Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business will host Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace on Tuesday, March 21. The virtual forum includes five sessions featuring diversity, equity, and inclusion thought-leaders from top global corporations. This free event is open to the public, and registration is required for each session. Attendees can register at business.latech.edu/deiforum.

“We look forward to hosting this year’s forum and providing a platform for awareness around issues of diversity and inclusion in the business world,” said Dr. Chris Martin, dean of the College of Business. “We strive to create a rich learning environment that appreciates and accepts differing perspectives, a mindset that is critical in today’s global workplace. Last year, around 900 students, alumni, faculty, and community members joined us to take a deeper dive into these topics. We hope to make an even larger impact with this year’s fantastic lineup of speakers.”

The schedule includes:

8:30 a.m.: DEI in the Workplace Opening Session

• Stephen Metoyer, ’91 (Chief Inclusion Officer, Deloitte Tax LLP)

10 a.m.: Leading the Conversation on Diversity and Inclusion 

• Alexis Kerr (Vice President, Mahogany Brand, Hallmark Cards)
• Todd Jenkins (Global Inclusion Executive, Bowtie Leadership and Development)
• Steven Johnson (Global Director for Culture, Diversity and Inclusion, Lowe’s Companies)
• Brad Baumoel (Global Head of LGBT+ Affairs, JP Morgan Chase)
• Juan Suarez (Vice President Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Southwest Airlines)
• Moderated by Shon Gables, ’19 (Anchor, Atlanta News First)

12:30 p.m.: Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Leadership Lessons from Women in Business

• Tamberlin Golden (Executive Director Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, General Motors)
• Shunda Robinson (Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, GM Financial)
• Jackie Lawrence (Director Inclusion Strategy, JB Hunt)
• Danielle Sligh (Director, Inclusive Diversity & Equity, Allstate)
• Moderated by Dr. Johnette Magner (Anchor, KTBS News)

2 p.m.: Building a Diverse Workforce: Infusing DEI into Recruitment, Onboarding, Corporate Giving, ERGs, and Volunteerism

• Monique Carswell (Director, Center for Racial Equity, Walmart)
• Scott Nycum (Vice President, Inclusion, Diversity and Giving, GDIT)
• Lisa Iannarino (Senior Manager, Diversity Community Partnerships, CapitalOne)
• Stefen Welch (Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Detroit Pistons)
• Moderated by Michelli Martin, ’06 (Communications Director, City of Monroe)

3:30 p.m.: Fireside Chat and Closing Session

• Kim Jenkins (CEO, The Kim Jenkins Experience; former Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, PayPal)

As a follow up to the event, talent acquisition teams from the participating corporations will network with business students on Wednesday, March 22. Students interested in attending one of the virtual info sessions should email Jessica George at jgeorge@latech.edu.

The College of Business is introducing a new component to this year’s conference. Following the event, attendees will receive information via email about completing a short exam covering content explored during the conference. Participants who successfully complete the exam will receive a digital badge validating involvement in the event and mastery of DEI concepts. While the conference is offered free of charge, the optional exam and digital credential are $99. All proceeds from the badge will go toward scholarships for underrepresented populations within the College of Business.