DE&I
Conference
About Our
diversity
Equity &
Inclusion
Conference
September 17, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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