Over the last three years, we have seen massive change in the way we work, where we work, and the very definition of what it means to be productive. Additionally, women, diverse, and other traditionally marginalized groups are finally being given a voice. Nevertheless, we still have a long way to go.

This panel will explore:

• How the corporate landscape has changed
• Navigating the challenges and the benefits
• What we can do to continue to push the needle forward

Because creating and maintaining a diverse workforce is no longer a gesture of goodwill, but essential to organizational growth, finding ways to foster diversity in the workplace is imperative. This is where leadership is most needed: by using privilege for the greater good, by paying it forward through sponsorship, and by offering mentoring and coaching where appropriate.

This panel will explore:

• What true allyship means
• Sponsorship programs and relationships that work
• Making the most of mentors and coaches

What is ESG and why is everyone talking about it now? Environmental, Social, and Governance, is a voluntary process by which a company conveys commitments to making a difference — from sustainability measures that positively impact the environment to ethical standards and guidelines on how a company treats its employees, shareholders, and the communities in which it operates.

This panel will explore:

• Understanding the impact of ESG and its importance in the global economy
• The role and responsibilities of legal regarding ESG initiatives
• Why having a strong ESG initiative in place is important for an organization’s broader diversity and inclusion efforts

We all want to be seen in an unbiased way. Unfortunately, stereotypes and presumptions often distort people’s perceptions before we even enter a room. Therefore, as much as we want to be our authentic selves, members of diverse and underrepresented groups often find it necessary to distort the lens in order to avoid judgment. This distortion can manifest in a myriad of ways such as how we dress, speak, identify ourselves, and even how we move our bodies.

This panel will explore:

• The experiences of women and other underrepresented attorneys and how they navigate identity in the workplace
• What leaders can do to create a culture of belonging that allows employees to be their authentic selves
• What we can do as individuals to create a safe space for ourselves and others to embrace and celebrate our differences

The complexity of today’s business environment calls for collaboration across disciplinary and organizational boundaries to tackle unconscious bias and discriminatory practices. Collaboration produces more innovative outcomes—that is, solutions that are both novel and useful.

This panel will explore:

• How leaders from different departments can come together to drive DEI initiatives
• Interdepartmental policies, programs, and trainings that work
• Why legal and HR should in some cases decide together on which law firms to bring in as outside counsel

Rotating, 20-minute discussions hosted by a topic expert.

Why do so few diverse and underrepresented candidates make it to equity partnership in Big Law or the C-suite of major corporations? Fact: There are more male CEOs with the name John than women CEOs in total. Further, according to numerous studies by international organizations such as The World Economic Forum, women will have to wait roughly 257 years to achieve pay parity.

This panel will explore:

• The meritocracy myth and why it can’t be relied on
• Why organizations should care about retaining and advancing women and people of color
• Making pay parity a top priority and strategies to achieve that goal

This is a timely topic now that the workplace is as age diverse as ever before. Older workers say they feel like they are being pushed out while younger workers are leaving in large numbers because they feel undervalued. If organizations are going to thrive, communication and comprehension are the keys to a more harmonious and productive workforce.

This panel will explore:

• The challenges and opportunities of a multigenerational workplace
• Reverse mentoring
• Helping emerging leaders up the ladder
• Succession planning that works for all

Inspired by the success of our podcast series—Journeys to Equity—CenterForce is proud to introduce our VIP Interview Program. Each of our Summits will now highlight the career path of one particular speaker. We will explore the challenges they faced, and the impact that diversity has played, on their road to success. The goal is to give our audience tips, insights and support as we work together to cultivate a community of inclusion for all.

• Closing Comments
• DEI Awards Ceremony
• Networking Cocktail Hour