Conference 2021 | Diversity Leadership Alliance

Presented by

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 Diversity Leadership Alliance diamonds

Conference Theme

Our conference, “Uncomfortable Conversations that Ignite Change – the dialogue continues” will be held from November 17th – 19th and is a three-day all virtual Conference, with our Diversity Awards presented in partnership with AZ SHRM on Wednesday evening November 17th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The 2021 conference will identify, address, and eradicate the deep-rooted, insidious nature of racism by harnessing the powerful tools of Education and dialogue. We will dig 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 hope 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.

DLA is calling on all advocates, allies and activists to join us with open minds and kind hearts as we stand together for Justice and Equity for All.

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

Meet Our 2021 Speakers and Presenters

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

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

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

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

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

Partner Level Sponsors

$10,000

Advocate Sponsors

$5,000

Additional Sponsors

SUPPORTER SPONSORS – $3,000

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 »

Download Partnership Packages

Please contact Joanna De’Shay about partnerships with DLA using the web form below.

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 partner AZSHRM and our Video Production partner COX!

“We have to make strategic and intentional changes to create safe spaces for diverse communities.”
Kevina Devereaux
Manager, Workforce Development – Desert Botanical Gardens

Dr. Jannah Scott

Director

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

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) is proud to welcome Dr. Jannah Scott to serve in the newly created position of The Ramsey Consultancy for Social Justice, Racial Equity and Diversity. This new position will be funded through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey of the Norton and Ramsey Social Justice Foundation. In funding the position, Jenny Norton stated, “…this is intended as a reparation, to manifest the end of systemic racism within the outrageous treatment of unhoused African American, Native American, Latino and Asian American people.” As a key member of the leadership team, Jannah will lead the development, implementation and management of CASS’ racial equity and justice initiatives. She will also guide CASS’ efforts to address inequities in homelessness and housing.

Jannah joins the team at CASS after decades of public and nonprofit service around the state, nation and internationally. She has a depth and breadth of policy and program experience in homelessness, housing, criminal justice reform, child welfare, access to health care, immigration, all hazards preparedness, response and recovery, and the ministry of reconciliation. She most recently worked with the 2020 Census, engaging organizations to reach some of the hardest to reach populations.

From 2009 to 2017, Jannah served in President Obama’s administration as Deputy Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In that role, Jannah was honored to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security’s representative to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, contributing to federal policy and guidance to states and localities on the provision of services for people experiencing homelessness.

From 2005 to 2009 she served as the Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Initiatives to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. In that role, Jannah represented the Governor with community investment coalitions, faith leaders, cities and counties to establish and strengthen local initiatives aimed at serving the poorest and most vulnerable citizens of our state.

From 1998 to 2005, Jannah served as Executive Director, Collaboration for a New Century. In that role, Jannah was privileged to serve on public policy boards and working groups that helped plan the Maricopa Human Services Campus.

Jannah is a covenant partner with JGM Enternational Prayerlife Institute whose vision is to transform and build lives, families, churches, cities and nations through prayer. She also serves on the leadership council member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition. An ordained minister, Jannah began her ministry career as a street outreach worker at CASS in 1997. She has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley in Public Health Planning and Policy, postgraduate work at ASU and Brown University, and an honorary Doctor of Theology from the Gateway International Bible College in Phoenix.

Jannah is the mother of five young men and women of God, and grandmother to 6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. Her passion is to see people everywhere achieve their God-given potential, living in an atmosphere where love, dignity, righteousness and justice prevail.

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

Presented by

2021 DLA CONFERENCE

(Now All Virtual)

Uncomfortable Conversations that Ignite Change… the dialogues continue!

Wednesday – Friday, November 17-19, 2021

$99 Individual Ticket

Conference Theme

2021 Conference Agenda At-A-Glance

Day One (Virtual) Wednesday, Nov 17

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Day Two (Virtual) Thursday, Nov 18

8:30 – 9:00 am

CONFERENCE WELCOME

9:00-10:00 am

OPENING KEYNOTE

10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm

WORKSHOP #1

10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm

WORKSHOP #2

2:15 – 3:30 pm

CLOSING SESSION

4:00 – 6:00 pm

EMPLOYER RESOURCE SESSION

Day Three (Virtual) Friday, Nov 19

8:30 – 9:00 am

CONFERENCE CLOSE

9:00 – 10:00 am

OPENING KEYNOTE

10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm

WORKSHOP #1

10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm

WORKSHOP #2

2:15 – 3:30 pm

CLOSING SESSION

ASL Interpreting and Captioning Services available at Conference in partnership with

Meet Our 2021 Speakers and Presenters

Mr. Grady Tripp

Ms. Rachel McNeill

Mr. Richard J. Dyer

Ms. Tram Mai

Dr. Joel P. Martin

Mr. Lor Lee

Ms. Jennifer Brown

Dr. Lewis A. Brownlee

Mr. Jason Sirois MPA

Dr. Kristie Jackson

Dr. Jonathan Luke Wood

Ms. Alika Kumar

Dr. Mitchell Kusy

Ms. Brenda Herrera Moreno

Dr. Jannah Scott

Mr. Kareem Neal

Mr. Mark Curtis

Our 2021 Partners

Change Agents

$20,000

Partner Level Sponsors

$10,000

Advocate Sponsors

$5,000

Additional Sponsors

SUPPORTER SPONSORS – $3,000

FRIENDS OF DLA – $1,000

“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

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

Uncomfortable Conversations that Ignite Change…
the dialogues continue!

Day One (Virtual)
Wednesday, Nov 17

Day Two (Virtual)
Thursday, Nov 18

Day Three (Virtual)
Friday, Nov 19

“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

“We have to make strategic and intentional changes to create safe spaces for diverse communities.”
Kevina Devereaux
Manager, Workforce Development – Desert Botanical Gardens

Thursday, November 18
10:30am – 12:00noon & 12:30 – 2:00pm

Thursday, November 18
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 12:30 – 2:00 PM

Friday, November 19
10:30am – 12:00pm & 12:30 – 2:00pm

Friday, November 19
10:30am – 12:00noon & 12:30 – 2:00pm

Vice President
Chief Diversity Officer

CBS affiliates WLTX – Columbia S.C.
WFMY – Greensboro N.C.