2025 Diversity for Success Seminar

Name: 2025 Diversity for Success Seminar | DRI
Start: 2025-06-11T12:00
End: 2025-06-13T12:30
Location: Sheraton New Orleans

June 11–13, 2025
Sheraton New Orleans | New Orleans, Louisiana

Explore the Power of Inclusion in Driving Success Through All Pillars of Society!

Save up to $300 when you register on or before June 10!
View registration information.

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee invites you to its Annual Diversity for Success Seminar and Corporate Expo in New Orleans, Louisiana! With the theme, “Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the New Normal,” this seminar is designed to address the recent scaling back of corporate DEI initiatives, the continuing evolution of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession and educational spaces, and how attendees can continue to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the current landscape. Attendees will also receive resources and tools to incorporate into their career and organization that will improve diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Additionally, join us on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel as we once again host the Women of Color Roundtable. We will present three engaging and energizing panels that will address relevant and timely topics, including tips on pitching business, executive presence, and adapting to the new normal.

You can also register for an additional networking luncheon opportunity from 12:00-1:00 p.m., right before the Women of Color Roundtable! Please come ready to feast on some New Orleans Creole cuisine! The cost of the luncheon is $75, so make sure you add this to your shopping cart when you register!

Join us for the Corporate Expo!
This will take place on Friday, June 13 at the Sheraton New Orleans.
You must be registered for the seminar and be a DRI member to participate.

Learn more about the Expo

What You Will Learn:

How AI can be used to promote diversity within legal spaces.
How practitioners and C-suite executives can win with DEI in the boardroom and courtroom.
How practitioners can increase diversity in an anti-DEI space.
The intersectionality of LGBT+ and race.
The increasing trends of corporations moving away from DEI initiatives.

Expand Your Network By:

Connecting with an unparalleled number of in-house counsel, potential clients, and referral sources.
Taking advantage of the unique opportunity to pitch yourself and your law firm to in-house counsel at the 2025 Corporate Expo.

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Thank You to DRI's Diversity and Inclusion Committee Leadership

Ebony Morris — **Ebony S. Morris**
Program Chair

Valerie Fontenot — **Valerie E. Fontenot**
Program Vice Chair

**Atoyia S. Harris**
Committee Vice Chair

Sharon Stuart — **Sharon D. Stuart**
Law Institute

Join the Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Registration Information

Save up to $300 when you register on or before June 10, 2025!
Worry-free registration: Cancellations received thirty (30) days or more before an in-person seminar are entitled to a full refund.

Save Your Spot Today

In registering for this seminar, I attest that I devote a substantial portion of my professional time to defending the interests of individuals, business, associations, or governmental entities in civil litigation. I understand that DRI reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel my registration, without a refund, if I do not meet the criteria described above.

	Member Pricing	Non-Member Pricing	Non-Member Bundle ^
Regular Registration* (Now thru June 10)	$1,395	$1,595	$1,515
Onsite Registration*	$1,495	$1,695	$1,615
Group Registration (Non-Sponsored)	Group registration is for registering four or more attendees. Members and non-members receive a 15% discount off the member and non-member rates respective to the time the group registration is initiated (i.e. Early Bird, Regular or On-Site registration periods). There is one free registration with every 10 paid registrations. If you want to register for the group pricing, fill out the form here. Please note that online registration is not available for this offer.
Government	Government members will receive the applicable government rate for the seminar upon login. If the government rate does not appear after logging in, please call DRI directly at (312) 795-1101 to receive the discounted rate. Invoices can be sent after purchase upon request.

Not a DRI Member? Select the Non-Member Bundle and Save!

^ Not a DRI Member and new to DRI? Take advantage of the Non-Member / Trial Membership Bundle and receive up to 9 months of membership when you register for the seminar. You’ll be able to add this special offer to your cart at check out. Note: Trial membership processing can take up to 30 days from the date of purchase, please contact DRI Customer Service with any questions. Please note renewing members and members with recently lapsed memberships are not eligible for a Non-Member Bundle.

Learn more about membership at DRI and get started on your DRI journey today!

*If your membership recently lapsed, please renew your membership prior to registering to ensure you receive your discounted member rate. If you would like to join DRI to receive the member pricing and see the benefits of becoming a member, click here to go to the Application page.

Hotel Information

The seminar will take place at Sheraton New Orleans, 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
To contact the hotel directly, call 504.525.2500.

A limited number of discounted hotel rooms have been made available at the Sheraton New Orleans. Take advantage of the group rate of $224.00 Single/Double.

Reserve your Room Online

The hotel block is limited, and rooms and rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You must make reservations by June 9, 2025, to be eligible for the hotel's group rate. Requests for reservations made after June 9 are subject to room and rate availability.

Full Agenda

*Schedule and Speakers subject to change

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Time (Central)	Session
10:00 a.m.	DRI Cares \| Special Olympics of Louisiana Click here for details and to volunteer.
12:00 p.m.	Registration
12:00–1:00 p.m.	Women of Color Luncheon (Ticketed Event) Join attendees for a southern comfort lunch buffet before the Roundtable begins. Lunch will include an interactive component led by Tyrra Walker of Chartwell Law in Atlanta, Taylor Henderson of Troutman Pepper in Philadelphia and JeBria Wilson of Collins & Lacy in Columbia, SC. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased through the registration process.
1:00–4:00 p.m.	Women of Color Roundtable (all Diversity for Success and Young Lawyer Seminar attendees welcome) - The Motherhood Penalty - Build Your Book of Business with Brand YOU! - Navigating Workplace Trauma in the New Normal
1:00–2:00 p.m.	Roundtable Topic 1 The Motherhood Penalty An interactive fireside chat about the economic disadvantages and discrimination that disproportionately impact Women of Color. These penalties are multi-factorial and range from perceptions and questions about competence, lack of opportunities, to gender pay gaps. Learn how you can advocate for yourself and support those in your work environments who may be experiencing these barriers but unsure of how to address them. Stacy Douglas, Everett Dorey, and DRI Board of Directors, Los Angeles, CA Zandra E. Foley, Thompson Coe, Houston, TX
2:00–3:00 p.m.	Roundtable Topic 2 Building Your Book of Business with Brand YOU! (Pitching Business and Executive Branding) Building a book of business and establishing your personal brand are two keyways to stand out in your organization and the profession. How can you differentiate yourself, build a book of business, focus on your work, and excel in the legal profession? Building business and branding yourself must co-exist, and in this discussion, you will learn how you can carve out your own path, whether you are in a law firm setting, in-house, or decide to branch out on your own! Moderator: Christina Gonzales, Marshall Dennehey, Philadelphia, PA Michelle Craig, Transcendent Law Group and Prosquire, New Orleans, LA Isis Davidson, Chartwell Law, New York, NY Holly Stanford, U-Haul, Phoenix, AZ
3:00–4:00 p.m.	Roundtable Topic 3 Navigating Workplace Trauma in the New Normal – Adapting to the Attacking of DEI DEI is under attack and it has become even more difficult to “show up” here, there, and everywhere. Companies are changing and eliminating their programs, there are a number of legal challenges circulating almost daily, and the victories seem to pale in comparison to the losses. We carry the weight of this in our workplaces as many of our work settings have been altered and are fearful of the potential backlash they may face if they continue or promote DEI-based initiatives. How do we continue to show up despite the daily dismantling that is happening internally and externally? Moderator: Darleene Peters, Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels, New Orleans, LA Kori Carew, Bridge 68 Leadership & DEI Strategy Organization, Chicago, IL Shelley Willingham, The Diversity Movement, Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
2:30–4:30 p.m.	Small Group Networking: Gumbo Ya-Ya Making Class Click on "Small Group Networking" tab below for details. All small group networking events are optional.
6:00 p.m.	Networking / Cocktail Hour
7:30 p.m.	Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own). Sign up for Dine-Arounds

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Time (Central)	Session
8:00 a.m.	Registration & Coffee Service Get to know the early risers in our group over a cup of coffee.
8:00–9:00 a.m.	Corporate Counsel Roundtable This discussion is limited to in-house counsel. The recent changes to DEI have significantly impacted in-house counsel and have required them to navigate complex legal and ethical considerations. This invitation-only discussion will foster an atmosphere for corporate leaders to have a candid conversation on the current state of diversity and inclusion within the corporate space. Camille Bryant and Matt Cairns will lead the Roundtable discussion.
8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	DRI Cares \| Blessings in a Backpack Click here for details on DRI Cares.
8:30–8:45 a.m.	Welcome and Introductions Sharon D. Stuart, Attorneys Insurance Mutual, Hoover, AL Ebony S. Morris, Foley & Mansfield, New Orleans, LA
8:45 a.m.	Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Through AI The growing popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) is undoubtedly opening doors within the legal profession and enhancing the capabilities and performances within the legal profession. This panel discussion will discuss how AI can be used to further enhance current DEI initiatives and promote diversity within legal spaces. Sean C. Griffin, Longman & Van Grack, Washington, DC
9:35 a.m.	Emerging Generations and DEI Emerging generations are redefining the workplace with their emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Organizations are increasingly being called upon to adapt by fostering environments where all voices are heard and valued. As we navigate this transition, it’s essential to explore how these generational values are reshaping organizational practices and to consider how we can bridge gaps between traditional structures and the evolving vision of equity and inclusion. This panel will discuss how organizations can not only attract and retain top talent but also unlock innovation and creativity through diverse perspectives. Further, discussions would be had regarding the real challenge pertaining to how leaders can embrace this opportunity to co-create a future that is truly inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the world we live in today. Moderator A. Solomon Luwoye, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, Detroit, MI Darryl A. Wilson, Regulatory, Sysco, Charlotte, NC Ifedayo A. Jegede, Esq., Flock Safety, New York, NY Kenneth Battle, O’Connor & Battle, Chicago, IL
10:30 a.m.	Coffee Break
10:45 a.m.	Health & Wellness Sound Bite Time out! Coffee breaks are too short but this “break after the break” led by Darleene Peters, DRI Member and double-certified Health & Wellness and Nutrition Coach, will be an enjoyable and interactive activity. This time is designed to give you a quick boost and remind you of how you can incorporate health and wellness into your jam-packed schedules, revitalize yourself, and inspire others to do the same. Darleene Peters, Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels, New Orleans, LA
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.	Winning with DEI in the Boardroom and Courtroom This panel will discuss how firms and corporations can benefit from active and intentional DEI initiatives in both the courtroom and the boardroom. This panel will consist of high-level firm partners, in-house counsel, and high-level boardroom executives who will offer practical tips to attendees on ways promote DEI within the boardroom and courtroom. Moderator Kelly Grisby Jones, Perez Morris, Columbus, OH Dennis Blunt, Phelps Dunbar, Baton Rouge, LA Anita Thomas, Nelson Mullins, Atlanta, GA Elizabeth Sorensen Brotten, Foley & Mansfield, Minneapolis, MNI
12:30 p.m.	DRI Awards Luncheon
2:00 p.m.	Strategies for Increasing Diversity When the Metrics Are Not There Without clear goals and strategies, it becomes easy for an organization to fall back into old habits. This goes the same for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It is easy to assume that your organization is inclusive and equal across all departments and processes, but there is no way to know for sure when metrics are not measured. Metrics and strategies ensure that employers are devoted to improving diversity and inclusion, finding blind spots and areas of improvement to work through and change. This panel will discuss how employers and organizations can find these blind spots and further promote diversity within legal space. Moderator Valerie E. Fontenot, Jones Walker LLP, New Orleans, LA Karen L. Campbell, Lewis Brisbois, New York, NY Shelley Willingham, The Diversity Movement, Raleigh-Durham, NC Courtney Joiner, McGlinchey Stafford, Baton Rouge, LA
3:00 p.m.	Colorful Voices: Exploring the Crossroads of Race and Queerness Intersectionality is a concept that highlights how people experience oppression and marginalization in multiple ways, and how their various identities influence their experiences. This panel will discuss how attendees can understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ people who belong to racial social groups and how to use that understanding to enhance DEI initiatives. Moderator Kurtis McManus, Kaufman Borgeest & Ryan LLP, Valhalla, NY Jay Larry, New York, NY Connor Peth, Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels, LLC, New Orleans, LA Bryanna A. Jenkins, Lavender Rights Project, Houston, TX
4:00–5:00 p.m.	Quietly Quitting DEI Recent headlines have shown the trend of corporations moving away from DEI initiatives and policies since the United States Supreme Court’s 2023 Students for Fair Admissions decision. This fireside chat will discuss this growing trend and why organizations should continue to be change-makers and continue to promote diversity within their organizations. Moderator Toyja E. Kelley, Troutman Pepper Locke, Washington, D.C. Wesley D. Bizzell, San Francisco, CA Reginald Johnson, Dallas, TX Camille R. Bryant, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, LA
5:00 p.m.	Diversity and Inclusion Committee Meeting (open to all)
6:00 p.m.	Thursday Networking Reception Join us for a networking reception at the hotel, bringing together diverse and emerging civil defense attorneys from the Young Lawyers and Diversity for Success Seminars. This is a great opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and build relationships within a vibrant community of young legal professionals shaping the future of civil defense. Grab a cocktail, DRI mocktail and engage with fellow attendees before an evening of dine-arounds and camaraderie.
8:00 p.m.	Dine-Arounds Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own). Sign up for Dine-Arounds

Friday, June 13, 2025

Time (Central)	Session
8:30 a.m.	Registration and Coffee Service
9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	Corporate Expo (by invitation only)
12:30 p.m.	Adjourn

Small Group Networking

Gluten-Free Gumbo Ya-Ya Making Class
Date: Wednesday, June 11 from 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Pricing: $125/person - can be added when you register for the conference*
Location: Onsite at Sheraton New Orleans

Attention attendees with a penchant for the spicy and the gluten-free! Get ready to stir up some Bayou magic at our "Cooking Class: Gluten-Free Gumbo Ya-Ya" small group event. The Sheraton New Orleans culinary team is bringing their A-game, with the recipe, ingredients, and kitchen all prepped and ready to transform you into a Crescent City cuisine connoisseur. Whether you're a seasoned gumbo aficionado or a newbie looking to add some Cajun flair to your repertoire, this hands-on class promises to be an adventure that will have your taste buds doing the cha-cha-cha. Don't miss this chance to add some Nawlins' flavor to your culinary skills!
*Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are non-refundable unless DRI cancels the event due to not meeting the minimum attendance requirement.

CLE Information

Earn up to TBD hours of continuing legal education hours (CLE) from this seminar.

View CLE Credit by State

In some states that charge late CLE submission fees, there will be a $100 late fee to report CLE credits submitted more than 30 days after a seminar/virtual event. Click here for details on CLE late fees.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

DRI's Diversity for Success Seminar is proudly supported by:

If you would like to contact DRI about seminar sponsorship opportunities (including pricing) or to reserve a spot, please visit the sponsorship page.

DRI Cares

Special Olympics of Louisiana

DRI Cares and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee invite you to support Special Olympics of Louisiana at the DRI Diversity for Success Seminar! The Special Olympics of Louisiana is an organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports or children and adults with intellectual disabilities. On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Nottoway (4th floor), please sign up to volunteer and join us as we have a Unified Experience Day with our Olympians!

Blessings in a Backpack

Please join us in supporting Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. Seminar attendees will have the opportunity to fill bags of food on the way to the joint networking lunch on Thursday, June 12. Feeding a child before you feed yourself is a wonderful way to support children and families in the New Orleans community.

We need volunteers on Thursday, June 12 at 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. in the Rhythms Foyer (2nd Floor). If you are interested, please click the button below to sign up.

Donate to Blessings in a Backpack

Additional Resources

If you have any questions or concerns regarding DRI programs, please contact DRI Customer Service at 312.795.1101 or custservice@dri.org.