I’d like to invite you to join me and attend the Ohio Diversity and Leadership Conference on October 25-26 in Columbus, Ohio.  Conference and event registration is already more than double last year.  The word is out: diversity and inclusion are important to our communities, our businesses and our country. 

Appreciating diversity is not enough, though.  How can we act on that appreciation and make a difference in the world?  This year’s conference will provide you the tools.  As National Diversity Council founder and CEO Dennis Kennedy explains:

This year’s theme is From Awareness to Action. In today’s global economy, a growing number of organizations have become fully aware of the value of diversity as a business imperative. To ensure their competitive advantage, however, organizations must shift from awareness to action by bringing about culture change and promoting environments of inclusion.

The purpose of this two day conference is to give you an opportunity to explore tools and resources to transform diversity awareness into actionable results – and equip yourself with essential skills to contribute to your organization’s goals. I encourage you to network and share your knowledge with others. Our speakers and various panel sessions will offer a unique perspective on what it takes to make it on the diversity journey.

Below is a partial listing of the breakout sessions you’ll have access to, covering a wide variety of diversity, inclusion and leadership topics:

Winning at the Game of Office Politics ~ Extraordinary, Powerful & Influential Women ~ Latinos in Leadership: Growing Their Influence ~ CDO Roundtable ~ Creating Your Significance – Personal Branding ~ Tools for Maximizing your Leadership Potential ~ GLBT Roundtable ~ Women Take Care & Men Take Charge ~ Managing Four Generations in the Workplace ~ Preparing for Leadership – What it takes to take the Lead ~ Black in America ~ How to Successfully Establish Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s) ~ Creating Your Diversity Strategy ~ Managing Diverse Talent ~ Top Leadership Competencies ~ Leading as an Asian American in the US ~ the Feminization of Leadership

A terrific line-up of guest speakers is also being planned.  Most notable is the closing keynote by General Colin Powell, decorated soldier, leader and former US Secretary of State.  As the breakfast keynotes are confirmed, I will share that information, too.

You can register for the full two days ($425 + $125 for Powell event) or any of the single events.  Students enjoy a greatly reduced rate ($150). If you aren’t able to attend the entire event (though I urge you to try!), tickets can be purchased separately for the Colin Powell speech, the Most Influential Women Awards Breakfast and the Multicultural Leadership Luncheon.  Multiple levels of corporate sponsorships are also available.   Click HERE to register for any and all events. 

It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences. -Audre Lord

Full disclosure: I am a member of the Ohio Diversity Council Board of Directors.  I hope you’ll check out the many other diversity, inclusion and leadership programs we offer throughout the year and across the state.  Consider joining us and help make our vision a reality:

We are committed to transforming our workplace communities into environments where people are valued for their uniqueness and differences, and are confident that their contributions matter.

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