At the 2024 Diversity and Talent Summit, we explored “Fostering Inclusive Leadership: Innovate, Inspire, Include,” and brought together business leaders, HR professionals, and diversity advocates for a powerful day focused on driving transformative change in the workplace.
Impactful speakers emphasized actionable strategies for enhancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) within organizations to create cultures where all employees feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Find key takeaways below!
Transformative Leadership in DEI Excellence
Carlos Cubia, Corewell Health
Carlos Cubia inspired attendees with his message on the personal and organizational value of a DEI strategy, noting that organizations with robust DEI frameworks outperform their competition and better attract and retain talent. Cubia urged leaders to embrace open minds and be prepared to “answer the call” when new opportunities arise, highlighting that inclusive hiring practices not only benefit individuals but also strengthen a company’s product offerings.
- Takeaway: Follow the Platinum Rule: Treat people as they wish to be treated, and embrace inclusive hiring for a competitive edge.
Sourcing International Talent
Dennis Beste, Global Talent Retention Initiative – Global Detroit
Addressing the growing need for talent in West Michigan, Dennis Beste shared insights into the benefits of hiring international talent, noting that costs associated with international hires are often lower than typical staffing solutions. Beste encouraged leaders to view international hiring as a strategic advantage to fill key roles.
- Takeaway: Consider the cost-effective potential of hiring international talent to meet workforce needs. Minds are like parachutes, they don’t work unless you open them.
Opening Hearts & Minds to DEI
Meena Ariagno, Meena Ariagno Consulting LLC; and Joe Matthews, Gentex
Meena Ariagno and Joe Matthews highlighted the importance of making an impact at a local level. Through the story of a young girl saving starfish washed ashore, they illustrated how small acts make a difference in fostering DEI. Matthews emphasized the need for DEI as an engine for growth and innovation, while Ariagno discussed leveraging both formal and informal authority to create inclusive environments.
- Takeaway: Start where you are and make small changes, one step at a time, that drive meaningful impact.
Nourishing Solutions from Our Communities
Dr. Cristóbal Rodríguez, Western Michigan University
Dr. Rodríguez explored the concept of community cultural wealth, stressing the importance of diverse forms of capital—social, familial, cultural—that enhance communities. His talk underscored the need for equity-centered approaches tailored to unique needs, creating truly inclusive spaces.
- Takeaway: Equity isn’t about leveling the playing field; it’s about meeting unique needs to achieve equal outcomes.
Leadership with No Apologies
Dr. Bill Pink, Ferris State University
Dr. Pink shared Ferris State’s legacy of empowering diverse groups to overcome barriers in higher education, inspiring attendees to lead without apologies or hesitation. In today’s complex social landscape, he reminded leaders of the courage required to make bold decisions and empower others.
- Takeaway: Lead decisively, with courage and empathy. Have the courage to make the hard decision
Honoring Inclusive Excellence
The Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker Award for Inclusive Excellence was presented to Dr. Sandra Upton, DEI Strategist and founder of Upton Consulting Group. Dr. Upton was recognized for nearly 30 years of advancing DEI and making an impact in hundreds of organizations. Her acceptance speech called leaders to action, stating we have “a shared responsibility” to develop data-driven DEI strategies and assess the changing legal landscape to demonstrate the benefits of inclusion in our communities.
