Title: DEI is Not Dead – How to Transform the Narrative, Galvanize Commitment & Communicate Benefits for All

Description: Diversity, equity and inclusion programs have always had champions and skeptics. Lately, the louder voice is coming from naysayers, leading to DEI program and employee cuts. Yet nearly all employees – regardless of race, gender, etc. – are benefiting from the results of DEI programs, including greater investments in mental health resources, improved equity in parental leave, more flexible work environments and so much more. During this panel discussion, we will debunk the fallacy that DEI efforts create division, talk about the benefits for all companies and learn how to reenergize your programs.

· Explain the importance of a renewed focus on DEI and why the Supreme Court Affirmative Action decision does not make your programs illegal or put them in any jeopardy.

· Discuss how DEI programs and greater inclusion efforts benefit all employees.

· Share best practices and discuss how firms of all sizes can implement some, if not all, of them.

· Field questions from attendees and encourage audience input on all of these topics.

Moderator:

Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk, The MOVE Project DEI Trainer & Consultant

Email: bonnie@accountingmoveproject.com

BIO/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonniebuolruszczyk/

Website: https://accountingmoveproject.com

Panelist, Melinda Colaizzi, Founder Women Who Rock/Grammy Member at The Recording Academy

Email: melinda@womenwhorock.info

BIO/LinkedIn: (3) Melinda Colaizzi | LinkedIn

Website: Women Who Rock

Panelist, Michael Annichine, CEO Magee Women’s Research Institute and Foundation

Email: annichinemj@mwri.magee.edu

BIO/LinkedIn: (3) Michael Annichine | LinkedIn

Website: Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation | Women’s Health Research Institute | Magee-Womens Research Foundation (mageewomens.org)

Panelist, Twana Howard, Controller at Georgia Pacific

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization / Personnel/HR

Program Level: Basic / 2 CPE credit / Non-Technical

Prerequisites: None

Advance Preparation: None