25th Annual DLA CONFERENCE

25 years of Cultivating Equity, Nurturing Belonging, and Strengthening Community.

November 19-20, 2026

Thursday, November 19 (Virtual)
Friday, November 20 (In-person SRP Pera Club)

 

2026 Conference Description

The work of equity and belonging is strengthened when we come together to learn, reflect, and grow. As the Diversity Leadership Alliance celebrates its 25th Annual Conference, “Cultivating Equity, Nurturing Belonging, Strengthening Community,” we honor a quarter century of partnership, progress, and purpose. For 25 years, leaders across the Phoenix region and beyond have gathered through DLA to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and build workplaces and communities where people can truly thrive.

This year’s conference offers two days of meaningful engagement. One Day 1, we will begin with a virtual day of insight and inspiration, followed by an in-person experience focused on connection and collaboration on Day 2. Through crucial conversations, practical strategies, and shared learning, participants will leave with tools to deepen belonging within their teams and strengthen relationships across their communities. Together, we will celebrate how far we have come and recommit ourselves to the work that continues to shape a more inclusive future.

 

2026 Conference Co-Chairs



Tikki Carmichael 2026 Conference Chair
Tikki CarMichael
Community Advocate
DLA Diamonds 2026 Conference Co-Chair
Ashley Troyer
Ashley Troyer
DLA Diamonds 2026 Conference Co-Chair


DLA 25 years divider

Many thanks to all of our attendees, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers for an amazing 2025 conference!

View the 2025 Event Photo Gallery



  • 2025 DEI Conference Arizona
  • 2025 DEI Conference Arizona
  • 2025 DEI Conference Arizona
 

DEI Hexagons

A special THANK YOU to the Presenting Sponsor SRP. 

Your unwavering commitment to Fairness and Equity is a remarkable sign of inclusive leadership!

2024 Sponsor SRP

2026 Conference Speakers and Presenters

Thursday Speakers and Presenters

Friday Speakers and Presenters

  • Tondra Richardson

    Tondra Richardson

     

    Director, Engagement Strategy & Program Development
    View Bio

    FRIDAY EMCEE

      Fri. Oct. 31
    8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

  • Allison Rodriguez

    Allison Rodriguez

     

    Multimedia Journalist & News Anchor
    Today in Arizona, 12 News
    READ BIO

    FRIDAY EMCEE

      Fri. Oct. 31
    8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

  • Joanna de'Shay

    Joanna de’Shay

    (she/her)

    Executive Director
    Diversity Leadership Alliance
    View Bio

    WORKSHOP #1
    FAIR FRAMEWORK – Outcomes over Intentions

      Fri. Oct. 31
    8:45 AM – 10:00 AM and 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM

  • Kamana Khadka

    Kamana Khadka

    (she/her)

    Founder and Lead Consultant
    Unlocking Inclusion
    View Bio

    WORKSHOP #2
    FAIR FRAMEWORK – Systemic Focused Changes

      Fri. Oct. 31
    8:45 AM – 10:00 AM and 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM

  • Dr. L. Andrea Brownlee

    Dr. L. Andrea Brownlee

    (he/him)

    CIS Faculty | Education and Cultural Studies Adjunct Faculty
    South Mountain Community College
    Arizona State University: The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy–Impact Arizona Fellow
    View Bio

    WORKSHOP #3
    FAIR FRAMEWORK – Coalition Building

      Fri. Oct. 31
    12:45 PM – 2:00 PM and 2:15 PM – 3:30 PM

  • Juan Taveras

    Juan Taveras, MBA, SPHR

    (he/him)

    DEI PRO FINDER
    Founder, CEO, and Podcast Host
    View Bio

    WORKSHOP #4
    FAIR FRAMEWORK – WIN-WIN over Zero Sum

      Fri. Oct. 31
    12:45 PM – 2:00 PM and 2:15 PM – 3:30 PM

  • Corey Woods

    Corey Woods

     

    Mayor
    City of Tempe
    View Bio

    FRIDAY MORNING WELCOME

      Fri. Oct. 31
    8:00 AM – 11:30 AM

  • Evener Scott

    Evener Scott

     

    Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
    HonorHealth
    View Bio

    YOUTH LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

      Fri. Oct. 31
    Youth Leadership Session Facilitator
    8:45 AM – 2:00 PM

  • Jen Zingg

    Jen Zingg

     

    Product Developer/Trainer
    Blanchard Institute
    View Bio

    YOUTH LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

      Fri. Oct. 31
    Youth Leadership Session Facilitator
    8:45 AM – 2:00 PM

DEI Hexagons

2025 DLA Conference Sponsors

2025 DLA Conference Sponsors

DEI Hexagons

2025 Conference

 

Understanding Agency, Equity, and Inclusion.

At the heart of transformative organizational culture lies a deep understanding of Agency, Equity, and Inclusion.

  • Agency is the sense of control you feel in your life. It is your capacity to influence your thoughts and behaviors. Agency allows you to handle a wide array of tasks, especially in the face of conflict or change.
  • Equity focuses on balance and justice, ensuring everyone has the same opportunities and resources. Unlike equality, which treats everyone equally, equity involves addressing systemic barriers and providing tailored support to achieve equitable outcomes for all.
  • Inclusion is the practice of creating environments where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to participate fully. It involves fostering a culture where diverse voices are heard and individuals can contribute their unique perspectives without fear of bias or exclusion.
Diversity arms inclusion

Why Join this Education and Leadership Conference?

Investing in an Education and leadership conference offers a transformative opportunity for organizations and individuals to deepen their understanding and commitment to fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment. Here’s why you should consider attending:

  • Gain Insight from Experts:

    Hear from thought leaders and practitioners at the forefront of Inclusion initiatives. Learn best practices, emerging trends, and actionable strategies for your organization.

  • Enhance Skills and Knowledge:

    Participate in interactive workshops and sessions that provide practical tools and techniques for addressing and overcoming biases, creating inclusive policies, and promoting equity.

LGBTQ Plus Diversity Equity Women
Group of diverse equity people
  • Foster Networking Opportunities:

    Connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and build relationships that can lead to valuable collaborations and support networks.

  • Drive Organizational Change:

    Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to champion D&I efforts within your organization, driving meaningful change and cultivating a more inclusive workplace culture.

    Explore how our diversity equity and inclusion workshops in Phoenix, AZ can make a difference in your organization or community and take the next step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive environment.

Secure your spot today and join us in leading the charge for meaningful change!

Learn More About DLA

Our Online and In-Person Education and Leadership Conference Covers

Social Justice

Our workshops are aimed at encouraging, enhancing, and promoting dialogue and reconciliation. This conference supports healing and accountability by encouraging constructive dialogue that can move the needle on social justice issues.

Implicit Bias

Our Implicit Bias training helps individuals identify and overcome unconscious prejudices. Create a more inclusive and equitable environment by learning to address biases that affect decision-making and interactions.

Champion Resilience

Learn effective tools that can help you be a better champion, advocate, and ally.  Our workshops provide resources that will assist attendees in building a vision of equity that transcends boundaries, igniting a beacon of hope for a world where everyone’s voices are heard and valued.

Equity Building

At this year’s DLA conference, you will work with individuals across various industries to address barriers to radical inclusion within your organization. Discover effective strategies to reengage leadership, management, and colleagues around the importance of DEI and implement those strategies into your workplace culture.


DLA 25 years divider


Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. We offer partnership opportunities for organizations interested in supporting the diversity leadership conference. For more details, please email Executive Director Joanna de’Shay at leadership@diversityleadershipalliance.org.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into current DEI trends and challenges, learn actionable strategies for fostering inclusive workplaces, network with industry leaders and peers, and participate in hands-on workshops to develop practical skills for implementing DEI initiatives.

The conference includes a combination of keynote presentations, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. The agenda is designed to provide a comprehensive experience covering various aspects of DEI.

Yes, absolutely. We offer virtual attendance options to accommodate participants who cannot attend in person. Virtual attendees will have access to live-streamed sessions, on-demand content, and virtual networking opportunities.

Yes, all attendees will receive access to conference materials, including presentation slides, session recordings, and additional resources shared by speakers. These materials are valuable for ongoing learning and reference, allowing participants to revisit key concepts and share insights with their teams.

“DLA’s content is refreshing and safe place to join important conversations that impart change.”