8th Annual Inclusion Summit Scheduled for Nov. 10
GREATER DES MOINES, IOWA (Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020) — The Greater Des Moines Partnership announced that its 8th annual Inclusion Summit will take place virtually on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This year’s summit is a collaboration with United Way of Central Iowa to wrap up the 21-Day Equity Challenge. The event’s theme will be “Rising to the Equity Challenge," which aims to cultivate a community conversation about going above and beyond the work of Diversity and Inclusion and starting the journey to Equity.
The morning sessions will include three keynote speakers. During the afternoon, under the leadership of United Way of Central Iowa, participants will hear from a panel of young leaders on equity issues in our community, and have an opportunity to discuss the topics of Housing, Healthcare, Employment, Justice and Wealth in small groups.
Speakers for the summit include Dr. Eddie Moore Jr., who is recognized as one of the nation’s top speakers and educators; Dr. Laura Morgan Roberts, an innovative global scholar and consultant on the science of maximizing human potential in diverse organizations and communities; and Caroline Wanga, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Essence Communications Inc.
Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. has pursued and achieved success in academia, business, diversity, leadership and community service. In 1996, he started America & MOORE, LLC to provide comprehensive diversity, privilege and leadership training/workshops. His interview with Wisconsin Public Radio won the 2015 Wisconsin Broadcasters Association's Best Interview in Medium Market Radio, 1st Place, and he is featured in the film “I’m not Racist . . . Am I?” Dr. Moore is the Founder/Program Director for the White Privilege Conference (WPC). In 2014, Dr. Moore founded The Privilege Institute (TPI) which engages people in research, education, action and leadership through workshops, conferences, publications and strategic partnerships and relationships.
Dr. Laura Morgan Roberts serves as Professor of Practice at her alma mater, the University of Virginia, in the Darden School of Business. She has published over 50 research articles, teaching cases, practitioner-oriented tools for strategically activating best selves through strength-based development, and is co-author of the book “Race, Work, and Leadership.”
Caroline A. Wanga is currently the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Essence Communications Inc., the independent Black-owned consumer technology company focused on merging content, community and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color. Most recently, Wanga led Target’s strategic intent to champion an inclusive society with accountability for inclusive guest experiences, a diverse and inclusive work environment and societal impact.
Those interested in attending the event are encouraged to prepare for The Summit by signing up for the 21-Day Equity Challenge which begins on Oct. 5. The self-guided learning journey examines the history and impact of racism and how it shapes people’s lived experience. United Way of Central Iowa and hundreds of other local organizations are helping to spread the word, with the goal of enlisting more than 10,000 residents to participate in the challenge.
Presenting sponsors for the event are Wells Fargo & Co. and Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. Other sponsors include Nationwide, Veridian Credit Union, Bankers Trust, Athene and Belin McCormick, P.C.
Learn more and register for the Inclusion Summit on The Partnership’s Website.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.