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
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
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 & Gender in Media10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1
Tolerance to Authenticity
Featuring Dr. Joel P. Martin – 10:30 – 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
2:15 – 3:30 pm
CLOSING SESSION
Dispelling the Myth of Critical Race Theory
4:00 – 6:00 pm
EMPLOYER INFORMATION SESSION
Featuring speakers from our top-tier sponsors.
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
10:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #1
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
ASL Interpreting and Captioning Services available at Conference in partnership with 
Meet Our 2021 Speakers and Presenters
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Ms. Alika Kumar
Executive Director
Arizona Minority Business Development Agency
view bio »
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
10:30 am – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.WORKSHOP #1 Closing the Pay Gap for Women
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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
CLOSING DAY KEYNOTE: Racelighting – A Racial Reckoning
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Dr. Mitchell Kusy
Professor, Author and Fulbright Scholar
Graduate School of Leadership Change
Antioch University
view bio »
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
10:30 – 12:00 noon & 12:30 – 2:00 pm
WORKSHOP #2: Eroding Toxic Behaviors
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Dr. Joel P. Martin
President
Triad West Inc.
view bio »
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021
10:30 am – 12:00 noon
WORKSHOP #1: Tolerance to Authenticity
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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
Our 2021 Partners
Change Agents
$20,000
Partner Level Sponsors
$10,00
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
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 »
Meet our 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Award Winners
2021 Awards Nominations are now closed. Thank you to all who nominated!
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DLA/AZ SHRM 2020 Diversity Leader Award
Eric M. Bailey
Bailey Strategic Innovation Group -
DLA/AZ SHRM 2020 Diversity Leader Award
Myoshi Maul
Cox -
DLA/AZ SHRM 2020 Youth Inclusion Leader Award
Jackson Asante Whitaker
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DLA/AZ SHRM 2020 Inclusive Workplace Award
Coconino County
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DLA/AZ SHRM 2020 Inclusive Community Workplace Award
Desert Botanical Gardens
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.
