2023 DEI Symposium Sessions

The BN360 year of programming includes a variety of events organized around our main tenets of connecting, developing and empowering. All events are included with membership. All of our events are focused on connecting, developing, and empowering professionals between the ages of 21 and 40.

Upcoming Events

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DEI Success and Challenges at Work

Micro-Session A

Summary

Our panelists, representing small, medium and large companies, will discuss what has worked and what hasn't worked at their organizations and how attendees can benefit from their challenges and successes.

Maintaining Momentum in the Face of D&I Fatigue

Micro-Session A

Summary

Rolanda Ward Ph.D., MSW Endowed faculty Director at Niagara University, will explain how DEI fatigue has crept into business and what can be done to keep your plan on track.

LGBTQIA+ in the Workplace

Micro-Session A

Summary

Learn how to utilize more inclusive and affirming language addressing employee pronouns and gender identity with tools and resources to enhance the workplace culture. Presenter: Rachel Parrino, Diversity Practitioner & Consultant

Qualities of An Inclusive Leader

Micro-Session A

Summary

This workshop will focus on activation, accountability, and advocacy. Participants will learn the skills and behaviors of inclusive leadership and assess where there are on this continuum. Leaders will identify ways to become more inclusive in their everyday actions. Presenter Latise Hairston, HOPE Founder & CEO will take attendees through the steps to be an inclusive leader

Mitigating Barriers to Upskilling Underserved Populations

Micro-Session A

Summary

Training Programs that Mitigate Barriers to Upskilling Underserved/Marginalized Populations Presenter: Stephen Tucker, President & CEO of Northland Workforce Training Center

Panel: Hiring and Retention

Micro-Session B

Summary

There is no greater need in our community than recruiting and retaining quality employees for the benefit of businesses and the local workforce. Learn how to engage diverse candidates and build a culture of inclusivity. Moderator: Kenya Hobbs, Director, Community Engagement & Equity Initiatives, Buffalo Niagara Partnership Panelists: Beth Sullivan, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP · Director of Human Resources at United Way of Buffalo & Erie County Kathryn Alterio, Senior VP HR, People Inc. Thaddeus Dunn, Founder & CEO, Right Fit Recruiting

DEI Data Matters: How to Collect & Interpret Relevant Data

Micro-Session B

Summary

Jackie Hardt,Ph.D., Sr. Vice President Diversity & Inclusion, M&T Bank, will take you through the steps of collecting the right DEI information and interpreting the data for the benefit of your organization.

Developing DEI Resources: Where Hello Can Take You

Micro-Session B

Summary

Relationship building is foundational in business development and organizational growth. In this session, we'll explore how inclusive practices in Business leads to the cultivation of equitable work environments. We'll look at: Building a resource pool Allyship, collaborating, and sharing The Importance of Community Engagement How to build stronger relationships organically

Procurement: Expanding Business Opportunities for Minority Owned Business

Micro-Session B

Summary

Learn how the Buffalo Purchasing Initiative can help you to explore strategies and resources to expand purchasing options with local businesses owned by people of color. Presenter: Mauricio Canton-Diaz, Program Director, Buffalo Purchasing Initiative, Buffalo Procurement Initiative

2022 DEI Community Assessment: What we Learned

Micro-Session B

Summary

We'll discuss what the data means for our region's DEI efforts and effectiveness and how you can apply this information to your organization. Presenter: Andrea Berki-Nnuji, SVP Data Analytics, Crowley Webb and Molly Chvala, SVP, User Experience, Crowley Webb

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From the blog

Buffalo Niagara Partnership Announces 2023 ATHENA Award® Individual Finalists

By communications@thepartnership.org | February 22, 2023

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is pleased to announce the individual finalists for the 2023 ATHENA Leadership and Young Professional Leadership Awards®. The awards recognize contributions made by women leaders that show professional excellence and advance the status of women throughout the Buffalo Niagara region.

Jose Mendoza, 2022 BN360 Spotlight Professional

By mcotter@thepartnership.org | October 3, 2022

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is pleased to present one of our October 2022 BN360 Spotlight Professionals, Jose Mendoza.

Each year, BN360 highlights up-and-coming young professionals who strive for professional growth and development, care for their community, and are passionate about the future of the Buffalo Niagara region.

Thomas Weimer, 2022 BN360 Spotlight Professional

By mcotter@thepartnership.org | October 1, 2022

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is pleased to present one of our October 2022 BN360 Spotlight Professionals, Thomas Weimer.

The Art of Storytelling: An Interview with Facilitator Herb Escher, CEO, Dale Carnegie

By communications@thepartnership.org | September 27, 2022

BN360 is proud to present The Art of Storytelling on Friday, September 30th at noon. This virtual webinar will give you the tools to transform the way you connect with people and jump-start your professional development. We sat down with facilitator, Herb Escher, CEO of Dale Carnegie of WNY and the Greater Boston Area to find out why you should attend this event.