As 2024 comes to a close, I am filled with both gratitude and humility as I reflect on the incredible speaking opportunities this year— from thought-provoking panel discussions and talks at DEI elite companies, to engaging in the non-profit sector, it has been a year filled with meaningful conversations and inspiring connections. Some of these include:
It was a pleasure to speak with Disney's TWDC Enterprise Diversity, Equity and Inclusion global HR leaders and share some of the lessons I have learnt over the past three decades.
I was honored to join many other esteemed speakers at the 2024 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Learning DEI Council at the Dallas Federal Reserve in February. I shared my thoughts on the power of allyship and how transformative allyship takes curiosity, courage and commitment.
I was delighted to join Aruna Ranganathan, Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior for a fireside chat at University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business. It was so encouraging speaking to these young leaders at Berkeley- they reinforced my hope of the promise of a more equitable, just and sustainable society for future generations.
The Global Summit of Women is a truly global event with delegations from Spain, Mexico, Vietnam, Kazakistan, Thailand, France and more. This year, the Summit was in Spain and I participated on a panel on developing visibility internally and externally, alongside Dr. Annette Matzat from Mercedes-Benz AG; Dr. Cindy Pace from MetLife; and Marina Specht Blum, CEO McCann Worldgroup, Europe.
On the same trip, I travelled to London to participate in a fireside chat with Ritika Wadhwa, Founder and CEO of Prabhav Global for a fireside chat on Sustainable Global DEI Transformation. We discussed how the 5 Principles in my book can effectively advance and sustain global DEI transformation. The atmosphere was fantastic with an engaged audience whose energy, enthusiasm and passion continues to instill me with the hope of a brighter future!
A highpoint for me was the 2024 Martha’s Vineyard Chief Diversity Officer Summit appropriately titled: The Future is Now: Are You Prepared? 240 CDOs attended and discussed how to address the backlash against DEI. The venue and ambience allowed for self care as CDOs navigate the new normal. I was honored to be In dialog with Ramcess Jean-Louis, CDO of Pfizer on “Strategize to Globalize DEI.” Kudos to Dani Moore for nurturing this amazing community and providing great content at a time when it is most needed.
Omnicom's Open Leadership 2024 Summit provided me the opportunity to engage with their DEI community and engage in a fireside chat with Ericka Riggs, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, OSMG on “Cultural/Global Understanding: DEI Around the World.” Kudos to Emily K. Graham, Global Chief Equity & Impact Officer, Omnicom Group for building a high performing team and continuing to invest in their learning and growth.
Working with Kim B. and Janine Jones and the PAN Foundation was special given Pan’s focus on health equity. Working with their board was an honor as we engaged in a dialog about both the importance of DEI to the Pan Foundation Board and the incredible opportunity Pan has to be a leader in this space.
I would like to thank each and every one of you who listened, engaged, and shared in these conversations. Your presence, your questions, and your insights have made every talk, every panel discussion and every presentation meaningful. I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak, to learn, and to grow alongside all of you. And as we look toward the future, I encourage each of you to find your own voice, to share your own stories, and to use your platform—however big or small—to make a difference.
Comentários