The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce hosts Diversify, a half-day summit highlighting diversity, inclusion and the 21st century workplace. June 19 at the Chattanooga Convention Center, Diversify features breakout sessions led by industry professionals and a lunch program keynoted by diversity expert Deborah Elam.
“There are two areas in which any professional can help advance diversity and inclusion. Being knowledgeable, having intellectual curiosity about the subject and having courageous conversations,” Ms.
Elam says. “The ability to ask about and share stories of life experience with those who are different from you goes a long way towards deeper understanding and appreciation of a co-worker's life journey.”
Ms. Elam began her 30-year career at General Electric as an intern, working her way up to chief diversity officer and later GE Foundation president. As GE’s first black female corporate officer, she dedicated her career to diversity, philanthropy and inclusion.
She’s received numerous accolades and awards, including the Women of Excellence Legacy Award from the National Association for Female Executives and the Women of Power Award from the National Urban League. She is a member of the Executive Leadership Council – an organization of the top African-Americans in corporate America, The National Black MBA Association and Delta Sigma Sorority, Inc. Additionally, she is on the board of directors at the LSU Foundation and The New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute.
In 2017 Ms. Elam launched Corporate Playbook, a business consulting firm specializing in coaching organizations to elevate diversity, inclusion and philanthropy.
In addition to Ms. Elam’s keynote speech during the Diversify luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Diversify offers three breakout sessions led by industry professionals beginning at 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Attendees choose from one of three session options in each time slot. Topics include: The Role of Empathy in Inclusion & Diversity, Onboarding for Retaining and Promoting Veterans, Cultural Competency Training: The Latino Market and more.
Full registration for $100 includes breakfast, breakout sessions and lunch ticket. Session-only registration of $50 includes breakfast and breakout sessions.
Register and find full session information
here.