SERIES II SESSION 1: Exploring the Dimension of Diversity Through Data and People: The Complexity of People

The Complexity of People Through Stories

Since the 1960s, organizations have been reporting data on race and gender via the EEOC and AAP to help drive informed decisions and set policy. We display data in a binary way – black or white, male or female, gay or straight, old or young, wealthy or poor. Yet today, we talk about living in the “age of data.” We may know how many blacks or women under the age of 23 live in a particular country, but there is a lot more that shapes diversity. Even with the concept of intersectionality, which describes two-dimensions, such as black and female, it is not easy to find research and data. And it is near impossible to find data once the dimensions of diversity become even more complex, such as black and female and gay and GenY.

Join us for JUSTWise Talk Series II that explores the framework for discussing and measuring people’s complex multi-dimensions today. If we do not have the framework, how are corporations and policy setters creating fact-based and data-based policies and programs? And how do we ensure that the people with converging dimensions are being represented and understood?

In this session, we will have an interactive discussion with global thought leaders on diversity & equity as they tell their personal diversity journey and experiences, the impact of diversity on them and their families, their thoughts on the complexity of diversity data, and the power of data on policy and programs.

We will:

• Hear real people describe their dimensions of diversity through their personal stories
• Explore the impact of living in a binary world on those who are living a non-binary life
• Discuss the importance and relevance of collecting and reporting accurate data
• Debate the power of data in shaping diversity strategy, policy, and programs

Featured Speakers:

Lucida Plummer Head of Employee D&I, JP Morgan Chase & Co

Rajiv Desai Founder & CEO, Chrysalis LLC

Shane Nelson Inclusion & Diversity Strategy and Engagement Lead, Sanofi

Panel Moderator
Patricia A. Lee President & Founder, P.A.L. Coaching & Consulting

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SESSION 5: STRATEGIES FOR BUILDING INCLUSIVE CULTURES

Research shows that when employees feel valued, respected and connected to an organization’s purpose, they are more productive and stay longer. Organizations that are winning in the marketplace use culture as the differentiator – products and features are easy to replicate – culture is not. Company cultures that promote inclusive behaviors are also more likely to attract and keep [diverse] talent. In other words, there’s a bottom-line benefit of getting the culture piece right.

Join us for an interactive discussion with leading “caretakers” of culture on what it takes to create inclusive workplaces:

Talent and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion experts will discuss:

• What common elements define “inclusive” cultures?
• Is “inclusive leadership” a pre-requisite to building inclusive cultures?
• How can we measure “inclusion”? What are some of the key indicators that signal lack of inclusion?
• What are some of the most common and effective tools that promote inclusion?
• How can you engage employees in designing inclusive practices across your business?

Featured Speakers:

Jens Audenaert DVP/GM, WorkMarket

Willa Edgerton-Chisler CEO Symphony Strategies

Panel Moderator
Rita Mitjans WTR Advisory Board Member

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SESSION 4: STRATEGIES FOR DIVERSIFYING YOUR TALENT PIPELINE

Numerous studies have shown that companies with diverse leadership teams perform better. And when it comes to innovation, few can argue that having diverse perspectives spurs new ideas and ways of solving age-old problems. Yet, organizations continue to say they struggle to find qualified diverse talent, especially in certain industries like technology and finance. In just about every industry, black professionals are poorly represented at the most senior levels and on corporate boards.

In today’s competitive marketplace, having access to top talent is more important than ever. Join us for an insightful look at the “State of Diversity in Corporate America” and what forward-thinking leaders are doing in their organizations to increase diversity in their talent pool and on their Boards.

Talent and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion experts will discuss:

• How to create “buy-in” for investing and expanding the sourcing net.
• What operational and system changes are needed before launching a diversity talent initiative?
• How to overcome potential cultural resistance to change?
• How do you address the perception of “favoritism” or “reverse discrimination”?
• What top 3 actions lead to meaningful improvements in hiring and advancing diverse talent?

Featured Speakers:

Cristina Santos Head of Inclusion & Diversity, Total Well-Being and EEO, North America — Sanofi

Bob Lockett Chief Talent Officer at ADP

John Salisbury Practice Leader Executive Talent Acquisition at Google

Panel Moderator
Rita Mitjans WTR Advisory Board Member

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SESSION 3: ENGAGING IN COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS: LET’S TALK ABOUT RACE

If we are ever going to truly achieve equity and justice for all, we have to get comfortable talking about the issues that are preventing us from making progress. Corporations are recognizing that a failure to address diversity, equity and inclusion can impact their business. From consumer boycotts to supply chain to capital access, corporations are seeing pressure like never before. Amidst this backdrop is a growing awareness that the media, social activists and an enlightened generation are playing a key role in shaping reforms.

Join us for a candid discussion on “how to get comfortable with the uncomfortable” and what steps can be taken to translate your brand statements and values into sustainable progress in the workplace and society.

• What is privilege and how does it impact education, healthcare, employability and wealth?
• Why is talking about race in the workplace so difficult? How can we create a “safe space”?
• How do we address the “all lives matter” vs. “black lives matter” issue in a way that helps us move forward together?
• How do we recognize our own biases?
• What intentional steps can we take to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in our lives?

Featured Speakers:

Jackie Glenn CEO, Glenn Diversity Inclusion & HR Solutions

T. Oliver Reid Award-winning Broadway performer & founder of The Black Theater Coalition

Vanessa Abrahams-John Executive Director of Global Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Acquisition, Linde.

Panel Moderator
Rita Mitjans WTR Advisory Board Member

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SESSION 2: INSTITUTIONAL RACISM & THE WORKPLACE

Before we can address any problem, we must understand its “root cause”. True progress with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace can only be achieved when we dismantle the policies, systems and practices that prevent under-represented groups from achieving their full potential.

Join us for an in-depth look as renowned social justice expert Dr. Robert Livingston reveals the origins of institutional racism, how it shows up in the workplace and what organizations can do to eliminate systemic bias.

In this session, we will explore:

• The origins of institutional racism and its impact on education, wealth creation and the workplace
• The barriers that get in the way of real progress
• The role of unconscious bias in who gets hired and promoted
• Successful actions organizations can take to reduce bias and eliminate policies that do not support diversity, equity and inclusion

This session will not be taped – Don’t miss the opportunity to hear practical actions you can implement to support your organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals.

Featured Speakers:

Robert W. Livingston, Ph.D. Harvard Kennedy School Center for Public Leadership

Moderator
Rita Mitjans WTR Advisory Board Member

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SESSION I: MAKING THE CASE FOR WHY IT MATTERS

In business, resources are scarce and trade-offs must be made – that’s the real world. Yet organizations understand that to remain competitive, they must be able to attract and retain the best talent and reflect the customers they serve. So why haven’t we made more progress with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? What’s getting in the way? How do leaders responsible for driving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion make the case for greater focus, investment and systemic change?

Join us for a candid discussion on why, despite the best efforts of talented Diversity, Equity and Inclusion professionals, we have yet to achieve equitable representation in senior leadership and what can be done to accelerate progress. Industry-leading experts will discuss:

• The difference between diversity, equity and inclusion and their interconnectedness
• What does Diversity, Equity and Inclusion look like at the best companies? What do the top companies for Diversity have in common?
• What are the typical barriers to gaining organizational buy-in? What unique challenges do global companies face?
• What are the “must haves” in building a compelling Diversity, Equity and Inclusion case?
• How can organizations develop effective accountability systems to ensure progress?

Whether you are early in the journey or a seasoned Diversity, Equity and Inclusion professional, this webinar will give you practical steps you can take to elevate the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in your organization and create sustainable practices that move the needle.

Featured Speakers:

Gerri Mason Hall Chief Diversity, Inclusion & Social Responsibility Officer
Sodexo

Carolynn Johnson, MBA Chief Executive Officer
DiversityInc Media, LLC

Patricia A. (Patti) Lee Founder
P.A.L. Coaching & Consulting

Panel Moderator
Rita Mitjans President
BizGuru LLC

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SERIES II SESSION 2: How are the biases being perpetuated by the entertainment industry affecting your workforce, and what you can do about it: A Courageous Conversation with an Academy Award-winning Director

A Courageous Conversation with an Academy Award-winning Director

It is clear that film reinforces and even creates unconscious biases around gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, etc. The characters that are brought to life on the screen drive and reinforce conscious and unconscious biases, as well as the macro and microaggressions that show up in the workplace. How can companies mitigate this and even demand better from the film industry? How can we, as corporates, begin to create real systemic change in this significant space that commands such a powerful influence over our society and our workplace?

In this session, we will have a courageous conversation with an industry leader about the entertainment industry and how that corporate and consumer habits play in what gets made.

We will:

• Understand how data influences our corporate and entertainment industry leaders and their thoughts on the future
• Debate how the events of 2020, including Black Lives Matter, a Pandemic, and the election of Joe Biden will impact our workplace in 2021 and how that will impact the movies being made
• Discuss how diversity influences or impedes the ability to create bankable movies

Panel Moderator
T. Oliver Reid WTR Board Member Award-winning Broadway performer & founder of The Black Theater Coalition

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SERIES II SESSION 3: Exploring the Dimension of Diversity Through Data and People: Generational Perspectives

Generational Perspectives

Since the 1960s, organizations have been reporting data on race and gender via the EEOC and AAP to help drive informed decisions and set policy. We display data in a binary way – black or white, male or female, gay or straight, old or young, wealthy or poor. Yet today, we talk about living in the “age of data.” We may know how many blacks or women under the age of 23 live in a particular country, but there is a lot more that shapes diversity. Even with the concept of intersectionality, which describes two-dimensions, such as black and female, it is not easy to find research and data. And it is near impossible to find data once the dimensions of diversity become even more complicated, such as black and female and gay and GenY.

Join us for JUSTWise Talk Series II that explores the framework for discussing and measuring people’s complex multi-dimensions today. If we do not have the framework, how are corporations and policy setters creating fact-based and data-based policies and programs? And how do we ensure that the people with converging dimensions are being represented and understood?

In this session, we will have an interactive discussion with Gen X, Y, and Z diversity & equity leaders to gain their generational perspectives on the definition of diversity, why each generation has a new and different lens and their insights on the impact of data on policy and programs in their future.

We will:

• Gain a generational perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Discuss how diversity influences or impedes, the ability to live an authentic life
• Explore ways in which the complexity of data influences our leaders and their thoughts on the future
• Understand the hopes and dreams of our future diverse leaders

Featured panelists:

Jordan Thomas Rhodes Scholar, Chief of Staff to Ray Chambers, and Board of Directors PALCUS

Eric Gonzalez Mercedes Sr. Director, Global Head of D&I, Audible

Omari Head Director, Paramount Lodging Advisors

Panel Moderator
Patricia A. Lee President & Founder, P.A.L. Coaching & Consulting

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