22nd Annual DLA CONFERENCE

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER

Creating sustainability around equity and inclusion

November 2-3, 2023

Presented by

2021 Sponsor Mayo Clinic Sponsor: 12 News  2021 Sponsor SRP


The 22nd Annual Diversity Leadership Alliance Conference will be an impactful gathering dedicated to driving positive change in our communities and organizations. With a resolute focus on tangible actions, this conference aims to foster sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices that transcend mere rhetoric. By bringing together thought leaders, experts, and passionate advocates, we will explore innovative strategies, share best practices, and ignite meaningful conversations that inspire systemic change. Join us as we champion the power of action and collectively build a future where diversity, equity, and inclusion flourish in every aspect of our society. This year, we challenge participants to raise their collective voices loud enough to drown out the hate and unravel the havoc that racism has wreaked throughout our beloved community and country.

 

DLA Diversity Color Divider

2023 Conference Agenda At-A-Glance

Please note that all times are MST (AZ time)

 

Day One (Virtual Workshops)
Thursday, Nov 2

8:30 – 9:00 am
CONFERENCE WELCOME
9:00-10:00 am
CONFERENCE OPENING SESSION
RACISM: A Public Health Crisis

10:30 am – 12:00 pm
WORKSHOPS #1 & #2
#1: Embracing Veterans in the Workforce
#2: Gender Identity and Gender Expression in the Workplace
12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOPS #3 & #4
#3: It's Not Just About Me: A Workshop on Allyship and Leadership
#4: Resisting Erasure: Honoring the Diversity and Tapestry of Indigenous Cultures
2:00 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING FIRESIDE CHAT
Racial Socialization: How did your Parents and Community Raise You to View/Address Racism?

 

Day Two (Equity Town Hall, In-person)
Friday, Nov 3

8:00 am – 12:00 PM
EQUITY TOWN HALL
Leading with Equity, Empathy & Advocacy

(Continental breakfast served, lunch on your own)


2023 Speakers and Presenters

  • Dr. Lauren R. Powell

    Dr. Lauren R. Powell

    President and CEO
    The Equitist

    Read Bio

    DLA white logo diamonds

    CONFERENCE OPENING SESSION:

    RACISM: A Public Health Crisis
    THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
    9:00 – 10:00am

  • Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell

    Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell

    Founder and Principal Consultant
    Co3 Consulting: Co-Creating Cohesive Communities

    Read Bio

    DLA white logo diamonds

    WORKSHOP #4:

    Resisting Erasure: Honoring the Diversity and Tapestry of Indigenous Cultures
    THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
    12:30 – 2:00pm

  • Jeremy Tunnell

    Jeremy Tunnell

    Principal Consultant and Facilitator
    Co3 Consulting: Co-Creating Cohesive Communities

    Read Bio

    DLA white logo diamonds

    WORKSHOP #4:

    Resisting Erasure: Honoring the Diversity and Tapestry of Indigenous Cultures
    THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
    12:30 – 2:00pm

2023 Conference Planning Committee

Conference Co-Chairs
 

G’Kyshia Hill

G’Kyshia Hill

Tikki Carmichael

Tikki CarMichael

 

Marion Kelly

Marion Kelly

Mayo Clinic

Joanna de’Shay

Joanna de’Shay

DLA Executive Director

Reid DeSpiegelaere

Reid DeSpiegelaere

Every Child Pediatrics

Betty Thompson

Betty Thompson

(Retired) University of Arizona

Jacque Starks

Jacque Starks

Jacque of All Tradez Consulting

Jeff Shewan

Jeff Shewan

USAA

Olga Diaz

Olga Diaz

City of Phoenix

Dr. Brent Scholar

Dr. Brent Scholar

ASU

Nicoiya Medawar

Nicoiya Medawar

USAA

Angela Salazar

Angela Salazar

YWCA

Ashley Troyer

Ashley Troyer

Goodyear, AZ

Maria Radloff

Maria Radloff

Via Maria

LaKeysha Deleon

LaKeysha Deleon

Blue Cross Blue Shield of AZ

Rachel Kuehl

Rachel Kuehl


 

 
DLA Diversity Color Divider

2023 Conference sponsors

PRESENTING SPONSORS

2021 Sponsor Mayo Clinic Sponsor: 12 News  2021 Sponsor SRP

 
Thank you to ALL of our amazing sponsors!  We could not do this work without you.

2023 DLA conference logos

 

DLA Diversity Color Divider

 

2022 Award Winners

Congrats to all of our nominees and winners!

  • Christine French Lifetime Service – Individual

    Lee Barnett


  • Christine French Lifetime Service – Individual

    Phil Pangrazio


  • Christine French Lifetime Service – Organization

    Mayo Clinic


  • Christine French Lifetime Service – Organization

    Cox Communications


  • Equity Trail Blazer Award

    Thinkzilla


  • Equity Trail Blazer Award

    Casual Astronaut


  • 2022 Diversity Leader of the Year

    Kristin Rodney


  • 2022 Diversity Leader of the Year

    Felina Cordova Marks


  • 2022 Diversity Leader of the Year

    Donald Northfelt, MD


Congratulations to our nominated 2022 Diversity Leaders of the Year:

Jennifer Sanchez
Niki Tapia
Sam Castro
Zachary Romo

Thanks to the following for nominating our award winners and nominees:

Farhia Omar
Dr. Teshia Soloman
Mayra Vasquez
Adrianna Tusek Erickson
Banita Bevineau
Jeff Buda
Michelle Dew

About the Awards

DLA celebrates and recognizes 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 lead the way in terms of their extensive Community outreach efforts and support. DLA also honors individuals who serve as Diversity and Inclusion Leaders in the Community. These passionate individuals demonstrate 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