D&I Symposium Resources

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With over 800 attendees, more than 29 panelists, and 13 hours of incredible D&I Programming, our 5th Annual D&I Symposium was a great success.

Thank you to all participants and our sponsors for making this event possible. Below, please find session resources provided by our presenters (please note: not all sessions included supplementary resources).

MICROLEARNING SESSIONS 1

1A: Discover Untapped Resources in the Candidate Search (Panel)

Session Description

Respond to your recruitment needs in a way that you might not have considered.

Take an in-depth look at how the answer to filling open positions may be right in front of you.

Learn how to utilize the power of creating inclusivity by filling positions through developmental disability/refugee/reentry candidates.

Moderator:

Michele Mehaffy, Buffalo Consumer Affairs

Panelist:

Rhonda Frederick, CEO People Inc.,
Karen Andolina Scott ,Executive Director, Journey's End
Bryan Gill, Head of Global Neurodiversity, JP Morgan Chase

Beginner to Intermediate level

Resources

People Inc.
- Business Services
- Etiquette - Tips on how to write and speak about people with developmental disabilities
- Video: People Inc. Testimonial

Journeys End Refugee Services
- PDF: America's Recovery: Labor Market Characteristics Of People With A Disability - Bureau of Labor Statistics

JPMorgan Chase

- Advancing Careers and an Inclusive Workplace
- Video: Autism At Work: A Global Program
- PDF: Autism @ Work Playbook
- Video: Being our BeST: The Business Solutions Team at JPMorgan Chase

1B: The 6th Sense: Cultural Humility (Anna-Lesa Calvert)

Session Description

Discuss the knowledge and awareness of cultural humility required to be an ally in D&I work.

Learn how the importance of respect for people's culture and background is the foundation for allyship.

Presenter:

Anna-Lesa Calvert, Manager of Professional Development and Diversity at Hodgson Russ

Watch Anna-Lesa describe what attendees can expect on our blog.

Beginner to Intermediate level

Resources

1C: Beyond Tokenism: Quotas Don't Automate Inclusion (Natalia Rice)

Session Description

Resources

1D: Implementing Advanced Programs - What Are the Next Steps? (Panel)

Session Description

You’ve delved into the D&I basics, Microaggressions, and Unconscious Bias... but what is the next step?

How can you elevate your efforts or take your organization to the next level?

This session will explain the value of intentionality, belonging, and equity to make a real difference in the approach of your D&I efforts.

Panel Moderator:

Patrick C. Keating, WNY Regional President, Five Star Bank

Panelists:

Kelly Dumas, Chief Operating Office, BestSelf Behavioral Health
Mike Cavanaugh, VP of Human Resources, Try-It Distributing
Kim Marino, Manager, Diversity, Inclusion & Organizational Development, Independent Health

Advanced level

1E: Cultural Assesments & More (Ekua Mends-Aidoo)

Session Description

Resources

MICROLEARNING SESSIONS 2

2F. Maximizing Your D&I Councils, Employee Networks and Affinity Groups (Bank of America)

Session Description

2G. From the Candidates' Lens: How to Attract Underrepresented Minority (URM) Candidates (Panel)

Session Description

You may unknowingly be excluding a vast talent pool.

How can employers prepare their organizations to attract and retain URM candidates and employees?

Join a candid discussion with the UB School of Management for a special panel discussion featuring current students preparing to enter the workplace.

Presenter(s):

Erin O’Brien, UB School of Management

Panelists:

UB School of Management Students

Beginner to Intermediate level

2H. Dimensions of Diversity (Sesha Yalamanchili)

Session Description

21. Inclusive Leadership: Everyday Acts of Inclusion (Glenn Jackson & Karen Brown)

Session Description

An Interactive conversation

A gut check for leaders: Are you walking the walk or just talking the talk?

Want your employees to see you as a “real” leader?

Learn to create an environment for valuing the authenticity of all employees through the lens of your team.

A Webside chat with:

Glenn Jackson, Chief Diversity Officer, M&T Bank
Karen Brown, Director of DE&I Initiatives, BNP

Advanced level

Resources

2J: Racial Healing Circle (Rene Petties-Jones)

Session Description

Racial healing recognizes the need to acknowledge and tell the truth about past wrongs created by individual and systemic racism and address the present consequences. It is an experience and a tool that can facilitate trust and build authentic relationships that bridge divides created by real and perceived differences.

The experience relies on intentional listening. It may be an emotional, even transformational, experience for participants, as conversations can unearth truths and conscious and unconscious biases. It can also raise awareness, consciousness, compassion, and empathy among those who participate. Trained Racial Healing Circle practitioners are responsible for helping to ensure that these circles are confidential safe spaces for participants to have truthful conversations with one another.

Presenter(s):

Rene Petties Jones (& Team), President at National Federation for Just Communities of Western NY

Beginner to Intermediate level

Resources

MAIN STAGE 2: D&I Best Practices Panel

Session Description

This panel will provide insight into efforts organizations that are leaders that leading organizations in our region have taken taking to produce the greatest steps forward in creating an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion. This discussion will share insights from D&I leaders who are leading the charge in our geographical area, and steps to take to make a "real" difference.

Moderator:

Dottie Gallagher | President & CEO, Buffalo Niagara Partnership

Panelists:

Cynthia Bass | CDO, ECMC
Trina Burruss | COO, United Way
John Somers | President & CEO Harmac Medical Products

Resources