2025 Diversity & Talent Summit
The 2025 Diversity and Talent Summit 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.
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.
Diversity & Talent Workshop
The Diversity & Talent Series will address various talent needs of the West Michigan business community. The series will also focus on the different ways to attract and retain top talent and include best practices in DEI. Join us Tuesday, October 29 to hear from Angie Stewart, Regional Director for DEI at Trinity Health. Angie’s session, “Respectful Dialogue: Navigating Disagreement with Empathy and Inclusion,” will focus on three key areas. Participants will gain practical strategies for engaging in respectful dialogue, even when differing opinions arise. They will discover how upholding dignity can de-escalate conflict and foster mutual respect. Additionally, the session will emphasize the importance of listening with curiosity and empathy. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to promote civil discourse in diverse environments.
Cultivating Authenticity in the Workplace: Diversity & Talent Workshop (In-Person)
Join us for a second session of exploring the impact of “West Michigan nice” on our true selves at work. Whether you attended the first session or are joining us for the first time, this workshop will provide valuable insights and practical strategies for fostering authenticity in the workplace.
Engage in thought-provoking discussions and activities designed to help you move beyond surface-level politeness and embrace genuine interactions in your professional life. Join us Tuesday, August 27.
Diversity & Talent Webinar: A Global Approach to Diversify Your Skilled Workforce
Expand your applicant pool and fill critical talent needs while also cultivating a diverse workforce that brings a global perspective. Join us Tuesday, June 25 to learn how new innovative training programs can make it easier and more accessible to hire current and recently graduated international students.
Hear from talent experts Dennis Beste, Program Director at Global Detroit and Andres J. Ortiz-Estevez, International Student Services Coordinator at Grand Valley State University on navigating the U.S. visa process and how to hire international talent.
Diversity & Talent Webinar: How Our Culture Impacts Our Workplace
‘Nice and Exclusionary’ – How Our Culture Impacts Our Workplace
The politeness that comes with our “West Michigan nice” culture is loved by locals and visitors alike, but how does it impact our true selves at work?
Join us to hear from Misti Stanton, VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at Mercantile Bank to discuss how our West Michigan culture impacts our workplace. Receive insights and learn the ABA approach: Act, Be Bold, and Aid where it is needed. Join us Tuesday, April 30.
Diversity & Talent Webinar: Belonging in the Workplace
Fostering a Culture of Belonging in the Workplace: Strategies and Best Practices
In this Diversity & Talent Webinar, we’ll delve into the essential strategies and best practices for creating a workplace culture where every employee feels a strong sense of belonging.
Join us to hear from Jordoun Eatman, Vice President of Engagement & Inclusion at Experience Grand Rapids to learn tangible steps for cultivating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and ensures all voices are heard. Through expert insights, we’ll uncover how fostering belonging goes beyond diversity and inclusion efforts, ultimately driving productivity, innovation, and employee well-being.
2024 Diversity & Talent Summit
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!
