22nd Annual DLA CONFERENCE
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER
Creating sustainability around equity and inclusion
November 2-3, 2023
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.
2023 Conference Agenda At-A-Glance
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
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Dr. Lauren R. Powell
President and CEO
The Equitist
Read BioCONFERENCE OPENING SESSION:
RACISM: A Public Health Crisis
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
9:00 – 10:00am
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Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell
Founder and Principal Consultant
Co3 Consulting: Co-Creating Cohesive Communities
Read BioWORKSHOP #4:
Resisting Erasure: Honoring the Diversity and Tapestry of Indigenous Cultures
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
12:30 – 2:00pm
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Jeremy Tunnell
Principal Consultant and Facilitator
Co3 Consulting: Co-Creating Cohesive Communities
Read BioWORKSHOP #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

Tikki CarMichael

Marion Kelly

Joanna de’Shay

Reid DeSpiegelaere

Betty Thompson
(Retired) University of Arizona

Jacque Starks

Jeff Shewan

Olga Diaz

Dr. Brent Scholar

Nicoiya Medawar

Angela Salazar

Ashley Troyer

Maria Radloff

LaKeysha Deleon

Rachel Kuehl

2022 Award Winners
Congrats to all of our nominees and winners!
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Christine French Lifetime Service – Individual
Lee Barnett
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Christine French Lifetime Service – Individual
Phil Pangrazio
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Christine French Lifetime Service – Organization
Mayo Clinic
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Christine French Lifetime Service – Organization
Cox Communications
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Equity Trail Blazer Award
Thinkzilla
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Equity Trail Blazer Award
Casual Astronaut
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2022 Diversity Leader of the Year
Kristin Rodney
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2022 Diversity Leader of the Year
Felina Cordova Marks
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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.”
