Thursday, June 13th | 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Establish your organization as a champion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in WNY
The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is proud to host the 7th Annual DEI Symposium on June 13, 2024 at The Atrium at Rich's - in person for the first time since 2019! This half-day event will bring employers and DEI professionals together as we unveil the results of the 2024 Employing DEI in WNY Assessment. The Assessment, previously completed in 2020 and 2022, provides a benchmark for progress and current practices for employers in our region.
Introducing Keynote Speaker Maggie Rivera
Maggie Rivera, SVP, Commercial Lending & Inclusion, Stearns Bank, brings more than 24 years of expertise spanning DEI, culture, sales, and employee experience to this year's Symposium.
Her work in developing sustainable frameworks for DEI at organizations including Paychex, U.S. Bank, and PNC Bank has earned her national recognition. Maggie's accolades include being named one of Cleveland's 40 under 40, receiving the national HACR Young Hispanic Corporate Achiever award, and being recognized as an OnCon Icon for one of America's top 100 DEI professionals. In 2023, CIO Magazine honored her as one of the most influential leaders in the DEI field.
Maggie's keynote address, "Reimagining DEI: Innovative Approaches for a Changing Society," will equip you with the tools to build an actionable and sustainable DEI movement that can withstand the test of time. Join us to learn how to make DEI a powerful force and strategic imperative within your organization.
Early bird pricing available through May 10th!
Individual Member
Early Bird: $150
After May 10: $175
Corporate Table of 8
Early Bird: $1200
After May 10: $1400
Non-Member
Early Bird: $250
After May 10: $275
*Your ticket includes continental breakfast and buffet lunch.
Program details:
Past Symposium Keynotes:
2023 – Sandra Quince, CEO Paradigm for Parity, Bank of America Leader on Loan
2022 – Melissa Donaldson, Chief Diversity Officer, WinTrust Community Bank
2021 – Angela Glover Blackwell, Founder, PolicyLink
2019 – Mary Frances Winters, Founder, The Winters Group
What Past Attendees Have To Say
This is the first event I’ve been to like this—where the whole day was dedicated to diversity and inclusion topics and the focus was on getting started...You could feel that everyone in the room knew the importance of diversity and inclusion efforts but wanted to learn more about getting started, get questions answered, or share ideas.
Claire Petrie, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for putting together and hosting such a great symposium! In addition to being on the panel, I was also able to attend and found all of the sessions incredibly informative and eye-opening. Fantastic job!
-Danielle Evancho Bozich VP HR Heritage Ministries
“What an exciting opportunity to learn and celebrate D&I with the BNP team. It was no surprise the event included some of the most thoughtful leaders in our community. It was time well spent. Thank you, BNP, for hosting the 2021 Diversity Symposium. We look forward to seeing everyone next year.”
- Tracey Gordon, District Human Resources Manager, The Home Depot.
“I thought the Symposium was excellent. Definitely collected a lot of jewels that will help an organization on out DE&I journey.”
- Jason T. Daniels, Corporate Attorney, Catholic Health
“Today I had the opportunity to attend the BNP D&I Symposium and what an awe-inspiring experience it was. From the guest speaks to the breakout session a whole day of empowering, teaching, sharing, and coaching the gens of knowledge provided us today were priceless. Thanks for the awesome event BNP.”
- Constance McMillian Human Resources Professional, Buffalo Niagara Human Resources.
Revisit the 2023 Virtual DEI Symposium
2023 Session Recordings Are Available!
BNP members are invited to access 11 hours of DEI programming in our Member Portal.
Keynote Address: Sandra Quince | Paradigm for Parity CEO, Bank of America Leader on Loan
SHRM Credits
For SHRM HR professionals:
This event is valid for a total of 3.5 PDC for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.
Buffalo Niagara Partnership is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit www.shrmcertification.org.
Thank You To Our 2024 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors:
Event Sponsors:
Strategic Partner: Rich Products Corporation