Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit 2024

Description

The 2024 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit provides an opportunity to learn new approaches and best practices to help elevate your organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. Content presented will equip employers with tools to promote a greater sense of belonging within the workplace and region as a whole.  Please join us on Thursday, 9/12 from 8am-12:30pm.

Participants will have an opportunity to engage with keynote speakers and panelists through presentations and audience Q&A. 

Please note that online registration is currently closed.  If you have questions regarding this event, please note that email is the preferred method of communication.  Please contact Lauren Cognato at lcognato@capitalregionchamber.com.

Pricing:

$85 per person for Chamber Members
$120 per person for Non-Members

Agenda:

Opening Keynote Presentation:  

Untapped: Neurodiversity at Work Neurodiversity employment programs at some of the world's largest companies have shown that neuroinclusive teams boast higher engagement and retention, as well as productivity and innovation. However, generally, the world of work was not built with all brains in minds, as many common barriers have stood in the way between neurodistinct professionals and finding success at work. Using his personal story and professional experience, Thompson will dive into the concept of neurodiversity and how it intersects with the world of work, providing actionable strategies for how employers can take steps to celebrate and support those with the most unique operating systems in the world.  Attendees will gain insights into hiring, supporting, retaining and leveraging the limitless strengths and perspectives of ND professionals, while empowering all employees to reach their potential, and promoting a positive culture that benefits entire teams.

Dave Thomspon is Director of Strategic Programs at Potentia. Potentia works to connect leading businesses and organizations to the benefits of neurodiversity, through innovative workforce programs and projects. As a self-advocate with ADHD, Dyslexia, Sensory Processing Disorder and left-right confusion, Dave has been a leader, speaker innovator and advocate in the field of neurodiversity employment since 2010.  As Director of Strategic Programs for Potentia Workforce, Dave supports companies in thinking differently about their workforce through training on best practices, proactive recruiting programs, process consulting and coaching services for ND professionals and their teams. Read Dave's full bio here!

Panel Discussion:  

Leveraging DEI to Attract and Retain Talent

Millennial and Gen Z professionals are increasingly prioritizing personal values in deciding where to work. They are attracted to organizations where a diversity of identities, experiences, ideas and abilities are sought and maximized. This session will delve into this topic and highlight practices area businesses can implement to create a culture of belonging that will foster meaningful engagement of high potential employees.       

Moderator: 

Marlia Fontaine-Weisse | Vice President of Service Delivery, Tangible Development  

Panelists: 

Christina Farinacci-Roberts | Founder and Chief Catalyst Officer, Head Heart Hands Consulting  

Michael Lawrence | Senior Director, Talent Acquisition and Success, MVP Health Care   

Sam Wise | HR Consultant, Clarity HR Solutions LLC 

Closing Keynote Presentation and Armchair Discussion:  

Guest Speaker

Staying the Course: Upholding Equity and Inclusion in Challenging Times Diversity, Equity and Inclusion continues to face many pressing challenges in the organizations and workplaces of today. Despite increasing efforts to dismantle these crucial programs, it is essential to remember and return to the core of our shared humanity. This presentation will address current challenges faced by DEI initiatives, by providing context to how DEI work can evolve and advance, remaining effective and future focused.  Progress can be made when we inform and foster a deeper understanding, not when we condemn. This session will inspire and encourage participants to remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing equity and creating spaces of belonging. Together, we can uphold the principles of inclusion and ensure they remain integral to our identities as individuals, companies and organizations.  Tamika Otis will also be joined on stage by guest speaker Hanah Smith for a meaningful armchair conversation where key topics will be explored in more depth, and actionable information and advice will be provided. Given Smith’s deep background in people management and culture work, and as a communications executive for social justice movements, this dynamic discussion promises to be impactful and enlightening.

Tamika Otis is a dedicated Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations Officer at KeyBank, overseeing the Capital Region and Central New York markets. In her role, she formulates and executes the bank's community engagement strategy, with a primary focus on upholding Community Reinvestment Act Regulatory ratings and compliance. Tamika actively builds and maintains relationships with community-based organizations, charities, and non-profits, contributing to the bank's local reputation. A self-proclaimed multi-preneur, Tamika previously served as the Director for KeyBank's Business Boost & Build program powered by JumpStart, Inc. This initiative aimed to stimulate economic growth and workforce development by supporting small businesses. Read Tamika's full bio here!

Hanah Smith (she/her) is an author, keynote speaker, executive advisor, leadership coach, and workplace consultant. She is also a former communications executive and forever advocate for equity in the workplace. Hanah writes about and speaks on a broad range of topics related to transforming the way we work, delivering forward-thinking advice that is both practical and actionable. Hanah helps individuals become active designers of their professional lives and lean into more of what energizes them. And she loves working with leaders to better empower themselves and their people, and to put equity and transparency at the center of workplace culture change. Read Hanah's full bio here!

The Chamber will do its best to honor the needs of attendees that require reasonable accommodations. For more information and options, please contact Lauren Cognato at lcognato@capitalregionchamber.com.

Title Sponsor

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors
    

AV Sponsor

Media Partner

 Parking:
Please note that over 300 guests will be attending & looking for parking at the same time, so we recommend arriving a few minutes early.