June Virtual: Inclusion & Belonging

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

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Topic Speakers Partners Themes
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TOPIC

Charting the Future of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Amid a backlash to the initiatives championed half a decade ago, employers are searching for direction on all the elements of DEI. For companies that have stayed the course on commitments made in 2020, has their rationale or articulation of their purpose changed, and how so? Has the business case for any aspect of DEI changed? How have some employers reframed their policy to focus more on inclusion and belonging, or expanded DEI roles to include supervision of talent management, corporate culture, and employee experience? What kind of anti-bias training programs are now deemed counter-productive, and which actually help? Are there alternative means for hiring and promoting the best candidates without considering demographics?

From Day One is a Recertification Provider for SHRM and HRCI. This session is eligible for 3 credits from both organizations. The Activity IDs will be sent to attendees after the conclusion of the session.

Themes

Persisting With Progress on Diversity and Inclusion, Even During a Downturn

In the past, challenging times in business brought setbacks to diversity and inclusion. Traditional methods for cutbacks–like last-in, first-out approaches to layoffs–tended to disfavor marginalized employees and DEI departments. What new methods and insights can companies embrace to make sure that doesn’t happen as business navigates potential challenges or changes? How can organizations sustain and protect their DEI initiatives from external challenges and policy shifts, like affirmative action rollbacks?

How All Managers Can Become Leaders in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

It’s not just one department’s responsibility anymore. For DEI ambitions to be attainable, all managers need to understand these values and embrace the habits of inclusion, one relationship at a time. How do successful companies bring managers over this threshold? What do enlightened managers say has been most effective in changing their outlook and practices? What are some of the most innovative methods for practicing inclusive leadership, like offering simulations and upskilling programs? 

Equity in 2025: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Where does DEI stand today? In 2020, many companies made bold and public commitments to DEI, working to address systemic inequities and foster inclusive workplaces. Now in the midst of social, political, and economic pressure, where does that commitment stand? What innovative approaches are companies adopting to sustain and evolve their DEI efforts in a complex and often polarized environment? How can leaders ensure DEI is a fundamental business priority, rather than just a reaction to external pressures or temporary trends?