Championing LGBTQ+ Diversity in Challenging Times

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

8:00am-1:00pm at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Register for the Forum
 

Welcome

We are excited to have you join us for our annual business forum.

There will be plenty of time for networking. And through a series of fireside chats, we will deeply explore critical issues that must be addressed in order to champion LGBTQ+ diversity in these challenging, polarizing times.

Afterwards, join us for lunch and a first-look at the new LGBTQ+ History exhibit being displayed at The Center!

Thank you to our sponsors for making the business forum possible:

Meet the Host and Panelists

 
Kenyatta Mitchell, Director of Government Affairs at Mayor’s Office
 
Suhas A. Sridharan, Associate Professor of Accounting, Goizueta Business School
 
Shani Drake Duncan, Director, New Heights Communications
 
Tim’m T. West, Educator, Professor, DEI Executive, Poet, Artist
Erica May, VP, Communications Strategy Director, Empower
Host: Percy Brown, Director, Internal Communications at Lambda Legal 
Janis Middleton, EVP, Executive Director of Inclusion Strategy

Agenda

  • This is the time to sign-in, grab some breakfast and network.

  • Ryan Roemerman, LGBTQ Institute Executive Director, will welcome attendees and introduce our host: Percy Brown.

  • Businesses have consistently led the way in advancing LGBTQ+ equity. However, the current political moment has made some corporations think about taking a less progressive approach. Our panel will explore the perils of such a move and potential ways businesses can navigate these challenges. The conversation will also explore how a more visible and vocal employee and customer base can help government affairs strategists move LGBTQ equitable policies forward.

    • Kenyatta Mitchell, Director of Government Affairs at Mayor’s Office

    • Suhas A. Sridharan, Associate Professor of Accounting, Goizueta Business School

  • Time to network!

  • Edelman, a global public relations consultancy firm recently detailed how “in an increasingly complex and activist multi-stakeholder world, the corporate brand matters now more than ever.” In fact, “63% of CCOs said ‘brand and corporate identity’ is something their team is responsible for today, and 73% of CCOs report that social issues have shifted their communications agenda.” Our discussion will focus on how communications teams can navigate their role as the connector between a business and its customers and use its storytelling to light the way for others.

    • Shani Drake Duncan, Director, New Heights Communications

    • Erica May, VP, Communications Strategy Director, Empower

  • Time to network!

  • Developing a talent pipeline starts with ensuring your DEI and Belonging efforts are meaningful, as young Gen Z talent will be demanding a company show its homework in this space. They are also exploring ways companies lift up diverse voices, commit to allyship, and ensure that they can bring their whole selves to work. This panel will feature experts who help companies and institutions navigate this work every day, the ethical implications of this moment, and practical take-aways.

    • Tim’m West-Senior Managing Director of LGBTQ Community Initiative, NCCHR DEI Consultant

    • Janis Middleton, EVP, Executive Director of Inclusion Strategy, Guided By Good

  • As we end the forum, please enjoy some lunch and take the opportunity to be one of the first to experience the new LGBTQ+ exhibit here at The Center!