocates for diversity, as well as strategies for fostering greater inclusivity and equity.
This session focuses on the importance of emerging leaders. Through the guidance offered by our panelists, young audience members can learn the do’s and don’ts of leadership as well as how they can continue to grow in their industries.
This session focuses on the importance of emerging leaders. Through the guidance offered by our panelists, young audience members can learn the do’s and don’ts of leadership as well as how they can continue to grow in their industries.
Ever wonder how top leaders can simultaneously understand diverse viewpoints, foster emotional awareness, and build cultures of safety and trust? In response, by exercising empathetic leadership. Unapparelled world shifting events have demonstrated the significance of empathetic leadership to organizational success. Leading with empathy can increase innovation, productivity, retention, and employee engagement. A 2021 Forbes article reported 50% of people with empathetic leaders reported their workplace culture and environment was inclusive, compared with only 17% of those with less empathetic leadership (link). In a workforce increasingly conscientious of team cultures and work-life balance, it is crucial for leaders to lean into empathy and embrace the full-person perspective of their teams.
This session explores strategies and best practices for effectively engaging white males as allies and advocates in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Panelists will discuss the importance of fostering allyship and support from white males in creating more inclusive workplaces and communities. Through candid conversations and actionable insights, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to empower white males to actively contribute to DEI initiatives and drive meaningful change.
"Equity 101" provides participants with a foundational understanding of equity and its significance in various contexts, including education, employment, and social justice. This session explores key concepts such as systemic inequality, privilege, and bias, and examines how these factors contribute to inequitable outcomes for marginalized groups.
Organizations who want to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace find that promoting ERGs is one of the best strategies to achieving those goals. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are found to increase employee engagement, especially among historically marginalized groups. They also expand marketplace reach leading to a successful growth strategy. To build an effective and sustainable ERG in your organization, you will need to learn the best practices for doing so. In this session, you will:
- Discover how to gain stakeholder buy-in
- Explore steps for creating your ERG
- Craft a customized plan for creating ERGs in your organization
The ability to negotiate – to advocate and compromise in order to seek a goal – is crucial for all members of an organization. This is particularly true for leaders as they seek to achieve goals and advocate for their organization. This session will discuss the importance of negotiation for leaders. This session will also discuss how to bolster attendees’ negotiation skills.
The "Healthcare Equity Roundtable" convenes healthcare professionals, policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to explore strategies for advancing equity and inclusivity in healthcare delivery and outcomes. Through collaborative discussions, participants will examine systemic barriers, disparities, and innovative solutions aimed at promoting equitable access to quality care, addressing social determinants of health, and fostering a more inclusive healthcare ecosystem for all.
"How To Develop Culturally Competent Leaders" offers participants a deep dive into the essential skills and strategies needed to cultivate cultural competence among leaders. This session explores the importance of understanding diverse cultural perspectives, fostering inclusive leadership practices, and navigating complex cultural dynamics within organizations.
This session intends to empower participants to proactively manage their career paths and navigate professional opportunities effectively. Participants will explore strategies for setting goals, identifying strengths, and leveraging resources to achieve career aspirations.
This session is designed to deepen participants' understanding of implicit biases—unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that can influence our perceptions, decisions, and behaviors. Through interactive discussions, activities, and self-reflection exercises, participants will explore the origins and impacts of implicit biases in various contexts, including the workplace, education, healthcare, and society. The workshop aims to equip participants with tools, strategies, and awareness to recognize, challenge, and mitigate implicit biases, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
Imposter Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon characterized by persistent feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy, despite evident success or accomplishments. This session delves into the prevalence of Imposter Syndrome in the workplace, examining its impact on individuals' confidence, performance, and career advancement. Through insightful discussions and practical strategies, participants will explore how to recognize and combat Imposter Syndrome both personally and within their organizations, fostering a culture of self-assurance and empowerment.
This session brings together Latinx executives and leaders to discuss the unique challenges, opportunities, and experiences within the corporate world. Participants will engage in candid conversations about leadership, representation, and strategies for advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
This session serves as an introduction to the foundational principles of leadership. Participants will explore key concepts such as communication, influence, decision-making, and team-building, with a focus on developing essential skills for effective leadership in various contexts.
This session delves into the essential elements of effective leadership, focusing on the importance of establishing a shared vision, fostering accountability, and facilitating open communication within teams and organizations. This session explores strategies for aligning team members around a common purpose, setting clear goals and expectations, and creating a culture of trust and transparency. Participants will learn practical techniques for promoting collaboration, holding themselves and others accountable, and communicating effectively to drive results and achieve organizational objectives. Join us for an engaging discussion that empowers leaders to inspire, motivate, and lead with clarity and purpose.
Leading Cultural Change in any organization requires a profound understanding of your workforce, your company, and its goals. It is a systematic process and must be approached strategically. In this session, participants will learn how to lead cultural change by identifying organizational goals, engaging their teams, and gaining buy-in for effective and sustainable change.
Emotional intelligence involves a person’s awareness of his/her/their own emotions. Further, it includes the ability to handle relationships wisely and with empathy. Emotional intelligence is an immense asset for leaders as it allows them to maintain and control their own emotions while calmly addressing the needs of others. This session will discuss how emotional intelligence can enhance leadership.
This session explores the critical role of inclusive leadership in driving organizational success and fostering a culture of belonging. Participants will gain insights into effective strategies for creating environments where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives.
This is a session dedicated to exploring practical strategies for maintaining harmony between professional responsibilities and personal well-being. This session acknowledges the challenges of modern-day work environments and offers insights into prioritization, time management, and boundary-setting techniques. Participants will learn how to navigate the demands of their careers while also nurturing their physical, mental, and emotional health.
The topic of sexuality and gender identity is unfamiliar to many populations, and this lack of knowledge can lead to people creating policies that can further isolate or harm members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In order to help bolster allyship, acceptance, and understanding, this session works to educate attendees on the “ABC’s” of LGBTQIA+. Through this presentation, attendees will leave with a more well-rounded and accurate understanding of many of their friends, family members, co-workers, and bosses.
This session explores strategies and best practices for effectively leading and managing multigenerational teams in the workplace. Participants will gain insights into the unique perspectives, preferences, and communication styles of different generations and learn how to leverage these differences to foster collaboration and innovation.
This session offers participants valuable insights into the art of managing relationships with superiors effectively. This session explores strategies for building strong working relationships with managers, understanding their expectations and communication styles, and advocating for one's needs and career goals. Participants will learn practical techniques for navigating power dynamics, providing effective feedback, and proactively managing expectations to foster productive and mutually beneficial partnerships with their supervisors. Join us for an engaging discussion that empowers individuals to excel in their roles by mastering the skill of managing up.
This session celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of men of color in leadership roles across various sectors. This session provides a platform for sharing insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating the complexities of leadership as men of color. Participants will hear from accomplished leaders who will offer perspectives on overcoming challenges, leveraging strengths, and driving positive change in their organizations and communities.
In this workshop, we will define microaggression and key related terms. Second, we will seek to interrupt and address microaggression. Thirdly, we will probe pain points that prevent us from talking about and addressing microaggressions. As well as develop the skills and tools we can take as the receiver, initiator, or bystander of a microaggression.
The "Most Powerful & Influential Women Roundtable" brings together accomplished female leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds to engage in a dynamic discussion about their journeys, challenges, and successes in breaking barriers, driving change, and shaping the future of leadership.
This session convenes leaders from diverse cultural backgrounds to discuss strategies for effective leadership in multicultural environments. Participants will explore the complexities of leading multicultural teams, navigating cultural differences, and fostering inclusion to drive organizational success.
This session examines the crucial role of diversity and representation in corporate governance. Participants will explore the challenges faced by people of color in attaining positions on corporate boards and discuss strategies for fostering inclusivity and equity within boardrooms.
This session invites participants to explore the importance of prioritizing self-care in today's fast-paced and demanding world. This session provides insights into various self-care practices and techniques that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Participants will learn strategies for establishing healthy boundaries, managing stress, and nurturing themselves holistically.
At this session, we confront the realities of "Race, Racism, & Privilege" within the context of organizational leadership and diversity. We delve into the complexities of systemic racism, exploring how it intersects with privilege and impacts workplace dynamics. Through candid dialogue and critical reflection, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how race and racism manifest within organizations and the role that privilege plays in perpetuating inequities. This session aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to address these issues effectively and foster more inclusive environments.
The "Smart People Take Smart Risks" session explores the role of calculated risk-taking in personal and professional growth. Participants will learn how to assess, mitigate, and leverage risks effectively to seize opportunities, innovate, and achieve their goals. Through insightful discussions, real-world examples, and interactive exercises, participants will gain strategies for cultivating a risk-aware mindset, making informed decisions, and embracing uncertainty with confidence.
This session provides participants with an introduction to the fundamental principles of social justice, equity, and inclusion. Participants will explore key concepts and contemporary issues related to social justice, with a focus on building awareness and understanding of systemic inequalities and injustices.
The "Social Justice Roundtable" serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration on pressing social justice issues. This session aims to foster understanding, empathy, and action among participants by exploring topics such as racial equity, economic justice, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, and more. Through open and respectful conversation, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives, share experiences, and identify opportunities for collective advocacy and change-making.
We are often led to believe that, with hard work and dedication, we can increase our status within any organization or industry. However in today’s world, what you know may not be the only things you need to advance your career. This session offers attendees with the tools needed to secure the corner office through education, networking, personal branding, and more.
The "Talent DEI Best Practice Roundtable" focuses on exploring effective strategies and initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within HR, recruiting, and talent management functions. This session provides a platform for HR professionals, recruiters, and talent managers to share insights, exchange best practices, and discuss innovative approaches for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the talent lifecycle. Participants will gain valuable perspectives on recruiting diverse talent, fostering an inclusive workplace culture, and implementing equitable policies and practices
This session– "Understanding Your Worth - Negotiating A Raise Or Promotion" – empowers participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for themselves effectively in salary negotiations and promotion discussions.
With the rise of social media, it has become more pronounced how lucrative of a skill influencing can be. However, social media is not the only realm in which influencing can be beneficial both to the individual and the organizations they work with. This session will discuss the art behind influencing and how to put it into practice in the modern workplace.
"The Art of Bouncing Forward" explores the concept of resilience and the ability to thrive in the face of adversity. This session goes beyond traditional notions of bouncing back from challenges to embrace the idea of bouncing forward – using setbacks as opportunities for growth and transformation. Participants will learn strategies for cultivating resilience, managing stress, and reframing setbacks as catalysts for personal and professional development. Join us for an empowering discussion that explores the art of resilience and offers practical tools for building strength and adaptability in an ever-changing world.
This session explores strategies and best practices for driving positive change and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity within organizations. Participants will learn how to identify cultural challenges, implement targeted interventions, and cultivate environments where employees can thrive.
This session– "Understanding Your Worth - Negotiating A Raise Or Promotion" – empowers participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for themselves effectively in salary negotiations and promotion discussions.
This session explores the principles and practices of servant leadership, a philosophy that emphasizes serving others as the primary focus of leadership. Participants will learn how to cultivate empathy, humility, and stewardship to inspire and empower those they lead.
The Women of Color Roundtable provides a dynamic and inclusive space for women of color to come together, share experiences, and explore strategies for professional growth and empowerment. This session offers a supportive environment where participants can engage in candid discussions on the unique challenges, triumphs, and aspirations of women of color in the workplace. From navigating intersectional identities to overcoming systemic barriers and fostering inclusive leadership, this roundtable aims to amplify the voices and experiences of women of color, inspiring collective action and driving positive change in workplaces and beyond.
Women on Boards - How To Position Yourself For A Seat" provides a comprehensive exploration of strategies and tactics for women seeking board positions. This session delves into the unique challenges and opportunities women face in the boardroom and offers practical guidance on how to navigate the path to board membership successfully.
April 9
National ERG Summit
Concurrent Session I — 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Employee resource groups are essential for talent to feel welcome, accepted, and understood in the workplace. Despite the necessity of these groups, it is still daunting to start an ERG on your own. This group will discuss the foundational information necessary to start your own ERG from scratch. Panelists will share their specific experiences with and best practices for starting ERGs in an organization.
Employee resource groups and business resource groups are invaluable tools for inclusion and diversity in the workplace. These groups provide a home for similar people while they’re in the workplace. However, for ERGs and BRGs to also promote progress and advocate for its members, they require allies. This session will discuss how to cultivate a group of allies to help drive ERGs and BRGs.
Inclusion teams intentionally seek to diversify the workplace. Inclusion teams, therefore, are a driving force for diversity and inclusion within their respective organizations. This session will discuss the innate importance of D&I and specifically inclusion teams. This panel will include members of inclusion teams as they attest to the important role they play in organizational growth and diversity.
Concurrent Session II — 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Employee Resource Groups provide countless benefits to the members they serve. However, employee resource groups take time and effort to ensure that they run smoothly and maximize benefits offered. This session will include members of ERGs and ERG founders. They will advise on best practices for running and creating ERGs.
Employee resource groups and business resource groups are invaluable tools for inclusion and diversity in the workplace. These groups provide a home for similar people while they’re in the workplace. However, for ERGs and BRGs to also promote progress and advocate for its members, they require allies. This session will discuss how to cultivate a group of allies to help drive ERGs and BRGs.
Employee Resource Groups are essential for employee health and happiness. Through that, ERGs also contribute heavily to an organization’s bottom line. This session will focus on how ERGs can contribute and be leveraged for your bottom line. This session will feature multiple experts on ERGs.
Concurrent Session III — 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
As ERGs continue to evolve and grow across all business segments and types of organizations, and as they become more aligned to business goals, ERG leaders and coordinators continue to seek “best practices” from across the business. This practical session will examine some innovative and successful ERG practices across how to structure, how to deliver value to members, how to have a greater impact on the business and more. Workshop leader Stan Kimer currently facilitates the module on “Best Practices for ERGs” for the DiversityFIRST Certification Program as well as designing NDC’s new ERG Academy offering.
Employee resource groups are essential for talent to feel welcome, accepted, and understood in the workplace. Despite the necessity of these groups, it is still daunting to start an ERG on your own. This group will discuss the foundational information necessary to start your own ERG from scratch. Panelists will share their specific experiences with and best practices for starting ERGs in an organization.
Diversity 101 - Starting from Scratch
To be determined
April 10
Concurrent Session I — 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
There is no mistaking that racism is still rampant in today’s society, and organizations are not immune to that disease. This then creates in the workplace places of privilege and places of racism. This session is geared toward discussing race and racism in the workplace and how to navigate it. This session will also incorporate talks around what privilege is and how it plays into structural racism.
Are you interested in what it takes to be a leader? Do you know how to inspire as a leader? Do you know how to define yourself as an emerging leader? This lesson is designed by leaders to equip emerging leaders with the tools necessary to utilize their skills and designate themselves as leaders.
It is often said that for an organization to succeed, then all must work for that success. Therefore, leaders in all groups should seek to serve, guide, and assist others in the organization to assure overall success for all. This session will help attendees to meet that goal. Specifically crafted for leaders and aspiring leaders, this session will discuss how to serve others in order to serve the whole and ultimately succeed.
As the title suggests, for upward mobility risks are required. However, despite the connotation of the word, risks do not inherently have to be dangerous. Risks can be beneficial for a career if not a catalyst for it. This session will help attendees differentiate between a chance and a calculated risk that can bolster a career.
Diversity and Inclusion, of course, requires the involvement of women, people of color, the LGBTQIA community, and people of different abilities. However, the benefits of white males in this movement is often overlooked. White men, through their positions in power, can be catalysts for change. Therefore, their championship for diversity and inclusion can help the movement make leaps and bounds. This session will enable attendees to engage with white males who have made inclusion their mission to determine how white males can be champions and how organizations can better utilize white men as supporters of diversity.
While diversity is necessary in the workplace, it cannot be sustained without inclusion. One of the most efficient ways to ensure that companies are able to acquire a diverse workforce is to adapt an inclusive lens. An inclusive leadership lens will allow those in management to realize and acknowledge the array of ideas available in a diverse workforce. This session will help attendees discern what an inclusive leadership lens looks like and determine how to adapt one in their own organizational model.
Understanding the LGBTQIA community is an essential move for businesses to evolve with modern society. The LGBTQIA community offers a diverse array of opinions and advantages. However, to access and serve their community, employers must create environments that are welcoming. This session will enable attendees to realize the best practices for working with and for the LGBTQIA community.
Unfortunately, today not all are treated equally. This is especially true in the field of healthcare. From physicians, to healthcare providers, to actual patient care, disparity is rampant. This roundtable is intended to explain what disparities exist, why they exist, and how they can be mitigated.
With increased reliance on technology in today’s society, the tech industry is of course booming. However, one area in which the tech industry struggles is diversity. Despite being a major employer and industry in the United States, the tech industry has not fully embraced diversity. This session is designed to discuss the many shades of prejudice that are present in the tech industry as well as how we can attempt to mitigate them.
Cesar Chavez once said that, “Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” In a world that is increasingly connected, many groups are finding that the introduction of their culture leads to its disrespect. This is particularly true for the Latinx community in the workforce. This session is crafted to discuss trends and challenges faced specifically by the Latinx workforce as well as how the Latinx community can advocate for itself in the office.
Concurrent Session II — 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
There is no mistaking that racism is still rampant in today’s society, and organizations are not immune to that disease. This then creates in the workplace places of privilege and places of racism. This session is geared toward discussing race and racism in the workplace and how to navigate it. This session will also incorporate talks around what privilege is and how it plays into structural racism.
Emotional intelligence involves a person’s awareness of his/her/their own emotions. Further, it includes the ability to handle relationships wisely and with empathy. Emotional intelligence is an immense asset for leaders as it allows them to maintain and control their own emotions while calmly addressing the needs of others. This session will discuss how emotional intelligence can enhance leadership.
It is often said that for an organization to succeed, then all must work for that success. Therefore, leaders in all groups should seek to serve, guide, and assist others in the organization to assure overall success for all. This session will help attendees to meet that goal. Specifically crafted for leaders and aspiring leaders, this session will discuss how to serve others in order to serve the whole and ultimately succeed.
Everyone has a skillset. However, not all skillsets are beneficial for leadership. This session is designed to help leaders and emerging leaders assess what skills are practical for roles of leadership. This session will also give examples on what skills have helped its panelists reach their positions of leadership.
Though veterans are often given a lot of praise throughout the United States, they are often underutilized in the workplace. Veterans hold a wide variety of skills as well as a unique perspective. This session is designed to discuss how veterans can be leveraged in the workforce. This session is also intended to help employers learn how to recruit and retain veterans.
This interactive workshop will focus on how employee resource groups, which include affinity groups, business resource groups, and other employee networks, can be structured in such a way that enables group members to develop professionally and to contribute to their respective organization’s mission or business strategy. Participants will engage in a facilitated discussion to identify the critical components of such employee groups that are required to demonstrate their value as a “resource” to the organization. By sharing successes and potential missteps as a group, participants will glean best practices that can be used to develop and/or enhance their own networks. Get ready to learn together!
Being a woman in any space comes with its challenges. This is especially true in the field of technology. This session is both to praise and learn from women who have made a name for themselves in technology. These women will discuss the struggles and triumphs they’ve experienced in this prestigious and difficult field.
In the U.S., one in three adults has a criminal record. This is about as many as those with college degrees. And each year, nearly 700,000 are released from prison to find themselves often locked out of the job market. At the same time, there are 7 million job openings in the U.S. right now as businesses fiercely compete for talent. This session will explore how hiring people who want a chance to work is a win-win-win: It helps keep families together by decreasing the chance of recidivism, it supports a valuable talent pool of willing and trainable workers, and it gives people who have made mistakes the dignity of work.
April 11
Concurrent Session I — 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
The glass ceiling, unfortunately and historically, has stopped many women from rising to their capability. The women of this panel, however, have cracked and passed through the ceiling to be some of the most powerful and influential women in their respective fields. In this session, these female leaders will share their experience and expertise. This session intends to inspire emerging female leaders and empower emerging male leaders to be advocates for their female colleagues.
Chief Diversity Officers are the driving force for diversity in the workplace. This makes them a key player in the push for diversity and inclusion in business. This session includes Chief Diversity Officers who have gathered to share their knowledge and best practices. These CDOs will also discuss how they rose to their positions.
In this era, millennials have joined the work force in increasingly large numbers. This group brings with it a modern and unique perspective. When effectively leveraged, the skills of millennials can be highly beneficial to organizations. This session will focus on how to leverage millennials in the workplace as well as create a culture that is welcoming to them.
Most people aspire for some degree of upward mobility in their career. This is accessible to all people who seek it. However, first one must seize control of their career to actualize their goals. This session is crafted to discuss how attendees can discern their goals and take control of their career’s trajectory.
Teamwork is essential to achieving any goal. Few to no organizations have succeeded through the efforts of a person. Therefore, it is imperative that teams within an organization work together cohesively and effectively. This session is designed to discuss best practices for building and managing effective teams.
Issues of race, gender, sexual orientation, and ability are evident in most environments. This makes the need to speak up about discrimination ever more pressing. However, it is often difficult to open the floor for an educational, respectful, and illuminating conversation on these matters. This session will focus on finding the courage to have these tough discussions as well as best practices for how to facilitate the conversation.
The Latinx community contains a multitude of people with diverse and unique ideas. These people can greatly benefit any work place. The members of this session are evidence of this as Latinx executives discuss their experience in leadership. The session will also focus on the intersection of a Latinx identity and leadership.
In the era of #MeToo and #TimesUp, the discussion on sex discrimination and sexual harassment is at the forefront. However, many people do not understand the full implications of Title IX. This session is designed to better explain what Title IX is and how it affects sex discrimination. This session will also discuss how attendees can be advocates for all genders in the work place.
Leadership is a position that comes with many responsibilities. This entails the need to seek continual growth and improvement. Though a person must be outstanding in their own right to reach a position of leadership, he/she/they must continue to develop and better their leadership. This session will focus on methods to better attendees’ leadership and ultimately become better leaders.
In order for an organization to succeed, all involve must share the same vision for the whole. Further, all must be held accountable for their own portion. And finally, all members must transparently, effectively, and punctually communicate. It is the job of the leader to ensure that this vision, accountability, and degree of communication is upheld. This session will discuss how a strong leader can craft and manage these three aspects.
The United Nations developed the Sustainable Development Goals. These goals were set in order to achieve future that is sustainable and beneficial for all. The goals include items such as poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, peace, and justice. This session will analyze the progress made toward reaching these ambitious but necessary goals.
Concurrent Session II — 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Employment discrimination, whether it is on the base of ability, gender, race, or sexual orientation, is rampant. However, as of late there has been a movement to combat employment discrimination. This session will discuss the current state of employment discrimination. Further, this session will open the dialogue on how individuals can advocate for inclusive hiring practices.
In this era, millennials have joined the work force in increasingly large numbers. This group brings with it a modern and unique perspective. When effectively leveraged, the skills of millennials can be highly beneficial to organizations. This session will focus on how to leverage millennials in the workplace as well as create a culture that is welcoming to them.
Most people aspire to climb the ladder in their organization. For some, that means aiming for the prestigious C-Suite. This session will discuss how to accelerate attendees’ careers to reach the C-Suite. This session will include members of the C-Suite who will share their experiences.
Emotional intelligence involves a person’s awareness of his/her/their own emotions. Further, it includes the ability to handle relationships wisely and with empathy. Emotional intelligence is an immense asset for leaders as it allows them to maintain and control their own emotions while calmly addressing the needs of others. This session will discuss how emotional intelligence can enhance leadership.
Just as the human body requires a certain degree of health to perform, organizations must meet standards of health in order to perform. As organizations seek and achieve higher degrees of health, their performance will subsequently be bolstered. This session will discuss the importance of organizational health for organizational performance. This session will also focus on how organizations have improved their overall health to maximize performance.
Impactful leadership starts with discerning your own cognitive and emotional composition which informs your capacity to relate to and inspire others. In this session, we will explore the introspective process, learn how to bolster your professional confidence and practice unpretentious self-advocacy while minimizing competitive dynamics and maximizing your strategic differentiators.
Concurrent Session III — 2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Chief Diversity Officers are the driving force for diversity in the workplace. This makes them a key player in the push for diversity and inclusion in business. This session includes Chief Diversity Officers who have gathered to share their knowledge and best practices. These CDOs will also discuss how they rose to their positions.
Leaning in is often a phrase used to discuss how women should assert and immerse themselves in the work place. While it is important to put a significant amount of effort into one’s work, it is equally important to maintain a healthy work life balance. This session will discuss the importance of leaning in while leaving space for self-care. This session will also feature advice from leaders based on their personal experience with leaning in.
Emotional intelligence involves a person’s awareness of his/her/their own emotions. Further, it includes the ability to handle relationships wisely and with empathy. Emotional intelligence is an immense asset for leaders as it allows them to maintain and control their own emotions while calmly addressing the needs of others. This session will discuss how emotional intelligence can enhance leadership.
Imposter syndrome posits that individuals doubt their success and accomplishments due to a fear of being shown to be false or fraudulent. While this is not an uncommon fear, it often undercuts an individual’s achievements and hard work. This session will discuss how to utilize praise to overcome the feeling of imposter syndrome. This session will also discuss how perfectionism and the struggle of initial failure play into one’s feelings of professional inadequacy.
Education should be something that is accessible for all groups. Further, all groups should see reflections of their own faces in the faculty and staff they interact with in higher education. However, this unfortunately is not the case. This session will discuss the need for diversity in higher education and what steps can be made toward diversifying higher education.
Learn how RPA can perform highly transactional processes, freeing up employees to focus more on the strategic elements of their work while increasing morale and engagement.
Corporate responsibility is the way in which companies and organizations hold themselves accountable for their own actions. This includes the impact that they have on internal members, stakeholders, and the community as a whole. This session will discuss what corporate responsibility is, why it is a necessity, and best practices. This session will also discuss the importance of corporate responsibility.
April 12
Concurrent Session I — 8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Full diversity and inclusion can only be reached through the utilization of all resources and willing advocates. This often includes white males. White males, through their positions of power, can often be strong and compassionate allies for diversity and inclusion. This session will discuss how to better include and leverage white males in discussion on diversity.
LGBTQIA community makes up a notable portion of the population. Accordingly, they should be represented and leveraged in organizations. This session will present the compelling strategic rationale and business case for fully embracing LGBTQIA inclusion, and introduce the wide range of programs and tactics to implement greater LGBTQIA diversity in the work place.
In a world where organizations often do not reflect the diversity of the world at large, diversity initiatives are crucial. Thus, every new diversity initiative is welcome if not necessary. However, often creating a new diversity initiative from scratch can be daunting. This session is intended to discuss what attendees should know when seeking to develop a diversity initiative from scratch.
Globalization refers to organizations that intend to operate on an international scale or have some influence internationally. With the increasing ease of communication, it is now easier than ever for companies to have global reach. This session will discuss the impacts of globalization of diversity and inclusion. This session will also focus on how diversity and inclusion can benefit an organization’s international reach.
The ability to negotiate – to advocate and compromise in order to seek a goal – is crucial for all members of an organization. This is particularly true for leaders as they seek to achieve goals and advocate for their organization. This session will discuss the importance of negotiation for leaders. This session will also discuss how to bolster attendees’ negotiation skills.
Communication is essential to all aspects of life. However, it is especially important in crafting a strong leadership presence. Therefore, one must hone his/her/their communication strategies. This session will discuss how to develop a leadership presence through creating communication strategies.
Learn innovative ways to engage internal and external partners to drive diverse talent to your organization. This session will discuss various case studies including neurodiversity, socioeconomic diversity, veterans and more.
Concurrent Session II — 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Full diversity and inclusion can only be reached through the utilization of all resources and willing advocates. This often includes white males. White males, through their positions of power, can often be strong and compassionate allies for diversity and inclusion. This session will discuss how to better include and leverage white males in discussion on diversity.
The LGBTQIA community has historically been underserved and underrepresented in most areas of life, particularly in businesses and oganizations. This follow-on session to LGBTQIA 101 will quickly review the compelling business rationale before digging deep into how to execute a wide range of programs that will completely include the LGBTQIA community,including how to scale for size and best practices.
America grows more diverse with each passing day. The demographics of America are continually changing and evolving. Thus, companies must grow and evolve with America. This session will discuss the impact of America’s changing demographics on organizations.
The ability to negotiate – to advocate and compromise in order to seek a goal – is crucial for all members of an organization. This is particularly true for leaders as they seek to achieve goals and advocate for their organization. This session will discuss the importance of negotiation for leaders. This session will also discuss how to bolster attendees’ negotiation skills.
Communication is essential to all aspects of life. However, it is especially important in crafting a strong leadership presence. Therefore, one must hone his/her/their communication strategies. This session will discuss how to develop a leadership presence through creating communication strategies.
In the world of business, it is easy to get caught up in projects and processes causing us to blow past the people around us. Of course we physically see those who work for and with us; but do we really SEE them? Do we SEE and VALUE their unique strengths and abilities? Do we know what environment motivates them? Do we give them the opportunity to truly MAXIMIZE their talent? In this workshop, we will discuss the benefits of making people a priority and provide application tools that will help you initiate the crucial conversations which will lead you to SEE People, VALUE their uniqueness and MAXIMIZE their talent.