***Please note that all of our events will be virtual through Aug. 31, due to the impact of COVID-19. We are in the process of updating our event information. Current event dates, times, and pricing are subject to change. We continue to monitor the effects of the pandemic and will update our event pages accordingly.***

Registration is now closed.

This will be a virtual event taking place over the course of three days.
8/25 9 – 11 a.m.
8/26 9 a.m. – Noon
8/27 9 – 11 a.m.

Having a strong record of diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) is critical for our region to attract and retain top talent. Diverse and inclusive teams, along with an equitable culture, create a dynamic work environment that inspires creativity and innovation. Activating the Triangle is this year’s theme and call to action – it’s time to move from theory to practice.

Our Annual DEI Conference’s continued growth reflects the practical value this conference delivers - an opportunity for business leaders to make real progress in navigating their DEI challenges. Hear directly from those who are leading the efforts to foster DEI within their own organizations.

You will leave with tangible building blocks to activate your strategy. From measurable outcomes to tools for professional growth, this conference will help launch and build strategies for your company’s DEI journey. Please join us in Activating the Triangle.

Tuesday, Aug. 25, 9-11 a.m.

Why We Activate

Jason Mayden founded Super Heroic, a brand focused on building products to entertain, delight, and surprise every child in the world through physical, interactive, and imaginative play. Mayden will talk about his journey from his 13+ year career at Nike to starting his own company. The products he designed while at Nike/Jordan Brand have become some of the most coveted cultural artifacts of our time.

Emerging Talent in the Workforce

Who are the new generations coming into the workforce? How do they work and learn? This panel will feature Millennials and Generation Z’ers who are recent entrants to the workforce. They will discuss their experiences and the insights they have gained.

Facilitator:
Timothy Thomason, Engagement, Inclusion & Diversity COE of UnitedHealth Group

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m.-noon

Activation Labs

This year, we are putting a spin on breakout sessions and turning them into learning labs. This will be an opportunity for attendees to learn from each other by getting into small groups and having discussions about the following topics:

Facilitating a Courageous Conversation in the Workplace
How often do we get a chance to work across differences with our colleagues? Why is it so tough to talk about seemingly taboo topics? Talking about what makes us unique challenges us to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. This Activation Lab will give participants an opportunity to share best practices, experiences, and necessary components when facilitating courageous conversations.
Facilitator: Dezbee McDaniel, Entrepreneur & District C Coach

Building Effective Employee Resource Groups
Many companies have Employee Resource Group (ERG) programs to empower and support community groups within the organization. However, if your organization doesn’t have an ERG Program, this Activation Lab will give participants an opportunity to discuss the impact and importance in building an inclusive work culture. In addition, participants will share experiences starting, enhancing, and critical elements of an effective ERG program.
Facilitator: Anne Jones, Co-Founder, District C

Creating an Accessible and Welcoming Workplace
Creating an accessible and welcoming workplace for our colleagues with disabilities requires thoughtful conversation and a desire to think differently. Disability-inclusive and welcoming workplaces recognize the positive impact on productivity, talent, and expansion of customer base. This Activation Lab will give participants an opportunity to share existing strategies in creating an accessible workplace and tenants of a welcoming work culture.
Facilitator: Erica Kinney, Educator & District C Coach

Measuring Impact of Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Strategies
Are we there yet? How far do we need to go? What are our business goals? An impactful diversity, equity, and inclusivity strategy requires careful planning. From integrating both qualitative and quantitative metrics in a strategic plan, a business can measure their DEI journey. This Activation Lab will allow participants to brainstorm ways to develop shared goals, metrics, and tools in achieving impact.
Facilitator: Ben Laptad, Educator & District C Coach

Recruiting & Retaining the Most Diverse Workforce in the World
Yes - in the WORLD! How do we make it happen? Where is the diverse talent? Do we have the culture that attracts and retains the best and brightest? Does our company reflect the diversity of our community-at-large? Do we have practices or policies that detract from our diversity goals? This Activation Lab will create the space for participants to talk strategy and share the secret sauce for effective recruiting and retention. From best practices to failed attempts, this lab will highlight the strategies needed for world domination.
Facilitator: Dan Gonzalez, Co-Founder, District C

Thursday, Aug. 27, 9-11 a.m.

Outside World, Inside Impact: Building Spaces for Understanding

According to a March 2019 Forbes’ magazine article, today’s employees expect businesses to think of civic issues, equity, environment, and other causes alongside profit. To make a meaningful contribution to people and the bottom line, companies recognize that life outside of work informs and shapes work life and culture. You will hear from a panel of CEOs about how companies can create a space inside their organizations to acknowledge important societal issues, including the recent protests in our own community and around the U.S. and the systemic racism that gave rise to them.

Facilitator:
Donald Thompson, CEO of Walk West

Dignity & Respect

Every day we have the opportunity to test our commitment to dignity and respect through our behavior. In the keynote, Candi Castleberry-Singleton will help individuals and organizations evaluate their commitment to creating environments for ALL to work, live, learn, and play—with ALL of our differences. After this session, we will understand how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how our filters guide our behavior toward others. Castleberry-Singleton also will discuss how our interactions with and perceptions of others influence our decisions in the workplace. What is our role in making organizations better places for ALL to work with all of our differences?

Speaker:
Candi Castleberry-Singleton, VP Diversity Partnership Strategy + External Engagement

This will be a virtual event taking place over the course of three days..

RSVP by August 18
No refunds after RSVP deadline

Questions?
For registration questions, call 919.664.7090 or email Alicia Miller
For program/agenda questions, call 919.664.7031 or email Noor Bokhari

Join the conversation on Twitter!
@raleighchamber
@raleighwake
#DEIConf20

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Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Conference 2020