2021 Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Conference

As part of Raleigh Chamber, the Triangle DEI Alliance provides experiences, events, and resources for all Alliance members. The events and programs are designed to support partners in the execution of targeted
strategies for underrepresented business communities. 

Speak Up, Take Action is this year’s theme and conference call to action. It’s time to join the effort to raise awareness, educate, strategize, and inspire others to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive business community.

Conference attendees will have an opportunity to explore DEI topics from different focal points over the two-day conference.

• Day 1 - Interpersonal: How individuals can learn to see their own biases, communication styles, and values and to recognize how this may affect others.

• Day 2 - Infrastructural: How organizations can build strategies to reimagine programs, practices, and policies that are inclusive for their employees, partners, and customers.

Is your company seeking to initiate conversations about diversity? Are you exploring opportunities to build an inclusive work culture? Is your company a “pro” and looking to move from good to great? Regardless of where you are in your diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) journey, this conference is for YOU.

Having a strong record of diversity, equity, and inclusivity is critical for your workforce and company culture. Diverse and inclusive teams, along with intentional strategies for equity, create a dynamic work environment that inspires creativity and innovation. Speak Up, Take Action is this year’s theme and conference call to action. It’s time to join the effort to raise awareness, educate, strategize, and inspire others to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive business community.

RTI is a gold sponsor of the conference, and staff members Kristina Brunelle and Cara Valentino are scheduled to speak during the following sessions:

9:05 to 9:45 a.m., August 26
PANEL DISCUSSION: QUALITY VS. QUANTITY: MEASURING DEI IMPACT
How are businesses strategically deploying a plan to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion if they are not sure what to measure? This session examines the key performance indicators when aligning qualitative and quantitative DEI and enterprise goals. Panelists will provide perspectives on essential metrics, tools, and strategies to ensure DEI success.
Panelists: Donald Thompson (Moderator), Co-Founder & CEO, The Diversity Movement; Brittany Glover, Co-Founder, Intersections; Jessica Jolley Head of Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Pendo; Kristina Brunelle, Head of Global Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, RTI International; Patrice Gilmore, National Supplier Diversity, DPR Construction

9:50 to 10:50 a.m., August 26
BREAKOUT SESSION: RACIAL EQUITY FOR BLACK EMPLOYEES IN THE WORKPLACE 
The murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery put an international spotlight on racism and racial inequity. Many organizations made commitments to address systemic racism and promote the well-being of the black community. Many are increasingly open to conversations about race and inequities in the workplace and have shown a renewed commitment to diversity. However, they do not know what to do beyond expanding diversity and inclusion efforts. If your organization has a DEI strategy that you want to advance, this workshop is for you. 
Presenter: Cara Valentino, Racial Justice & Equity Program Manager, RTI International