Join experts and peers before the official Summit starts for a series of optional immersive sessions that support you as you apply DEI principles and theory to practical organizational scenarios. These workshops will feature focused-explorations into relevant, critical skills that are a required element of every DEI practitioner's repertoire. Seats are limited and access is on a first-come, first-served basis. All sessions are 3-hours each. Summit attendees can add these sessions to their registration for a reduced fee. SHRM PDC's will be awarded.

Choose one session. 10 am - 1 pm ET

Option 1: 21-st Century DEI: Reimagining a World that Works for All

Facilitated by Leigh Morrison and Eric Peterson 

Are you new to DEI? Are you being asked to support diversity and inclusion efforts as a part of your role and don’t know where to start? Or are you just interested in learning more about where you fit in the DEI equation? This session will address the questions you might be afraid to ask. We’ll explore some myths surrounding DEI and the reality of these efforts today. We will clarify concepts that can be controversial or easily misunderstood in today’s climate and turn to effectively articulating a current “business case” for DEI and owning your role in championing inclusion. 

Option 2: Reframing DEI

Facilitated by Andrés Tapia, Senior Client Partner and Global Diversity and Inclusion Strategist, Korn Ferry

Join this think tank to develop strategies uniting our efforts to chart a strong future and create a world that works for all. The incessant attacks on DEI have led to DEI leaders and visionaries pausing, resetting, and reimagining our work. Controversy about terminology, strategy, and priorities has been rising, causing us to divide our attention and efforts. Strategize with fellow DEI leaders to reframe our work. 

Option 3: Creating Sustainable, Mission-Aligned DEI Strategies

Facilitated by Kevin Carter

Learn how to gain buy-in from leadership and key stakeholders to create a DEI strategy that is embedded in the organizational culture, mission, and goals. Explore how to overcome resistance and address polarization while unpacking the key ingredients to creating a data-informed strategy. Investigate ways to combine top-down and bottom-up efforts and link organizational business outcomes with DEI results to create sustainable, systemic change.  

Choose one session.  2pm - 5 pm ET

Option 1: Be BOLD: Lead Inclusively

Facilitated by Priya Dhingra Klocek 

Equip yourself with the tools and insights to foster a truly inclusive workplace. Learn practical strategies to lead with awareness, empathy, and accountability. Using The Winters Group’s BOLD Framework™, explore how your own biases and experiences shape workplace interactions, learn the importance of actively fostering a culture of inclusion, and gain insights into differing perspectives. Leave with a deeper commitment to demonstrating inclusive behaviors in your daily leadership practices.

Option 1: Preparing Your Organization for Bold, Inclusive Conversations® 

Facilitated by Mary-Frances Winters and Mareisha N. Winters Reese

Given our extremely polarized sociopolitical climate, conversations about race, religion, and politics are happening every day at work. If these conversations are not handled effectively, they can become divisive, impacting productivity, engagement, retention, teamwork, and even employees’ sense of psychological safety.  Learn methods based on the award winning book We Can’t Talk about That at Work: How to Talk about Race, Religion, Politics, and Other Polarizing Topics, co-authored by Mary-Frances Winters and Mareisha N. Winters Reese to create spaces where inclusive conversations are possible that foster reciprocal empathy, deeper understanding of differences and ultimately better working environments for everyone.