THANK YOU to our 2021 PRESENTING SPONSORS!

2021 Sponsor USAA  2021 Sponsor SRP  2021 Sponsor Mayo Clinic Sponsor: 12 News

2021 DLA CONFERENCE

(Now All Virtual)

Uncomfortable Conversations that Ignite Change…
the dialogues continue!

Wednesday – Friday, November 17-19, 2021

$99 Individual Ticket

DLA Partnerships   SUPPORT DLA  Conference Help
 

“Uncomfortable Conversations that Ignite Change – the dialogue continues”  held from November 17th – 19th was a three-day virtual Conference, with our Diversity Awards presented in partnership with AZ SHRM. The 2021 conference identified, addressed, and eradicated the deep-rooted, insidious nature of racism by harnessing the powerful tools of Education and dialogue. We dug deeper into the systems of inequities we see in Education, Media, Gender Pay Equity for women, RaceLighting, and Mental Health. By having these meaningful dialogues, we hoped to eliminate some of the racist thoughts, behaviors, and actions within various systems, encourage advocacy and social justice and promote authentic, sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and programs. 

Diversity Leadership Alliance diamonds

2021 Conference Agenda At-A-Glance

Please note that all times are MST (AZ time)

Day One (Virtual)
Wednesday, Nov 17

6:00 – 8:00 pm

20th Anniversary Diversity and Awards Ceremony

DLA and AZ SHRM
Co-Chairs Dr. Brent Scholar and Ms. Lorena Castro

OPENING PERFORMANCE / VIDEO
Special Musical Guests

Check Your Blind Spots

AWARDS CEREMONY
Celebrating and Honoring our Diversity Champions

Day Two (Virtual)
Thursday, Nov 18

8:30 – 9:00 am
CONFERENCE WELCOME

Co-Founder Marion K. Kelly & Executive Director Joanna C. de’Shay

9:00-10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE

Race & Inclusion in Media
Featuring Mr. Richard Dyer
Featuring Mr. Grady Tripp
Moderated by Ms. Rachel McNeill

10:30 am – 12:00 pm &  12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1

Tolerance to Authenticity
Featuring Dr. Joel P. Martin (10:30 am – 12:00 pm)
Featuring Mr. Lor Lee (12:30 – 2:00 pm)

10:30 am – 12:00 pm &  12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2

Power & Privilege
Featuring Ms. Jennifer Brown (10:30 am – 12:00 pm)
Featuring Mr. Jason Sirois (12:30 – 2:00 pm)

2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION

Dispelling the Myth of Critical Race Theory
Featuring Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee
Featuring Dr. Kristie Jackson
Moderated by Ms. Tram Mai

4:00 – 6:00 pm
EMPLOYER RESOURCE SESSION
Free and Open to the Public – REGISTER NOW

Employer’s Information Session – Agenda
Featuring speakers from our top-tier and presenting sponsors about their culture, DEI programs, employee resource groups and available open job postings. Networking with hiring managers and leadership.

Day Three (Virtual)
Friday, Nov 19

8:30 – 9:00 am
CONFERENCE CLOSE

DLA Conference Co-Chairs Reid DeSpiegelaere & Tikki Carmichael

9:00 – 10:00 am
OPENING KEYNOTE

Racelighting - A Racial Reckoning
Featuring Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood
Moderated by Mr. Mark Curtis

10:30 am – 12:00 pm  &  12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1

Closing the Pay Gap for Women
Featuring Ms. Alika Kumar

10:30 am – 12:00 pm &  12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2

Eroding Toxic Behaviors
Featuring Dr. Mitchell Kusy

2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION

Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation
Featuring Ms. Brenda Herrera Moreno, Dr. Jannah Scott and Mr. Kareem Neal
Moderated by Ms. Tram Mai


ASL Interpreting and Captioning Services available at Conference in partnership with    

REGISTER NOW

Meet Our 2021 Speakers and Presenters

  • Mr. Grady Tripp

    Mr. Grady Tripp

    Vice President
    Chief Diversity Officer
    TEGNA Inc.

    view bio »
    THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
    9:00 – 10:00 am
    OPENING KEYNOTE: Race and Inclusion in Media

  • Ms. Rachel McNeill

    Ms. Rachel McNeill

    Anchor and Journalist
    Today in AZ Weekday Mornings

    view bio »
    THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
    9:00 – 10:00 am
    OPENING SESSION: Race & Inclusion in Media

  • Mr. Richard J. Dyer

    Mr. Richard J. Dyer

    Senior Vice President
    CBS affiliates WLTX – Columbia S.C.
    WFMY – Greensboro N.C.
    and
    President and General Manager
    WUSA, CBS affiliate – Washington, DC

    view bio »
    THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
    9:00 – 10:00 am
    OPENING KEYNOTE: Race and Inclusion in Media

  • Ms. Tram Mai

    Ms. Tram Mai

    News Anchor and Journalist
    KPNX News, Channel 12

    view bio »
    THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
    2:15 – 3:30pm
    CLOSING SESSION: Dispelling the Myth of Critical Race Theory
    FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
    2:15 – 3:30pm
    CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

  • Dr. Joel P. Martin

    Dr. Joel P. Martin

    President
    Triad West Inc.

    view bio »
    THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
    10:30 am – 12:00 pm
    WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance to Authenticity

  • Speaker Lor Lee

    Mr. Lor Lee

    DEI Trainer and Consultant
    LOR LEE Inclusion Consulting

    view bio »
    THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
    12:30 – 2:00 pm
    WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance to Authenticity

  • Speaker Jennifer Brown

    Ms. Jennifer Brown

    Speaker, Author, Humanist
    Jennifer Brown Consulting

    view bio »
    THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
    10:30 am – 12:00 pm
    WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap

  • Speaker Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

    Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

    Education Faculty, Education Studies
    Mesa Community College

    view bio »
    THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
    2:15 – 3:30 pm

    CLOSING SESSION Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory

  • Speaker Jason Sirois

    Mr. Jason Sirois MPA

    Organizer, Coach, Facilitator, and Storyteller
    view bio »
    THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
    12:30 – 2:00 pm
    WORKSHOP #2: Power & Privilege: Closing the Social Equity Gap

  • Speaker Kristie Jackson

    Dr. Kristie Jackson

    Senior Learning Strategist
    BloomBoard

    view bio »
    THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
    2:15 – 3:30 pm

    CLOSING SESSION Dispelling the Myths of Critical Race Theory

  • Speaker Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

    Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

    Professor, Author, Intellect
    Vice President of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity
    San Diego State University

    view bio »
    FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
    9:00 – 10:00 am
    OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

  • Speaker Alika Kumar

    Ms. Alika Kumar

    Executive Director
    Arizona Minority Business Development Agency

    view bio »
    FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
    10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm

    WORKSHOP #1 Closing the Pay Gap for Women

  • Speaker Dr. Mitch Kusy

    Dr. Mitchell Kusy

    Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
    Graduate School of Leadership Change
    Antioch University

    view bio »
    FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
    10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
    WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors

  • Speaker Ms. Brenda Herrera Moreno

    Ms. Brenda Herrera Moreno

    Founder & Principal Activator
    In.Visible Paradigms

    view bio »
    FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
    2:15 – 3:30 pm
    CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

  • Speaker Dr. Jannah Scott

    Dr. Jannah Scott

    Director
    Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity & Diversity
    Central Arizona Shelter Services
    Member, Arizona Interfaith Movement

    view bio »
    FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
    2:15 – 3:30 pm
    CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

  • Speaker Kareem Neal

    Mr. Kareem Neal

    2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year
    Restorative Justice Trainer
    Phoenix Union High School District

    view bio »
    FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
    2:15 – 3:30 pm
    CLOSING SESSION: Can You Unlearn Hate? Becoming an Anti-Racist Nation

  • Speaker Mark Curtis

    Mr. Mark Curtis

    News Anchor and decorated Journalist
    12 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m

    view bio »
    FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
    9:00 – 10:00 am
    OPENING KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning

Our 2021 Partners

Change Agents

$20,000

2021 Sponsor USAA  2021 Sponsor SRP  2021 Sponsor Mayo Clinic Sponsor: 12 News

Partner Level Sponsors

$10,000

Cox Communications                      Sponsor: University of Phoenix                                          Sponsor: Arizona Public Service APS

 

Advocate Sponsors

$5,000

                                               
                                                     Sponsor: PerkinsCoie

 

 

Additional Sponsors

SUPPORTER SPONSORS –   $3,000

         Arizona SHRM                       Ability 360         

                 Phoenix Sky Harbor

 

FRIENDS OF DLA –  $1,000
City of Phoenix – EOD Department
City of Glendale
City of Mesa – Police Department
City of Scottsdale
CSAA Insurance Group
Donor Network of Arizona
Edward Jones
GIRL SCOUTS – Arizona Cactus-Pine
LIV Communities
Medtronic
Scottsdale Community College
TERROS Health



“Without talking and truly trying to understand why people live a certain way, we are not going to be able to grow as a species.”
Jackson Asante Whitaker
2020 DLA Youth Leader

Partnership Opportunities

2021 Annual Conference Partnership Levels

CHANGE AGENT $20,000
Partner $10,000
Advocate Partner $5,000
Supporter Partner $3,000
Friend of DLA $1,000 (Unlimited Friendships)

Learn more about DLA Partnerships »

DLA Partnership Package 2021
Download Partnership Packages
Please contact Joanna De’Shay about partnerships with DLA using the web form below.

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    Diversity Leadership Alliance diamonds

    2021 Award Winners

    Congrats to all of our nominees and winners!

    • 2021 Youth Inclusion Leader

      Guadalupe Martinez


    • 2021 Diversity Leader

      Dr. Lois Brown


    • 2021 Diversity Leader

      Mini Salas


    • 2021 Diversity Leader

      Dr. Ousama El-Hillal


    • 2021 Diversity Leader

      Dr. Versha Anderson

    • 2021 Inclusive Workplace

      APS

    About the Awards

    In 2020, DLA celebrated and recognized Arizona individuals, Corporations and Organizations that lead by example, creating an inclusive environment that enhances and strengthens the community. The DLA Diversity and Inclusion Award is a joint award given on behalf of Diversity Leadership Alliance and Arizona SHRM. This prestigious award is given to a Corporation or Organization that recognizes and values Diversity, Equity and Belonging. They create a safe space in an inclusive, collaborative work environment where their employees can be their genuine and authentic selves. In addition to their innovative, internal Diversity programs and initiatives, they also lead the way in terms of their extensive Community outreach efforts and support. DLA also honored individuals who serve as Diversity and Inclusion Leaders in the Community. These passionate individuals demonstrated collaborative leadership and a visible commitment to the work of Diversity and Inclusion. These individuals are bravely forging forward and creating spaces where others can celebrate and be celebrated and they do so selflessly with dignity and humility.

    Special Thanks to our Award partners AZSHRM and Mayo Clinic!
    “We have to make strategic and intentional changes to create safe spaces for diverse communities.”

    DLA Diversity Diamonds

    Kevina Devereaux
    Manager, Workforce Development – Desert Botanical Gardens