| Time (Central) |
Session |
| 8:00 a.m. |
Registration & Coffee Service
Get to know the early risers in our group over a cup of coffee. |
| 8:30 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.
Darth Vaughn, Ford Motor Company, Newport Beach, CA
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, Segal McCambridge, Detroit, MI
Darryl A. Wilson, Regulatory, Sysco, Charlotte, NC
Ifedayo A. Jegede, Esq., Flock Safety, New York, NY |
| 10:30 a.m. |
Coffee Break |
| 10:45 a.m. |
Mental Health - Quick Hits
Darleene Peters, Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels LLC, New Orleans, LA |
| 11:00 a.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 Blount, Phelps Dunbar, Baton Rouge, LA
Sandra Diggs-Miller, Entergy, New Orleans, LA
Mike Brown, Nelson Mullins, Baltimore, MD
Elizabeth Sorensen Brotten, Foley & Mansfield, Minneapolis, MN |
| 12:00 p.m. |
DRI Cares
|
| 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, Paramount, New York, NY
Connor Peth, Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels, LLC, New Orleans, LA
Bryanna A. Jenkins, Lavender Rights Project, Houston, TX |
| 4:00 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
Nicole Brunson, Menomonee Falls, WI
Reginald Johnson, Dallas, TX |
| 5:15 p.m. |
Diversity and Inclusion Committee Meeting (open to all) |
| 6:00 p.m. |
Premier Networking Reception
Join fellow seminar attendees at our Premier Networking Reception. More details to come.
|
| 8:00 p.m. |
Dine-Arounds
Join colleagues and friends at selected restaurants for dinner (on your own).
|