2023 DEI Symposium Sessions

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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