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DE&I

Conference

About Our

diversity
Equity &
Inclusion
Conference

September 17, 2025

Presenting Sponsor:

 

Gold Sponsors:

 

 

 

 

 

Silver Sponsor:

 

Media Sponsor:

FreshWater Cleveland

Since 2020, we’ve been sharing stories, advice and resources with young professionals on making their workplaces and communities more welcoming and inclusive through our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative, Takeover Tuesday: Band Together CLE.

Now, we’re thrilled to expand this initiative with our Diversity Equity and Inclusion Conference. We will continue our dedication to exploring the importance of DE&I, deliver insights for supporting DE&I priorities and offer tools to establish a truly aware and inclusive work environment.

2024 Conference Sessions Included: 

Decoding Intersectionality

This session aims to unpack how intersecting identities shape employees’ experiences, perspectives, and opportunities. By exploring practical examples and discussing real-world scenarios, participants will gain insights into the challenges faced by individuals with intersecting identities and how these dynamics impact organizational culture, policies, and teamwork.

Presented by:

Loren Moye & Katherine Moye

 

Equity in Action: Addressing Bias and Promoting Inclusion

Explore the concept of unconscious bias and learn strategies for intentional inclusion. Participants will delve into actionable techniques to recognize and mitigate unconscious biases, through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees will gain insights into how these biases manifest in the workplace and the detrimental effects they can have on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Presented by:

Equius Group 

Erica Merritt, Founder & President

Building a Culture of Belonging

In this session, participants will discover practical tools and strategies for nurturing a workplace culture that values each team member, fosters respect, and empowers full contribution. We’ll explore methods to build trust, encourage collaboration, and embrace diversity, aiming to create an environment where every individual can flourish.

Presented by:

Matthew Grimes, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Cleveland Guardians

Accessible Environments: Inclusion in Practice

Join our expert panelists as they discuss strategies for identifying and addressing accessibility challenges and implementing inclusive policies. Ensure that practical steps are taken to make your work environment accessible and accommodating for people of all abilities and needs.

Panelists: 

Nicole Crews, Director, Global Inclusion and Diversity, Eaton
Beth Glas, Executive Director, Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential
Leon Harris, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, The Centers

Moderated By: Jennifer Bosco, Bosco Consulting, LLC

Cultivating Safe and Accountable Work Environments

Join our panel of experts as they explore effective strategies for fostering workplace cultures that prioritize safety, inclusivity, and accountability. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your organization’s culture or seeking actionable insights, this panel offers valuable perspectives to promote a productive and supportive workplace.

Panelists: 

Gulnar Feerasta, Managing Director, The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
Lavone Lee, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, American Greetings
Elaine Suarez, ODI Program Specialist, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Moderated By: Alan Nevel, INTETHIQ

Developing a Strategic DEI Plan

In this final session, participants will discover strategies for creating a strategic plan that incorporates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts into the organization’s framework and goals. We will explore actionable steps to implement dei strategies into everyday practices, at every level of your organization.

Presented by:

Margarita Diaz,  Director of Health Equity, Inclusion and Diversity, The MetroHealth System

our
past
speakers

Justin Bibb, Mayor, City of Cleveland
Gulnar Feerasta, Director of Programs, LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
Winnie Li, VP of Partnerships, MotivAsians for Cleveland
LaRese Purnell, Founder, The Real Black Friday
Estefany Rodrigues Perez, Programs Manager, Center for Inclusion Baldwin Wallace University

“WHAT AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO COME TOGETHER WITH OTHER LIKE-MINDED YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TO DIG EVEN FURTHER INTO THE IMPORTANCE OF DEIB IN THE WORKPLACE. THANK YOU ENGAGE! CLEVELAND – I LOOK FORWARD TO COMING BACK NEXT YEAR!”

 

– 2023 DE&I Conference Attendee

ep. 26 WITH WINNIE LI

In this episode, Winnie talks about the recent rise in violence against the AAPI community, local organizations to get involved with, discovering Asian cultures in Cleveland, favorite local Asian restaurants, podcast recommendations, career advice for Asian-American professionals and her hope for the future (6:52)

This episode originally aired on 4/6/2021.

Ep. 28 with Gulnar Feerasta

In this episode, Gulnar talks about Metro Healtn’s Pride Clinic, how to support LGBTQ colleagues, how to start an employee resource group (ERG) and looking at your organization’s policies & insurance policies

To learn more about the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, visit lgbtcleveland.org.

This episode originally aired on 6/1/2021..

EP. 24 WITH LAREESE PURNELL

In this episode, LaRese talks about how white young professionals can support black-owned businesses, his favorite local black-owned businesses, How to take action and get involved in the community and what comes after naming racism a public health crisis in Cleveland

This episode originally aired on 2/2/2021.

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