Strategic Cultural Transformations Virtual DEI Conference serves as a catalyst for real organizational change that advances accountability and action for DEI outcomes. Participants will uncover methods that help to engrain Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into the very tapestry of company culture with sustainable and meaningful impact . Attendees in all learning tracks will glean strategies and insights that help them champion cultural transformation in their workplaces. Key takeaways include developing tools that enable DEI advocates to amplify and empower equity and inclusion in modern organizations.
10:30 am
With unprecedented social, political and economic developments driving a renewed focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in America, many companies are reevaluating their procurement operations to increase diverse supplier inclusion in their supply chains. Supplier Diversity is a proven strategy to expand the diverse supplier base of the enterprise and create supply chain contract opportunities for firms from traditionally underserved segments of the population. Attendees will learn about the best practices for implementing or enhancing a supplier diversity program, the bottom-line benefits of utilizing diverse suppliers and the profound economic impacts supplier diversity can have on communities of color. Hear from Stacey J. Key, President and CEO of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, as she shares what it will take to achieve economic equity in America, and find out why diverse supplier inclusion is a win win for everyone...
Stacey Key
If underrepresentation, lack of inclusion, inequities and injustices permeate your organizational fabric, leading to instances of discrimination on an individual basis in various ways, the climate is also likely to be marred by diminished employee engagement among historically marginalized groups. Likewise, if employee engagement is assessed as lower among historically marginalized groups, members of these groups are likely to perceive inequities in the environment and carry with them an overall distrust of the organization and its leadership. This perpetuates the broken rung of the ladder, the broken staircase, a concrete ceiling, and a sticky floor, and leads to diversity’s revolving door of lower retention and higher turnover among minoritized groups.
This session will explore tried and true methodologies that transform seemingly ‘soft’ concepts into measurable, quantifiable metrics that contribute to well-informed decision making which, in turn, enables DEI practitioners to achieve DEI objectives.
Ayanna Cummings
An organization is only as good as its diverse culture and inclusive environment.
• Private & Public Sector entity decisions should be driven through a DEIA&B lens and be reflective of the community that it represents
• A supportive and engaging community and workplace is established by understanding the perceptual, institutional, and psychological processes that impact the ways people interact with each other. Starting with a look at employee engagement, then identifying interventions surrounding unconscious bias and specific diversity and inclusion strategies
• DE&I fosters environments that are conducive to organizational success
Lack of diversity limits perspectives, market opportunities, collaborative workforce and talent retention.
Jonathan Reid
Imari Tuakli
An honest discussion about the challenges and commitment required to build a culture that not only attracts but retains diverse talent. The importance of non-performative diversity and remaining committed to your goals against an ever-changing economy & priorities.
Lara Harris
Organizational climate, culture, norms, policies, and strategic planning are established by c-suite executives. In fact, the executive leadership teams' decisions are essential to any change initiative and resource allocation. Verifiably, their buy-in is requisite for meaningful and successful DEI implementation. Conversely, marginal buy-in also communicates a strong, perceptible message to internal and external stakeholders. As DEI teachers and practitioners, this course is designed for us to discuss how to effectively communicate best practices, industry trends, and the bottom-line cost associated with consistent, active support versus superficial support.
We will cover the following areas:
• Assert the importance of their role in being the #1 DEI champion and ambassador
• Clearly state the business and human case for DEI
• Use baseline data to assess current organizational culture
• Articulate the tangible and intangible benefits
• Respond to resistance
• Investing in DEI for the long term (e.g., sustainability)
Melody Gratic
Adrianne Pinkney
Angel Henry
Alvin Hill
Sonja Simpson
Key Takeaways from Intersectional Group's 2023 Pay Transparency Survey Report
In recent years, pay transparency laws have passed and gone into effect in states and cities like Colorado, New York City, California, and Washington State. A New York state law will join them later in 2023. This year, Hawaii, Chicago, and a few other states and regions have also proposed pay transparency laws. However, the majority of the U.S. is still not embracing the trend, including Oregon and Georgia, where workers' demands are high and people's voices are in need to be heard. In this webinar (or workshop? presentation?), Zhou Fang (she/her), the principal practitioner of Intersectional Group, is going to share the findings from her firm's 2023 pay transparency survey project. Hopefully the fresh data from 2023 will help us gain a more holistic perspective on pay transparency.
Zhou Fang
11:30 am
Key Takeaways
Curate a vigilant vanguard of humanistic associates who display kindness and compassion when interacting with one another.
Feedback Highlights:
Key Takeaways
Facilitate dialogue regarding the myriad ways respect and dignity manifest in our workplace as we interact with one another.
Defining Belonging and exploring the manifestations of lack of belonging, isolation and underrepresentation in the workplace – particularly among historically marginalized and underrepresented identity groups.
Key Takeaways
Active agency as allies is key to leveraging our spheres of influence to create good for others whose voices are often unheard.
By amplifying these voices on a regular basis, both when it is safe and comfortable and when it is not, we create a culture of inclusion and belonging for everyone.
Ayanna Cummings
Linda Wiley Bing
Dr. Linda Wiley Bing is founder and CEO of Turning Point Leadership Group LLC, an innovative performance improvement company that specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion, leadership development, and relationship management. She has worked in the U.S. and abroad developing and delivering interventions for clients of all sizes and disciplines from individuals to Fortune 50 companies. Dr. Bing is a Certified Diversity Executive through the Institute for Diversity Certification. Her training programs won an award from The Society for Human Resource Management. Her viewpoints are often sought out as a conference keynote speaker and presenter. And, they have been aired on many radio stations and the CBS Evening News.
Dr. Bing is also a Certified Relationship Specialist through the American Psychotherapy Association. She is the author of Tame Your Tongue & Transform Your Relationship and Tame Your Tongue & Transform Your Organization: How to Close the Employee Inclusion Gap, and a motivational speaker in the Les Brown Speaker’s Network.
Dr. Linda hosts a podcast called In Her Shoes with Dr. Linda and previously served as the co-host on “Love & Relationships” on Atlanta’s top-rated urban station, V-103 FM. She holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Education, an M.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Organizational Behavior, and a PhD in Organizational Psychology. She is on the Leadership Council of the National Small Business Association and is a member of many civic and professional organizations. Her innovative trainings and coaching programs have helped millions transform their lives resulting in enhanced relationships and increased income. Today, she would like to do the same thing for you.
Intersectionality has become a buzzword that is used more and more in the DEI space. What does intersectionality mean, exactly? How do we apply the framework of intersectionality to DEI work? What do empathy and curiosity have to do with intersectionality? Why, in fact, can we not understand and practice intersectionality properly without empathy and curiosity?
This 45 mins session offered by Zhou Fang (Intersectional Group) may help answer those questions.
Zhou Fang
12:15 pm
1:30 pm
DEI is not effect when practitioners attempt a one size fits all strategic implementation. Rather, such methodologies may be location and context- specific, in that they may work in certain contexts and under particular constraints, but not others.
This session will explore how to conceptualize a DEI infrastructure plan that encompasses the use of the right tools for the appropriate context. In essence, we will uncover strategies that arm DEI practitioners with a vast array of approaches that can be tailored to the bespoke needs of individual clientele.
Ayanna Cummings
There are unsaid rules and hidden paths to success in education and employment. Often, the dominant culture knowingly or unknowingly teaches these curriculums to their children, thus reinforcing their dominance. Mentoring programs can enlighten these hidden paths, making them accessible to different cultures. Also, when students and employees have the tools to advance with their peers, they tend to remain at the institution.
I will outline these and other benefits for the mentor, mentee, and associated institutions. Join me to discover the basics of creating a successful mentoring program.
(30-minute presentation followed by 15 minutes of Q&A
As a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), I have dedicated my life to building access and inclusion in education, technology, vocation, and the physical environment. My ability to meet people where they are has allowed me to ease anxiety with actionable steps that align diverse cognitive styles with effective problem-solving methods.
Equity is part of who I am, not just what I do. I am a subject matter expert (SME) in program/project management focusing on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEI&A). I have leveraged data analytics to create transparent policies while driving executive-leadership-level awareness and decision making.
Examples of the ways I create impact through leadership and education include:
• Organizational Change - Defined and delivered organizational change programs for five non profits (Washington Campus Compact, Compass 2 Campus, Western Washington University, University of Washington & Seattle Children's) and two Fortune 100 companies (Boeing & Microsoft).
• Universal Design - Redesigned digital communications templates at the University of Washington to maximize accessibility & comprehension for all recipients of over 500 email campaigns.
• Inclusive Instruction - Developed a curriculum to benefit diverse learners, including English Language Learners, the Neurodivergent, the Deaf, Low Vision, and the Blind, by implementing Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) model with Instructional Scaffolding.
Join me to be the change we need to see in the world!
Wendelin Dunlap
Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Many organizations recognize the positive impact diversity provides in fostering innovation and creativity, yet neurodiverse populations remain a largely untapped talent pool. Today’s leaders benefit from understanding what neurodiversity is, common challenges related to it, and practical, inclusive strategies to foster it in the workplace. This workshop will help you:
• Understand the meaning of neurodiversity and common challenges of a neurodiverse workforce.
• Learn why neurodiversity presents opportunities and ways organizations engage to experience competitive advantages.
Foster awareness and gain practical strategies to be more neurodiversity-friendly.
Keshawn Hughes
Ellen Rice Chever
Mike Powell
Linda Wiley Bing
Dr. Nika White
Dr. Nika White is a national authority and fearless advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. As an award-winning management and leadership consultant, keynote speaker, published author, and executive practitioner for DEI efforts across business, government, non-profit and education, Dr. White helps organizations break barriers and integrate diversity into their business frameworks. Her work has led to designation by Forbes as a Top10 D&I Trailblazer.
2:30 pm
Anthony Howard
Traci Harrell
3:30 pm
Dr. Ayanna Cummings
CEO & Owner, Tapestry Consulting, LLC and Host, Strategic Cultural Transformations Virtual DEI Conference
Stacey Key
Ayanna Cummings
Anthony Howard
Lara Harris
Dr. Bowtie Todd Jenkins
Sonja Simpson
Jon Reid
Wendelin Dunlap
Imari Tuakli
Zhou Fang
Mike Powell
Melody Gratic
Alvin Hill
Traci Harrell
Angel Henry
Ellen Rice Chever
Keshawn Hughes
My education is in journalism and creative writing, but my passion is fostering healthy & equitable work environments and building collaborative relationships. I’ve worn several hats throughout my career spanning Biotech, Healthcare, Travel and Media industries.
In 2022, I joined Shaker Recruitment and Marketing as the Senior Manager of Diversity and Culture creating a thriving working environment. My background in journalism, communications, project management, strategy and my passion for diversity have provided me with a wonderful career that continues to exceed my expectations.
MBA, PMP, (CDE)® – Project Manager
Jon Reid is a Managing Vice President of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Consultant Practice and Executive Partner with Tier1 Management Consulting Group. As the DE&I Practice Leader, Mr. Reid has built a very strong team of certified DE&I consulting strategists, organizational trainers, and a broad catalog of DE&I course curriculum which includes an array of topics such as Health Equity, Anti-Racism, Explicit and Unconscious Bias, Diversity in the Workplace, etc. Mr. Reid is a Certified Diversity Executive by Cornell University.
Mr. Reid is a seasoned professional transformational leader with over 35 years of experience both as a management consultant and executive industry leader. Through his leadership, Mr. Reid specializes in enhancing organizational culture, recognizing unconscious bias and how it affects the way people perceive and react to others, understanding the dimensions of diversity, assessing stereotypes and prejudices that may influence behavior, and developing a plan for transformation.
Mr. Reid hasserved in executive level positions asthe Chief Financial Officer of several General Electric business units and the Art Institute of Atlanta. He has a successful track record of leading teams in the development and deployment of mission critical, high quality businesssolutions. Mr. Reid has administered pro forma audits and IT & financial analyses for $100+ million projects including feasibility studies, marketing services, IT assessments, and loan issues, and oversaw activities performed by third-party vendors, consultants, and law firms, while building cross-functional global teams, designing processes utilizing six sigma techniques, and delivering results supported with concrete financial metrics on budget and on time. He has excellent communication skills both oral and written with senior executives, end users, team members and other stakeholders.
Mr. Reid has extensive experience providing business and process strategy, and implementation services for all aspects of regulatory compliance, ecommerce on a global scale, Auditing, ROI analysis and ERP (SAP, PeopleSoft, Oracle) applications.
Current projects he leads or has led, include Diversity Strategies for: Cumberland County, NC, Frederick County, MD, City of Milton, MA, Town of Matthews, NC, CDC-OSHI, City of Boise, ID, Spotsylvania, VA, LOC-Library of Congress.
Dr. Jenkins is the Founder of Bowtie Leadership and Development, Inc., a global training, consultation, and coaching firm with a focus on bringing diverse people together to increase individual or organizational productivity and performance. Dr. Jenkins has more than ten years of experience as managing partner and chief diversity and inclusion executive, trainer, and strategist. His portfolio includes clients from various non-profits, small businesses, colleges and universities, and large corporations such as WalMart Inc., Verizon, Coca-Cola Inc, Tyson Foods, Inc., Kellogg’s, AT&T, Deloitte, Inc, Black Hills Energy Inc., Facebook, American Airlines, Amazon, Google, and Starbucks to name a few. Also, as another “first,” he serves in the newly created senior role to lead a formal Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative with CBRE @ Microsoft. Throughout his consulting firm and keynotes, he has spoken to large crowds with over 30, 000 people in Korea and multiple engagements across the globe in South America, North America, Asia, and Europe. Bowtie Leadership and Development, Inc, senior partners and team has a combined 65 years of experience in leadership development, diversity and inclusion, human resources, and training and development.
Dr. Jenkins is a proud alumnus of The University of South Carolina, where he graduated with high honors and received two undergraduate degrees, his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. He earned his Master of Science from Illinois State University and a doctorate from the University of Arkansas. Additionally, Dr. Jenkins completed his postdoctorate studies focus on “Leading Diverse Organizations” at Harvard University. Throughout his professional career, Dr. Jenkins serves on multiple boards in his local community, colleges and universities, and internationally through global organizations such as Rotary International.
Recently Dr. Jenkins was named a 2021 DEI Champion Awardee by the National Diversity and Leadership Council. In January 2020, Dr. Jenkins received recognition as a Top 25 Influencer in Business, along with names such as Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart, state senators, and prestigious business leaders by Arkansas Money and Politics Magazine. In 2019, he was selected as one of the Top 100 Diversity and Inclusion Executives under 50 by DiversityMBA magazine, "40 under 40" by Arkansas Business Journal, Top 12 of Ones to Watch by Celebrate Magazine in 2017, the Rodney Momon Award recipient, Paul Harris Fellow, and included in the "30 under 30" 2016 list of Top Minority-Owned Businesses. He has been featured and contributed to several research, articles, and podcasts around building inclusion and engagement within organizations and communities.
Today he is known as Dr. “Bowtie Todd,” a trainer, consultant, motivational speaker, life coach, and conversationalist. He is a proud husband, author, servant leader, and conversationalist who believes in his philosophy "bowtie" it all together, serve and simply be a gift unto the world!
Sonja Simpson, is the founder and CEO of iONIS Solution. She moved from Texas to Minnesota for marriage and has been happily married for over 28 years. They have three-adult children, two boys and a girl. She endearingly considers herself a Texsotan and feels beholden to both states. Sonja enjoys home, fun with family, reading and , animals, gardening and learning about holistic health remedies. The reason why she is so engaged in the effort to help companies overcome systemic bias in hiring and building a healthy collaborative environment is due to her many challenges in settings where the mere conversation of race or diversity was taboo or overlooked. This led to her not being asked to many conversations around change or strategy as well as preventing her from advancing with her white peers that shared the same qualifications. It went deeper as a woman that no only the color of her skin, but her height, 'articulation' and presence that many people of color know all too well, yet for her, comes with a story all of her own.
Experience
Sonja has a multi-faceted and vast history of experience in both public and private sectors. Upon landing in Minnesota, she worked in banking, telecommunications, and IT. She took a chance on a career in non-profit and education and this is where insights into disadvantaged populations and access, better called "the good fight" began for her. She co-developed a congress recognized best-practices training model to assist in the states mandated minority and women placement goals within the construction industry. The program was adopted by Metropolitan Council and rebranded as LRTBuild and currently a non-profit agency called Building Strong Communities. https://vimeo.com/507257725 She's also a strong advocate for post-secondary education having been a dean for one of the top earning continuing education/customized training divisions of a state college, and serves on the foundation board at Inver Hills Technical College. Sonja also dedicates her time currently as an adjunct professor.
Sonja is an alumni of Saint Catherine University and holds an MA in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a certificate in ethics and leadership, and is excited to work with companies that dare to be the difference.
As a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), I have dedicated my life to building access and inclusion in education, technology, vocation, and the physical environment. My ability to meet people where they are has allowed me to ease anxiety with actionable steps that align diverse cognitive styles with effective problem-solving methods.
Equity is part of who I am, not just what I do. I am a subject matter expert (SME) in program/project management focusing on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEI&A). I have leveraged data analytics to create transparent policies while driving executive-leadership-level awareness and decision-making.
Examples of the ways I create impact through leadership and education include:
Join me to be the change we need to see in the world!
Seasoned and sophisticated EDI practitioner and public speaker with a focus on intersectionality and interconnections. Applying lived experiences and expertise to make meaningful changes and positive impacts. Senior Director with years of experience in program management, people operation, business development, internal & external communications, and event production with a track record of independent execution and building lasting partnerships. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
Mike Powell, MBA is a leadership consultant and business coach who, ignites passion, growth and energy for positive change in people and organizations in every sector. A dynamic speaker and trainer, Mike draws upon the lessons learned from his unique life experiences to help individuals, teams and organizations improve their performance and achieve success. With over 20 years of experience Mike has delivered keynote speeches, facilitated engaging workshops and led large scale consulting initiatives for organizations across the country. Through his inspiring message audiences across the globe have been inspired to reach their goals.
As Vice President of the Powell Consulting Group, a management consulting firm in Hyattsville, MD. Mike has worked with leaders in some of the nation’s leading organizations and federal agencies including Johnson & Johnson, The Department of Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency, The National Education Association, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the United States Department of Agriculture.
He is an alumnus of Hampton University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2000 and Southeastern University where he received his Masters of Business Administration. He has also completed post-graduate work in Strategic Leadership at Regent University and the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. He is a certified executive coach, and is certified in Myer’s Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Emotional Intelligence, Situational Leadership ™ and The Human Element.
He is the co-founder of the The Lifting As We Climb a 501 C (3) non-profit organization that supports the development of youth in communities across the country. He is past Board member of Training Officers Consortium of Washington, DC. was recognized as one of the top “40 under 40” leaders in the state of Maryland by the Prince George’s Social Innovation Fund in 2016. Mike believes leadership is about service. He looks forward to continuing to use his gifts, talents, skills, and resources to serve people across the world.
Imari is a highly charismatic and deeply passionate Life Coach and Speaker who transitioned out of a life of artistry that spanned 100's of millions of views and into the world of personal development helping thousands of leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives find confidence, connection and purpose. His dynamic and interactive approach to his presentations have been featured in spaces as diverse as homeless shelters to Fortune 500 companies such as Google.
Dr. Traci Harrell is a Trainer, Consultant, Transformational Coach, Mindset Expert, and an International Best Selling Author.
She is President/CEO, It's All Bigger Than Me Consulting LLC, a full-service boutique company specializing in Leadership, Inclusion, Diversity, Belonging, and Equity, with a focus on creating permanent Transformations through systems change and impactful shifts in Mindset - for individuals, leaders, teams and organizations.
Traci is a certified Success Coach® with Success Magazine, and certified Mindset Coach and Facilitator who is currently leading transformations through collaborations of Corporate and Community strategic initiatives.
Traci has contributed to 4 books that became international best-sellers in over 14 counties and 18 Amazon Book Categories including: ‘Ignite Happiness’, ‘Ignite Your Inner Spirit’, and ‘Ignite Possibilities’. Traci also wrote in 'Black Writers UnMasked', African American Writers Alliance.
She shares a proprietary methodology, called, Transformational Inclusive Leadership™, which has proven strategies for success in business and in life, based on > 4700 targeted interviews.
Dr. Traci has over 30 years of diverse Leadership experience in Corporate America with 8 years at IBM (both domestic and international), 14 years at The Disney Company, 5 years at Microsoft, and 5 years as a successful entrepreneur. She is a collaborative Community Leader of Honor.
Traci has served with distinction as President of the National Black MBA Assoc., Seattle Chapter.
Dr. Harrell has won many National Leadership Awards including being designated on the exclusive list of 'Top 50 Leaders under 50' for nationwide impact.
Angel Henry has a passion for diversity in tech. Her knowledge of why women and minorities are oftentimes missing from the CSuite provides awareness for business leaders to drive change.
Angel has over 20 years IT experience, primarily in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries and over 15 years in the project management discipline. She has become a recognized thought-leader on the topic of the Agile Mindset which fosters an environment of innovation and productivity.
Angel is also a sought-after trainer and speaker as well as an Adjunct Instructor in the Indianapolis area helping students realize their full potential in the field of IT. She is a member of several professional and community organizations, such as BDPA, Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF)- Executive, several Agile communities, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Dents in the Ceiling, Angel’s first book, is a summary of experiences of 30 African American women working in tech.
Ellen Rice Chever MBA, MPP, PMP is the Principal and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Leader at LMI, a Washington Post Top Workplace, and Washington Tech Top 100 Government Contractor. Ellen serves in an executive capacity, integrating LMI’s DEIA strategy across the organization to build an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace, while transforming organizational culture and propelling growth and performance. Ellen also advises federal clients at DoD and NASA in developing business and strategic solutions that build DEIA. Under Ellen’s direction, LMI has become a model govcon employer for executing high-impact change in DEIA. She led the development and rollout of LMI’s revamped DEIA strategy. Her team launched a new executive-level DEIA learning series on psychological safety and integrated DEIA into talent management, professional development programs, and succession planning. Her team has also launched three new Affinity Groups, including the Asian Inclusion Network, the Early Career Professional Network and the Disability Resource Group. For her team’s successes in driving organizational change, Ellen was selected as a WashingtonExec Pinnalist Award Finalist as Top DE&I Executive.
Prior to launching LMI’s new enterprise DEIA function in 2020, Ellen served in in several management advisory roles at LMI, including as a Senior Consultant, Capture Manager, and a Program Manager, supporting the U.S. Department Health and Human Services healthcare equity and Affordable Coverage Programs. Ellen also served as Vice President and Chief of Staff at a leading minority-owned investment banking firm – Rice Financial Products and supported the Chief of Staff at the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions earlier in her career.
Ellen belongs to various advisory teams and industry groups, including the ACT-IAC Diversity and Equity in Leadership Advisory Team and represents LMI on the WashingtonExec DE&I Executive Council. She is a member of the Society for Diversity, is a Project Management Professional (PMP), and member of the Project Management Institute (PMI). She earned an MBA from MIT Sloan. At MIT Sloan she served on the MIT Academic Working Council on Inclusion and as Co-President of the Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA), where she was awarded the MIT MLK Servant Leadership Award. She also holds a MPP from the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy, and a BA from Hampton University, and is a member of the inaugural class of the Hampton University Forty under 40 Society.
Described as “Dynamic and Informative,” “Life-Changing,” and “Extremely Inspirational,” Keshawn Hughes is an intuitive, keynote speaker, International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified neuro coach, leadership consultant, and NeuroSavvy™ Leadership founder. She serves in the top 1% of coaches with neuroscience expertise and holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing, an M.S. in Strategic Communication, and neuroscience specializations in Education, Entrepreneurship, Health, Spirituality, and Relationships. With twenty years of marketing and corporate leadership experience for top-ranked, global brands, Keshawn provides the language, strategies, and practical steps to help leaders and organizations end burnout culture, level up, and align with purpose.
Alvin C. Hill, Jr. has been employed at The Centers For Independence since September of 2004 and is currently the Senior Director of Diversity and Cultural Competence. Al was promoted into his current role in September of 2006, and is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, and oversight of CFI’s workforce and supplier diversity strategies and initiatives with direct oversight of the agency’s MCFI Diversity Team as well as two employee resource groups. Under his leadership, CFI was awarded the Wisconsin Association of Equal Opportunity Strategic Diversity Council Award, The Wisconsin State SHRM Diversity Advocate Award in 2010 and 2016 and received an honorable mention in the Equity Category from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce.
Prior to coming to CFI, Al was an HR Generalist/Affirmative Action Officer for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, and a Manager of Diversity Recruitment for a local staffing company.
Al began his HR career in Affirmative Action and Diversity in the Wisconsin Army National Guard where he served for 25 years with 10 years as the Chief of the Equal Opportunity section for the 32D Separate Infantry Brigade.
Al has been called upon to provide diversity training to various companies and organizations such as Welders Supply, Wells Fargo, State of WI Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), SE WI Association of Talent Development, Froedtert Health, WOW County Workforce Board, and Wisconsin Community Services (WCS). He has also been a guest speaker on matters of diversity at Ottawa University, Moraine Park Technical College, Marquette University, Carroll University, Mt Mary University, and the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
Al is a published author in HR Focus Magazine with an article entitled: “Ten Strategies for Managers in a Multicultural Workforce.”
Al is the immediate past State Director of Diversity Inclusion and Workflex for the WI State Council SHRM.
He is currently founding board member and president of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources-Milwaukee Chapter. (NAAAHR-MKE)
In giving service to the community, Al previously served as a commissioner and vice-chair for the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, former board chairman Agape Community Center, Past President and board member of the Wisconsin Association of Equal Opportunity (WAEO), past board member and Diversity Advocate for the Metro Milwaukee Chapter Society of Human Resource Management (MMSHRM), and past president and board member of the NorthwestSide Community Development Corporation. He is also active in his church serving as an Ordained Deacon and New Member class teacher as well as Founder and Chairman of a church-based organization Career Options that provided career enhancement information for the youth of Milwaukee for 22 years. The program served over 1400 students annually over the length of time it was in existence.
In recognition of his service, Al has received commendations from the Office of the Governor State of WI, as well as City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. He was also awarded Educator of The Year from the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Foundreymen’s Society. He was also awarded the Milwaukee Times Black Excellence Award, as well as being listed in “Who’s Who in Black Milwaukee.”
Al received his AAS Degree in Marketing from Milwaukee Area Technical College and is a graduate of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute.
Dr. Derren A. Thompson, Sr is a native of Baltimore where he joyfully serves as Director of DEI&J at Compass Group USA. With over 20 years of experience in Diversity and Inclusion he has been a transformative leader that lives life on the edge, upsetting the norm and pushes to reach new heights and set new standards.
Dr. Derren is a sought-after Speaker and Lecturer that is determined to make a difference in the lives of people. Dr. Thompson is passionate about transforming the lives of people and making a positive impact in changing people and systems. He is on the faculty of Cheyney University where he teaches Diversity in Hospitality as well as several other courses in the School of Business. Dr. Thompson is a published author of his first book entitled, “I Conquer” which challenges Diversity and Inclusion in the faith-based community.
He also enjoys serving the community with his brothers of the great Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Finally, Dr. Derren is married to the former Chalon Melton of Los Angeles, California, and they are the proud parents of two sons, Derren, Jr. and Darius Alexander
Dr. Ayanna Cummings is passionate about eradicating the malignant diseases of racism, sexism, heterosexism, ageism, ableism, and other ills which plague our social and organizational environs. She has over 21 years of experience as a diversity consultant, specialist, researcher, and trainer. In her current role as Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice with Compass Group National Accounts, Ayanna serves as a change agent for cultural transformation. Ayanna also recently completed a postdoctoral research program at Georgia Institute of Technology in the School of Psychology. Her scientific research seeks to examine the plight of, issues affecting, and identification of solutions relevant to African Americans and other diverse and marginalized groups. Her research findings give her unique expertise in diversity, equity, & inclusion training and consulting strategies and cultural change methods. As a volunteer leader, she is the Past Inaugural Chair of HR for Change with SHRM Atlanta, Immediate Past Chair of Economic Empowerment with Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals, immediate past VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion with the NBMBAA Seattle Chapter & Head of that chapter’s Leaders of Tomorrow program, and currently serves as Chair of the Board at 3D Girls Inc. and as Advisory Council member with Tahirih Justice Center, as well as President of the Mothers Social Literary Circle of Atlanta, GA.
Prior to being offered the role of Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice for Compass Group, Dr. Cummings worked with R. Thomas Consulting of Atlanta and Blackbird Leadership of New York City, as well as her own company Tapestry Consulting, LLC and served as Diversity Specialist with Terry University Systems (http://mytus.org). In these capacities she has also held numerous contracts as a DEI&J Consultant, Trainer, Researcher, Sourcing professional and Specialist. She wrote, produced, directed, and narrated her own Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training video and accompanying workbook, “Lifting the Veil of Hatred,” available for purchase online at http://tapestrydiversity.com.
Dr. Cummings holds a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the City University of New York Graduate Center in Manhattan as well as the MBA in Marketing from Clark Atlanta University. She also holds the CDE® and SPHR Certifications. Dr. Cummings is a Presidential Scholar and alumnus of her beloved alma mater, Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, where she was inducted into the Forty Under 40 Honor Society in 2018. She is a proud active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and recently completed data collection and analysis on racial bias in the performance appraisal process and racial bias in artificial intelligence recruiting systems. Her research was presented at the 2020 American Psychological Association Virtual Conference in August and the Northwest Regional Equity Conference in February 2021, and her writing has been published in the Academia Letters scholarly journal. She is the author of the book, “Power, Culture and Race” published in 2018 and 2020 by Xlibris. Her most recent book, “Seated at the Table,” is available for purchase on book shelves in 2022 by Xlibris Publishing.
Ayanna was named as a Top 100 Under 50 Executive in the United States by Diversity MBA Magazine in 2021. In 2022, she received the Top DEI Officer Award from the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and was also recognized for her work with Compass Group USA by Handshake recruiting platform Early Talent Awards in the program visionary, early talent innovator, opportunity democratizer, and recruiting trailblazer categories.
Dr. Ayanna Cummings is an avid reader, a skilled and talented cellist and vocalist, and a mommy of two beloved Cocker Spaniels Zuri and Omari.
Her favorite motto is, The Secret to Growing Wings is Believing You Can Fly!
Anthony P. Howard is an HR Leader who works with HR professionals at all levels in finding the value and pathway to certification. He believes that you can increase your confidence, marketability, and value through the power of certification.
Anthony is an experienced strategic HR Business Partner with a 20+ year history of progressive success piloting large-scale, global initiatives driving organizational change and goals in diverse environments from highly regulated FDA medical devices & biotech industries to unionized manufacturing environments.
His most notable accomplishments include developing, implementing, executing, and ongoing administration of comprehensive and inclusive Global Talent Management Programs (Leadership Development, Performance Management, Succession Planning, Talent Review, Merit Planning), including technology (ADP WorkforceNow, SAP SuccessFactors). He has led global integration efforts, including due diligence and first-day activities. He successfully led a union avoidance effort for a large plant whose employees were targeted by a direct mail campaign. He also created and led an HR Shared Services organization.
He also has led positive culture shifts with his contributions to and through DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. He co-led the formation of corporate-wide ERG (Employee Resource Group) initiatives and has been pegged to speak on the topic on webinars, panel discussions, and online courses.
Anthony has incorporated a passion for the learning and development of others into his entire career. He is the founder of HR Certified, LLC. He has held HR Certification since 2009 and currently holds both the SPHR and SHRM-SCP designations. Additionally, he has earned the Leadership Development & Succession Strategist (LDSS) designation from Human Capital Institute (HCI).
Melody C. Gratic is a certified John Maxwell Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker and Certified Behavioral Analysis Trainer and Consultant. She is a phenomenal strategic thinker, passionate motivational speaker and servant leader, well-known for connecting with a multicultural, multigenerational and global workforce. Melody Gratic founded XcelMil, LLC on the premise of providing exceptional, value-based, and relevant services to our stakeholders and partners that significantly impacts business and personal transformation.
Melody retired from the U.S. Army with 24 years of active service. She is most proud and honored to have served at the White House Transportation Agency under President George Bush, Jr. and President Barak Obama and US Army Garrison Brussels in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Melody is the current CEO and Founder of XcelMil, LLC, An Executive Management Consulting Firm specializing in leadership development, change management, executive coaching, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, and market research. Under her leadership, XcelMil, LLC supports several prime contractors, nonprofit organizations and small businesses. She is an active member of the Fredericksburg Society of Human Resources; Association for Talent Development; and The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
She currently collaborates with Government Contractors in the Professional Services Industry on projects related to: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, Change Management, Conflict in the Workplace, Self-Care, and Military/Veteran/Spouse Hiring Initiatives.
Melody received a Master of Educational Leadership in Administration from Trident International University. She has also reviewed, edited and provided insight to a number of published authors. She is a proud wife, godmother, aunt and resides in the Northern Virginia area.
Stacey Key is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC), the state of Georgia’s leading authority on supplier diversity and minority business development. Supply chain partnerships facilitated by the GMSDC transact more than $9 billion in revenues annually and have contributed tens of thousands of jobs to Georgia’s economy. Key has more than 25 years of previous corporate experience in sales, marketing, operations and customer service at global brands like IBM, AT&T, Schlumberger and Samsung Telecommunications. Prior to joining the GMSDC in 2008, she was responsible for leading nationwide marketing efforts at Samsung Telecommunications as its Marketing Director. She also served as Vice President – Public Sector for Schlumberger, the world’s leading supplier of products and services to the oil and gas industry. In addition, she is an accomplished entrepreneur, with more than 15 years of experience at the helm of a successful family business
Stacey has been recognized as a thought leader and subject matter expert throughout the state for both her career accomplishments and community service. Some of her awards and honors include: the 100 Influential Women to Know by Engineering Georgia, Who’s Who of Black Atlanta, the Business Advocacy Award from MARTA, the Atlanta Business League’s 100 Top Women of Influence, Diversity Plus Magazine’s Top 25 Women in Power Impacting Diversity, the Black & Latino Council’s Global Commerce Award, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Apex Small Business Champion Award and the 2018 Atlanta Business Chronicle Women Who Mean Business Award.
Key earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Computer Science from Western Kentucky University, and an MBA from Kennesaw State University. She holds a certificate in Mergers and Acquisitions from Kennesaw State University and is a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2014 and a graduate of the 2018 Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute. Key is actively involved in the community and serves on numerous boards of directors, including the Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Midtown Alliance, Emory University Center for Ethics Advisory Board, Metro Atlanta Chamber Advisory Board and the Chic-fil -A College Football Hall of Fame. She is the proud mother of one daughter, who is a college student.
