The 2024 Diversity and Talent Summit, themed “Fostering Inclusive Leadership: Innovate, Inspire, Include” is one of the Chamber’s signature events, designed to bring together thought leaders, executives, and HR professionals. The summit will explore innovative strategies for talent acquisition and advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) within the workplace.
This year’s focus is on driving impactful change through inclusive leadership, emphasizing how organizations can inspire their teams and foster a culture of belonging. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how inclusive leadership can transform organizations by creating environments where all employees feel valued and empowered.
The summit offers an exceptional opportunity to network, learn from industry experts, and enhance your organization’s approach to attract and retain talent. Join us as we explore ways to innovate, inspire, and build more inclusive workplaces.
Event Agenda:
7:30 am – Registration, Networking & Breakfast
8:30 am – Welcome
8:45 am – Transformative Leadership in DEI Excellence with Carlos Cubia
9:15 am – Table Discussions
9:30 am – Break
9:50 am – Sourcing International Talent with Dennis Beste
10:10 am – Opening Hearts & Minds to DEI with Meena Ariagno and Joe Matthews
10:30 am – Table Discussions
10:45 am – Break
11:00 am – Nourishing Solutions from our Communities with Dr. Cristóbal Rodríguez
11:20 am – Lunch
11:50 pm – Dr. Booker Award presentation
12:20 pm – Leadership with No Apologies with Dr. Bill Pink
1:00 pm – Event end
Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker Award for Inclusive Excellence
The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Dr. Sandra Upton, Founder and Chief DEI Strategist of Upton Consulting Group (UCG), as the recipient of the Inaugural 2024 Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker Award for Inclusive Excellence.
This award honors individuals whose leadership and dedication reflect Dr. Booker’s legacy of transformative diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts across West Michigan.
With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Upton has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building inclusive workplaces and fostering belonging. Through Upton Consulting Group, she leads innovative DEI initiatives that help organizations across the globe implement sustainable change through culturally intelligent strategies. Dr. Upton’s work has impacted Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies, partnering with organizations such as Starbucks, Harvard University, Amway, and Corewell Health.
The Grand Rapids Chamber and University of Michigan Health-West is excited to present Dr. Upton with the Dr. Booker Award at this year’s summit!
Interested in sponsoring this event in 2024? Please contact Yadira Garza-Malone to learn more.