CEO & Host
VP & DEI Center of Excellence
Director of Corporate Relations
Chief Client Engagement Officer
DEI Center of Excellence
Client Engagement & Development Manager
Executive Editor & Media Director
Art & Design Director
Digital & Web Manager
Bold Business
Founder of Hire Survivors Hollywood
LA-based, bisexual, and invisibly disabled actor, writer, singer, producer, filmmaker, comedian, and Weinstein Silence Breaker.
Hire Survivors Hollywood was founded by Actor, Writer, Filmmaker, and Weinstein Silence Breaker, Sarah Ann Masse to address the issue of career retaliation against those who have been sexually violated (survivors) and those who have shared those details publicly (silence breakers).
Sarah Ann Masse, an actor who came forward with misconduct allegations against Weinstein in 2017, appears in “She Said.” In recent years, she worked on the Adult Survivors Act in New York and is on the national and local SAG-AFTRA sexual harassment prevention committees. She launched her own initiative, Hire Survivors Hollywood, to help advise Hollywood companies on best practices to create opportunities for survivors of sexual violence. Masse says that even with the progress of the last five years, survivors are still being left out of the narrative.
Author,
Book: Beyond Bias the Path to End Gender Inequality at Work
Vice President, Community Engagement & Chief Diversity Officer
Froedtert Health & Medical Center
Chief Client Engagement Officer
Diversity MBA Media & Diversity Learning Solutions
Author,
Book: Being Tolerant Is For Cowards
Author,
Book: How Am I Doing?
CEO
The W3 Wealth Institute
CEO Bold Business & Author Project Bold Life
President & COO,
The Winters Group, Inc
Author, Racial Justice at Work
CEO,
Digital Wellness Center
Facility Executive
Atrium Health Carrabus
CEO,
Diversity Learning Solutions & Diversity MBA Media
Author,
Book: Eternal Justice
Co-founder, Chairman and CEO,
BCT Partners
Founder and CEO,
Rohini Anand LLC
Senior Director
RIM Logistics
CEO CTR Factor & Chief Learning Officer,
Diversity Learning Solutions
Chief Diversity Officer,
Toast Tab
Author,
Book: Black People Breathe
President
Diversity in Boardrooms
Senior Director, Center for Engagement & Inclusion
UPMC
Director,
Wealth Academy Head
Citi Bank
SVP, Senior Diversity Advisor & OMWI Director
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
CEO
National Hispanic Corporate Council
Chief Diversity Officer
Retired - Colgate Palmolive
VP & Chief Diversity Officer
Atrium Health
Chief Diversity Officer
GE Aerospace
Chief Diversity & Engagement Officer & VP, Talent, Culture & Experience
Wealth Group Executive
Citi Bank
Chief Executive Officer
National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
Managing Director,
Wealth Management Advisor, Northwestern Mutual
SVP, Chief Diversity & Talent Management Officer
UPMC
Head of DEIB
Zurich NA
Financial Representative
Northwestern Mutual
Chief Financial Officer
Canala Media
President & CEO
Linwick & Associates
Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey
Author
Leading with Your Upper Brain
Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
Principal Financial Group
CEO
Springboard Consulting
Regional Chief Executive Officer
Atrium Health
Founder & Author
Silicon Dragon
Vice President & Inclusive Diversity Officer
McDonalds Corporation
Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Echo Global Logistics
Vice President, Global Sales
RIM Logistics
VP, Talent Acquisitions and Chief DEI Officer
Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts
Founder & Principal Consultant, Channels Consulting
Vice President, Client & Community Partnerships
DivIHN Integration Inc
News Anchor, NBC
CEO, India Health Link Pvt. Ltd.
SVP & CIO, UL LLC
Dan Holly, Executive Editor, Diversity MBA Media
Authors will address various topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and highlight workplace best practices.
Authors will provide insights on effective strategies for mentoring, leadership development, and tips on how to scale up your leadership signature.
Authors will share insights and personal stories on how to effectively navigate race, racism, and discrimination in America and the workplace.
Authors will discuss the importance of keeping yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually well in order to make sustainable impact in your organizations and, most importantly, in your personal life.
This program invites emerging women leaders to attend interactive online sessions designed to foster leadership, professional growth, and gender equity in the workplace.
Although women are entering the workforce at a higher rate than men, they’re
significantly under-represented in the upper tiers of organizations.
Research is clear that more diverse executive teams drive better performance. By identifying current and future high-potential women leaders and coaching them to leverage strengths and develop new capabilities, your organization will see dramatic results. Discover the keys to unlocking leadership doors by exploring our development in this Women’s Leadership Series.
Join us as we explore 8 key critical areas for professional growth.
Presenters:
Dr. Suri Surinder, CEO CTR Factor & Chief Learning Officer, Diversity Learning Solutions
Anita Gonzalez-Scott, President CTR Factor & Chief Client Engagement Officer, Diversity Learning Solutions
Reginald Miller, CDO, McDonald’s DMBA Board Chair & Co-Host Sponsor
Maximizing Your Performance
Speaker: Dr. Suri Surinder,
CEO, CTR Factor and Chief Learning Officer, Diversity Learning Solutions
Maximizing performance today is about team performance. Many of today’s most valuable firms have come to realize that analyzing and improving individual workers isn’t enough. As commerce becomes increasingly global and complex, the bulk of modern work is more and more team-based. One study, published in The Harvard Business Review found that ‘‘the time spent by managers and employees in collaborative activities has ballooned by 50 percent or more’’ over the last two decades and that, at many companies, more than three-quarters of an employee’s day is spent communicating with colleagues.
Therefore, an evidence-based understanding of the dynamics that lead to effective teams is critical. The Aristotle project at Google has discovered that the single most important factor in optimizing team effectiveness is psychological safety. This general session will address the following 5 questions regarding psychological safety, using a combination of assessments, examples, and activities:
BREAK to TRANSITION & SNACK BREAK
In this exclusive think tank hosted by Pamela McElvane and Dr. Randall Pinkett, invited Diversity Executives open dialogue on the NEW ERA OF DEI.
Speakers: Dr. Randal Pinkett & Pam McElvane
The uniqueness of this conference lies in its ability to bring leaders together in a format that allows them to exchange ideas on how inclusive diversity is a part of the business function. In these thirty-minute Business with Inclusive Diversity Talks, participants will be introduced to new ways of thinking that bridge existing gaps between business, inclusion, and diversity.
Integrating DEI with Health Equity – Andres Gonzalez
Driving Change and Transformation Through an Equity First Lens
The bid talk will showcase the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network’s case study during the session. It will address how diversity executives and practitioners should drive change and transformation within their organizations by embedding equity, diversity and inclusion into strategic efforts. It will highlight partnerships and collaborations with senior leaders which are essential to lead change, transformation and achieve collective impact. Leading practices, lessons learned, pitfalls and metrics/dashboard also will be shared during the session.
Politicizing Diversity- Angela Roseboro,
Politicizing Diversity
The politization of diversity is at an all-time high, with mounting pressure on those spearheading comprehensive DE&I efforts. In this session, you will gain valuable insights for effectively navigating diversity issues. You will learn how to approach DE&I not as a problem to fix, but as an opportunity to capitalize on. Understanding the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of an issue will significantly enhance your ability to make meaningful impact.
The Silent Killer among the under-represented populations
Speaker: Jackie Bishop Burgess, CEO, National Kidney Foundation Institute
Our kidneys are especially important because they work to keep waste and toxins out of our blood. However, many people are unaware of how to take care of them and the importance of keeping your kidneys healthy. Jackie Burgess as CEO of The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois works closely with community leaders, healthcare professionals, and civic-minded corporate partners to improve the lives of patients and families affected by kidney disease.
Andres Gonzalez, VP, Community Engagement & Chief Diversity Officer, Froedtert Health
Angela Roseboro, Chief Diversity Officer, Toast Tab
Jackie Bishop Burgess, CEO, National Kidney Foundation Institute
AI and the Future- Dr. Satyeder Goel
AI is transforming the future of humanity across every industry and will continue to revolutionize technological innovation. But there is uncertainty around the ways and speed of its impact. So how will AI change the world around us?
Changing Places: Impact of Menopause in the workplace – Nadine Vogel, CEO Springboard Enterprise
Menopause is rarely discussed, although half of the world’s population experiences it at some point. It impacts ciswomen, typically from age 45 to 55, lasting 7 to 14 years. This age bracket is the fastest-growing workforce segment, and a person is most likely to be promoted to lead during this time of life. Therefore, let’s remove the menopause stigma in the workplace.
The Business of Diversity- Germaine Hunter
Diversity leaders have been working to advance DE&I in their organizations, but this can be a lonely battle. Many companies haven’t learned that a diverse business is a more successful business and hesitate to invest time and money into developing DEI. In this session, learn how to market diversity as a business strategy to your higher ups and gain support from your organization.
Dr. Satyeder Goel, CEO, India Health
Nadine Vogel, CEO, Springboard Enterprise
Iliana Levy & Colleague, Citibank
Germaine Hunter, VP & Chief Diversity Officer, GE Aerospace
Women in Logistics and the Future of the Industry- Sheila Serafin, Global VP Sales and Christina Busuego, Senior Director, RIM Logistics
The Logistics industry has traditionally been heavily male-dominated, with limited barriers to entry for women in leadership. In this session, you will hear personal leadership stories from a c-suite executive and one of DMBA’s Top 100 honorees about their leadership journeys and how they were able to achieve the seemingly impossible with significant business impact.
Racial Wealth Divide- Iliana Levy & Desi Wyatt, Wealth Group Executives, Citibank
In this panel, we delve into a pressing issue that continues to shape our society – the racial wealth divide. This conversation will explore deep-rooted disparities in wealth accumulation among different racial and ethnic groups. Our panelists will offer insights, solutions, and a vision for a more equitable future as we strive to bridge the gaps and build a fairer, more inclusive society for all.
Sheila Serafin, Global VP Sales and Christina Busuego, Senior Director, RIM Logistics
Iliana Levy & Desi Wyatt, Wealth Group Executives, Citibank
CEO Fireside Chat
Ed Kopko, Bold Business CEO and author of “Project Bold Life: The Proven Formula to Take on Challenges and Achieve Happiness and Success,” sits down with “Silicon Heartland: Transforming the Midwest from Rust Belt to Tech Belt” author Rebecca Fannin to discuss the emergence of the nation’s Heartland as an entrepreneur/startup hub, and the role diversity is playing in the Midwest’s transformation. Ed and Rebecca will dig into the inclusiveness of this new tech corridor, and pin down what the future may hold.
Host:
Ed Kopko, CEO Bold Business, Author, Project Bold Life ©
Rebecca Fannin, Founder, Silicon Dragon
Author, Silicon Heartland
NETWORKING LUNCHEON
In these 40-minute sessions, participants will join a cohort-based coaching session and together will talk, discover, share, and build strategies as well as connections.
Wealth Management – DeLayna Mitchell Elliott
Healing Your Money Wounds: Getting to the soul…or, rather, the “mind” of the matter when it comes to money. Participants will be exposed to the 7 fundamental principles of Healing Your Money Wounds, as we lay the foundation for radically transforming your relationship with money…and with yourself. Per the seminal work of Mrs. Delayna M. Elliott – renowned Diamond Wealth Coach, Wealth Planner and Life Insurance expert
Supplier Diversity- Reggie Rush
Despite the overwhelming evidence indicating that diversity is a key factor for more profitable and
creative growth. America seems to be experiencing diversity fatigue. People are sick and tired of talking about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) & supplier diversity. Diversity resistance can be an insurmountable impediment to corporations’ diversity efforts. Diversity resistance can manifest in multiple ways including a refusal to fund DEI / Supplier Diversity efforts, pushback of diversity programs, and a lack of leadership buy-in for diversity initiatives.
In this workshop, we will discuss, why has diversity become a dirty word in American workplaces and how can this issue be overcome?
Board Development Journey – Pamela McElvane
In this session, you will learn how to leverage your non-profit experience to develop high performing boards. Ensuring that your organizations board is not only diverse, but effective is a skill leaders can develop. Learn how to put together a board made up of high performing professionals and efficiently lead that board toward your organization’s goals.
Diversity Equity & Inclusion –Sharmila Fowler- Pos
How to be an Inclusive Leader and a Champion for Equity.
We have learned that while DEI training can be extremely effective, behavior can only change if we set clear goals and hold ourselves accountable. Enter coaching. When coupled with training, coaching can activate and deepen the learning experience and help individuals become more inclusive leaders and champions for equity. To get there requires a deep understanding of yourself, your cultural background, and your role in fostering a sense of inclusion in the workplace. You will leave this session with some key takeaways on how to advance on your journey. Remember that creating a truly inclusive workplace is an ongoing process. It requires continuous learning, reflection, and action. By embracing the journey with an open mind and a willingness to grow, you will become a more effective champion for inclusion and equity in the workplace.
Managing Trauma in Workplace – Zee Clarke
We all experience stressful situations at work. Proactively managing this stress is critical to bringing our best selves to the job at hand! Breathwork is a powerful tool to lower our stress levels, reduce anxiety, and improve our ability to focus despite the challenges. Join Zee Clarke, author of Black People Breathe, to learn breathing practices that you can do to improve your performance at work when you’re overwhelmed, triggered, or frustrated. These practices are effective for people of color when faced with microaggressions and racism, and for all people when faced with the unique challenges in our lives.
Coaches
DeLayna Mitchell Elliott, Wealth Advisor & Coach
Sharmila Fowler- Pos , CDO, Echo Logistics
Zee Clarke , Author, Breath Black People Breathe
Pamela McElvane, CEO And Publisher, Diversity MBA Media
Transition & Break
Group Coaching (3 Sessions) (cont.)
Financial Literacy – James Thomas Stinson, CLU, CFP, Wealth Management Advisor, Northwestern Mutual
Everyone deserves access to financial security. Now, more than ever, financial management is more complex. In this session, gain insights on financial empowerment and a foundational understanding of money is critical to long-term financial independence.
Diversity Equity & Inclusion –Dr. Randal Pinkett
Diversity, equity and inclusion expert Dr. Randal Pinkett emphasizes that any effort to mitigate bias and promote inclusivity within an organization must start with individuals. According to Dr. Pinkett, “At the end of the day, organizations do not change; people change.” In this session, Dr. Pinkett will highlight excerpts from his book, Data-Driven DEI; along with the tools and metrics you need to measure, analyze, and improve DEI and why placing a primary focus on personal transformation is key.
In his latest book, he introduces a five-step cycle that enables individuals and organizations to measure, analyze and enhance their DEI initiatives. In this interactive group coaching session, Dr. Pinkett will draw on his three decades of experience to coach participants on how to improve their DEI efforts.
Managing Trauma in Workplace – Zee Clarke
We all experience stressful situations at work. Proactively managing this stress is critical to bringing our best selves to the job at hand! Breathwork is a powerful tool to lower our stress levels, reduce anxiety, and improve our ability to focus despite the challenges. Join Zee Clarke, author of Black People Breathe, to learn breathing practices that you can do to improve your performance at work when you’re overwhelmed, triggered, or frustrated. These practices are effective for people of color when faced with microaggressions and racism, and for all people when faced with the unique challenges in our lives.
Dr. Randal Pinkett, Author, Data Driven DEI
James Thomas Stinson, CLU, CFP, Wealth Management Advisor, Northwestern Mutual
Zee Clarke, Author, Black People Breathe
TOP 100 REUNION WELCOME & CELEBRATION RECEPTION
Entertainment:
Entertainment: Latin Jazz
Photo Lounge
Reggie Miller, Board Chair, VP & Chief Diversity Officer, McDonalds; and Executives
Opening Remarks: CEO McDonalds
Thought Leader Connector – Miriam Lewis Chief Diversity Officer, Principal Financial Group
CEO & Diversity Leadership Symposium
CEOs Unleashed – Accelerating CEO Commitment to Limitless Opportunities
CEOs have a long history of developing a workplace culture where curiosity and innovation becomes a way of doing business to maintain its competitive advantage. Today’s CEOs are challenged to create a cultural environment that drives equity and affirms everyone is equal, accepted and understood. Additionally, minimizing tension and fostering a climate that optimizes productivity and eliminates racism is a new business imperative. While corporate America is more accepting of difference, the lack of diversity in upper management suggests there’s limited tolerance for this difference. Why is that? With the rise of open expression and authenticity in workplace culture, leadership preparedness is even more important today. But, what strategies are CEOs deploying to ensure the workforce and the board are ready for this reality? This c-suite discussion will look at how CEOs continue to unleash their power and influence to prepare the board and support their leaders in valuing differences.
Moderator(s):
Pam McElvane, CEO Diversity MBA Media
Dr. James Taylor, Chief Talent Management & Diversity, Equity Inclusion, Officer, UPMC
Panelists:
Asha Rodriquez, Facility Executive, Atrium Health Cabarrus
Robert Mueller, President, RIM Logistics
Tom Shanley, President & CEO, Lurie’s Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Invitation Only – Sr. Executives
Moderator: Dr. James Taylor, UPMC
Invitation Only – Sr. Executives
Moderator: Reggie Miller, McDonalds
“The Science of Happiness: Unraveling the Secrets of Dopamine and Workplace Wellness”
Join us for an enlightening journey into the fascinating world of workplace wellness, where we go beyond the conventional approach and delve into the realm of neuroscience. In this engaging speech, we explore how dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, holds the key to unlocking our full potential and happiness in the workplace. Discover how reimagining workplace wellness through the lens of dopamine levels can transform our professional lives. We will explore the power of intrinsic motivation, purpose, and connection in creating a conducive atmosphere that fosters productivity, creativity, and emotional well-being.
As we navigate through different work environments, including remote work and hybrid models, we will learn how to adapt and build resilience by nurturing our dopamine levels. By embracing this paradigm shift, we create a culture of well-being that empowers individuals and propels organizations to new heights of success.
Together, let’s pave the way for a future where well-being becomes the cornerstone of workplace excellence. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to harness the power of dopamine for personal and professional success. We look forward to sharing this transformative journey with you.
Presenter: Dr. Mary Donahue, CEO, Donahue Learning Solutions
BEST PRACTICE TOWN HALL
Top 10 companies will address specific strategies for integrating DE&I in the business and removing challenges that get in the way of creating an inclusive and equitable workplace.
Moderator: David Bubas, UPMC (Catalyst Winner)
Top Companies Panel:
Peggy Harris, Regional Chief Diversity Officer, Atrium Health #1
Eugene Kelly, Retired, VP Global Diversity & Inclusion, Colgate-Palmolive #2
Steven Silva, VP & Chief Diversity Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield, MA #4
Lori Ferguson, Sr. Director of Diversity, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, NJ #5
Diana Starks, Sr. Diversity Advisory, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland #6
TOP 25 AWARDS LUNCHEON:
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
2023 TOP 25 HONOREES
Opening Remarks: Fernando Little, Chief Diversity Officer, Atrium Health & Sylvia Lorenzo, CEO & President, Latin Policy Forum
In these 40-minute sessions, participants will join a cohort-based coaching session and together will talk, discover, share, and build strategies as well as connections.
4 Sessions:
Board Development– Cindy Burrell
Board diversity is crucial for representing American strengths through the board composition and securing a seat in the boardroom is a significant professional accomplishment that many leaders strive to achieve. However, understanding and achieving what it takes to position oneself as a potential candidate for boardroom opportunities is not easily grasped. In this session, you will hear tips from an executive search firm on the fundamentals of creating a board resume and how to position yourself to secure your first boardroom seat.
Wealth Management – Joseph Carrozza
Planning for one’s financial future can sometimes be daunting but is a necessary life priority. In this session, gather insights and coaching from a wealth management advisor on how to create a greater level of personal financial security, including saving for the future, managing debt, and protecting what’s important.
Diversity Equity & Inclusion – Dr. Suri Surinder
This session will address challenges and opportunities in DEI initiatives like employee resource groups, learning and development, mentoring, community support and supplier diversity that participants see in their organizations. Potential solutions for challenges and ways to leverage opportunities based upon best practices will also be discussed.
Managing Trauma in the Workplace – Zee Clarke
We all experience stressful situations at work. Proactively managing this stress is critical to bringing our best selves to the job at hand! Breathwork is a powerful tool to lower our stress levels, reduce anxiety, and improve our ability to focus despite the challenges. Join Zee Clarke, author of Black People Breathe, to learn breathing practices that you can do to improve your performance at work when you’re overwhelmed, triggered, or frustrated. These practices are effective for people of color when faced with microaggressions and racism, and for all people when faced with the unique challenges in our lives.
Coaches:
Cindy Burrell, Principal, Diversity In Boardrooms & Lisa Wicker, President & COO, Linwick & Associates LLC
Dr.Suri Surinder, CEO, CTR Factor & Partner, Diversity Learning Solutions
Joseph Carrozza, CFA, Financial Representative, Northwestern Mutual
Zee Clarke, Author, Black People Breathe
Group Coaching – continued
3 sessions
Board Development
Healing Your Money Wounds – DeLayna Elliot
Healing Your Money Wounds: Getting to the soul…or, rather, the “mind” of the matter when it comes to money. Participants will be exposed to the 7 fundamental principles of Healing Your Money Wounds, as we lay the foundation for radically transforming your relationship with money…and with yourself. Per the seminal work of Mrs. Delayna M. Elliott – renowned Diamond Wealth Coach, Wealth Planner and Life Insurance expert
Diversity Equity & Inclusion Leadership – Sharmila Fowler- Pos
How to be an Inclusive Leader and a Champion for Equity.
We have learned that while DEI training can be extremely effective, behavior can only change if we set clear goals and hold ourselves accountable. Enter coaching. When coupled with training, coaching can activate and deepen the learning experience and help individuals become more inclusive leaders and champions for equity. To get there requires a deep understanding of yourself, your cultural background, and your role in fostering a sense of inclusion in the workplace. You will leave this session with some key takeaways on how to advance on your journey. Remember that creating a truly inclusive workplace is an ongoing process. It requires continuous learning, reflection, and action. By embracing the journey with an open mind and a willingness to grow, you will become a more effective champion for inclusion and equity in the workplace.
Health & Wellness – Disability Equity – Nadine Vogel
Disability Equity: What you need to know but been afraid to ask.
Disability Equity, especially in the workplace, is about more than hiring people with disabilities. It’s about recognizing and valuing their strengths while providing an equal opportunity to succeed, learn, compensated fairly and to advance. It also represents a framework for understanding how disability intersects with other forms of identity. While in theory this sounds simple, successful execution is anything but. And asking questions is helpful but only when you know what to ask and who to go to for the answer. This session will provide the answers you are seeking.
Coaches:
Delayna M. Elliott – renowned Diamond Wealth Coach, Wealth Planner and Life Insurance expert
Sharmila Fowler- Pos , CDO, Echo Logistics
Nadine Vogel, CEO, Springboard Consulting
FREE TIME
Hall of Fame Reception
Private Reception with Keynote– (Sponsors & Board Only)
50 Out Front Companies Awards Presentations
Top 100 Awards Presentations
Dinner
Keynote Speaker: Sarah Masse
Live Entertainment
While we enjoy having the opportunity to socialize in person we heavily encourage COVID testing 72-hours prior to attendance,
masking, and staying home if you feel sick.