Schedule
National Diversity & Leadership Conference - NDLC
- Training
March 9-11 - Day One
April 13 - Day Two
April 14 - Day Three
April 15
Please note that the conference schedule, conference sessions, and speakers are subject to change.
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Pre-Conference - April 5-9 |
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| Training Certificates | |
| 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST |
Allyship Certification Belonging Certification Certified Inclusive Leadership Certification Racial Justice Institute Certification *Each training is 2.5 days. The training is provided by DiversityFIRST™. |
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Training - March 10-12 |
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| March 10 | |
| 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST |
Training Certificates DEI Assessment DEI Certificate Executive Leadership Development |
| March 11 | |
| 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST |
Training Certificates DEI Strategy & Planning Employee Resource Group (ERG) Strategy Workshop Inclusive Leadership |
| March 12 | |
| 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST |
Training Certificates Belonging First™ & Psychological Safety Leading People & Teams Emerging Leaders |
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Pre-Conference - April 13 |
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| Pre-Conference | |
| 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. PST | Awards Dinner Keynote: Dr. Cornel West |
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Day One - April 13 |
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| General Conference | |
| 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. CST | Concurrent Session I
Building High-Performance Teams Across Generations
Explore strategies for leading multi-generational teams in today’s evolving workplace. This session focuses on communication styles, collaboration techniques, and leadership approaches that strengthen engagement, trust, and productivity across diverse age groups. Leading Through Organizational Change
Change is constant in modern organizations. This session equips leaders with practical tools to navigate uncertainty, manage resistance, and maintain team alignment during organizational transitions and transformation initiatives. Inclusive Leadership in a Rapidly Evolving Workforce
Learn how effective leaders create environments where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute. Participants will explore leadership behaviors that support collaboration, innovation, and long-term organizational success. |
| 10:15 a.m. - 10:35 a.m. CST | Break |
| 10:35 a.m. - 11:35 a.m. CST | Concurrent Session II
Executive Presence and Leadership Communication
Strong communication and executive presence are essential for career growth and leadership influence. This session covers strategies for improving confidence, visibility, communication style, and professional credibility in high-level environments. Workplace Culture: From Engagement to Accountability
Discover how organizational culture influences employee performance, morale, and retention. This session examines how leaders can create cultures rooted in accountability, alignment, and shared organizational values. Strategies for Career Advancement and Influence
Designed for professionals looking to elevate their careers, this session explores personal branding, strategic networking, visibility, and leadership habits that position individuals for advancement opportunities. |
| 11:35 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CST | Break |
| 12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. CST | Leadership & Recognition Awards Ceremony |
| 1:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. CST | Break |
| 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CST | Concurrent Session III
The Future of Leadership in an AI-Driven Workplace
Artificial intelligence is transforming how organizations operate and lead. This session examines how leaders can adapt to emerging technologies while maintaining human-centered leadership, innovation, and workforce engagement. Building Strong Employee Resource Groups That Drive Impact
Employee Resource Groups can play a critical role in workplace culture and engagement. Participants will learn best practices for building sustainable ERGs that align with organizational goals and strengthen employee connection. Resilience, Adaptability, and Leading Under Pressure
Leadership often requires navigating uncertainty and high-pressure situations. This session focuses on resilience-building strategies, adaptability, and maintaining effectiveness during periods of rapid change and challenge. |
*Denotes individual workshop
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Day Two - April 14 |
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| General Conference | |
| 9:00 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. CST |
Concurrent Session I
Building Cultures of Belonging and Accountability
This session explores how organizations can create environments where employees feel connected, supported, and accountable. Participants will learn how leadership behaviors influence culture, engagement, and team performance. Future of Healthcare Leadership Symposium
Healthcare leaders face increasing demands related to workforce challenges, innovation, and patient-centered care. This symposium highlights leadership strategies that support operational excellence, collaboration, and organizational resilience in healthcare environments. |
| 10:10 a.m. - 10:25 a.m. CST | Break |
| 10:25 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. CST |
Concurrent Session II
Executive Women in Leadership Symposium
This symposium highlights the experiences, challenges, and opportunities facing women in leadership roles. Participants will gain insights into executive leadership development, career growth, influence, and navigating complex workplace environments. ERG Strategies That Drive Organizational Impact
Explore how Employee Resource Groups can strengthen organizational culture, support leadership development, and contribute to employee engagement initiatives. This session provides practical frameworks for maximizing ERG effectiveness. |
| 11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CST | Break |
| 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. CST | Leadership Excellence Awards Ceremony |
| 1:30 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. CST | Break |
| 1:50 p.m. - 3:10 p.m. CST |
Concurrent Session III
Executive Leadership Roundtable
This interactive roundtable brings together experienced leaders to discuss leadership trends, organizational challenges, and the future of workplace leadership. Participants will gain executive-level insights and practical leadership perspectives. Emerging Leaders and Career Growth Symposium
Designed for professionals preparing for leadership opportunities, this symposium focuses on leadership development, communication, influence, and the skills needed to grow within today’s evolving workplace. |
| 3:10 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. CST | Break |
| 3:30 p.m. - 4:50 p.m. CST |
Concurrent Session IV
Leadership, Culture, and Organizational Inclusion Symposium
Strong leadership and organizational culture are critical to long-term success. This symposium explores strategies for creating inclusive workplace environments that strengthen engagement, collaboration, and organizational performance. Building Sustainable Leadership Pipelines
Strong leadership and organizational culture are critical to long-term success. This symposium explores strategies for creating inclusive workplace environments that strengthen engagement, collaboration, and organizational performance. |
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Day Three - April 15 |
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| General Conference | |
| 9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. CST |
Break |
| 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. CST |
Concurrent Session I Multicultural Leadership and Workforce Engagement Roundtable
This roundtable discussion examines how leaders can strengthen collaboration and engagement across diverse teams and workplace experiences. Participants will explore strategies that support communication, trust, and organizational alignment. Building Inclusive Workplace Foundations
An introductory session focused on the core principles of workplace inclusion, employee engagement, and leadership accountability. Participants will gain practical insights into building respectful and collaborative workplace environments. Health and Wellness Leadership Symposium
Employee wellness continues to play an important role in organizational performance and workforce sustainability. This symposium explores leadership strategies that support well-being, mental health awareness, and healthy workplace cultures. |
| 10:15 a.m. - 10:35 a.m. CST |
Break |
| 10:35 a.m. - 11:35 a.m. CST |
Concurrent Session II Navigating Resistance and Driving Organizational Change
Organizational change often creates uncertainty and resistance. This session explores practical leadership techniques for managing difficult conversations, improving buy-in, and leading successful change initiatives. Strategic Allyship in Modern Leadership
Effective allyship strengthens workplace culture and collaboration. Participants will learn how leaders and employees can support one another through active listening, advocacy, accountability, and inclusive leadership practices. Executive Leadership Roundtable: Positioning Yourself for the C-Suite
This executive-focused session explores the leadership skills, visibility, strategic thinking, and communication abilities required to advance into senior leadership and executive-level roles. |
| 12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. CST |
Leadership & Excellence Awards Ceremony |
| 1:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. CST | Break |
| 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. CST |
Concurrent Session III Five Essential Leadership Skills for Emerging Leaders
Emerging leaders must develop foundational leadership capabilities to succeed in growing roles. This session focuses on communication, decision-making, accountability, emotional intelligence, and team leadership. Workplace Equity, Culture, and Organizational Impact
This session examines how workplace culture and leadership practices influence employee experience, organizational effectiveness, and long-term business success. Building Collective Influence and Collaborative Leadership
Leadership success often depends on collaboration and relationship-building. Participants will explore strategies for strengthening partnerships, leading across teams, and building collective organizational impact. |
| 3:00 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. CST | Break |
| 3:20 p.m. - 4:20 p.m. CST |
Concurrent Session IV The Changing Workforce and the Future of Leadership
Workforce expectations, demographics, and workplace models continue to evolve. This session explores how organizations and leaders can adapt to emerging trends while maintaining engagement and organizational effectiveness. Building and Leading High-Performance Teams
High-performing teams require trust, alignment, accountability, and strong leadership. Participants will learn leadership techniques that strengthen collaboration, communication, and team performance. Creating Cultures of Respect, Inclusion, and Accountability
Strong workplace cultures are built intentionally through leadership, communication, and shared expectations. This session explores how organizations can create environments rooted in respect, professionalism, and accountability. |
| 5:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. CST | Networking Reception |
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Day Four - April 10 |
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| General Conference | |
| 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. PST |
Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. PST |
Break |
| 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. PST |
Concurrent Session I Tools for Leading and Motivating Through Change
In an era of rapid transformation, strong leadership is essential for guiding teams through uncertainty. This session provides practical tools for leading change, managing resistance, and fostering resilience to keep teams engaged and motivated. Health Equity Roundtable
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. Inclusive Leadership in an Anti-DEI World
In a world where the principles of inclusion and belonging are increasingly under scrutiny, how can leaders stay true to their values while driving meaningful change? This powerful panel brings together visionary leaders who are navigating complex environments and championing inclusive practices, even in the face of resistance. Join us for an honest and inspiring discussion on how to lead with courage, empathy, and resilience. Our panelists will share their experiences, strategies, and lessons learned for fostering inclusive cultures, empowering teams, and creating spaces where everyone can thrive—no matter the external challenges. |
| 10:15 a.m. - 10:35 a.m. PST |
Break |
| 10:35 a.m. - 11:35 a.m. PST |
Concurrent Session II Are You Ready To Be a Brand? - Creating Your Significance
Personal branding is a necessity in building a reputation and subsequently a career. Often someone's brand takes a lengthy period to create; however, this can be expedited through the allyship of a mentor. This session will discuss how mentors and allies can assist in creating one's personal brand. Leading with EQ
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. LGBTQ+ Symposium
This panel will examine the ongoing challenges and progress in workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. Panelists will discuss best practices for creating affirming work environments, the role of leadership in driving inclusion, and policies that support LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace. |
| 11:35 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PST |
Break |
| 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. PST |
Lunch & Awards Ceremony |
