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Inclusion Summit Announces More Programming for 2023 Event

November 2, 2023

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Nov. 2, 2023) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced more programming for its 11th Annual Inclusion Summit scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 15. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the FFA Enrichment Center.  

The event will feature a panel of CEOs to discuss inclusion-related topics and best practices. The panel will include: 

  • Dr. Ian Roberts, Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent 
  • Rosalind Fox, Factory Manager with John Deere 
  • Scott Jean, President and CEO, EMC Insurance Companies 
  • Dr. Daniel Zinnel, Chief Executive Officer, Proteus, Inc. 
  • Dr. Marvin DeJear, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at The Partnership (Moderator)

The event will also feature a DSM 4 Equity Panel discussion with leaders from Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses and organizations.  

The panel will include: 

  • Julian Neely, United LEAGUE and LINC Director, United Way of Central Iowa
  • Tanner Krause
  • Dr. Marvin DeJear, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at The Partnership (Moderator)  

The Summit will also include the presentation of the Inclusion Awards, honoring employers who have championed inclusion at their businesses, organizations and in the community.  

“The Inclusion Summit will feature idea-sharing and thought leadership from regional business, organization and community leaders and celebrate organizations that are following best practices in continuing on their inclusion journey,” said Dr. Marvin DeJear, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at The Partnership. “Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from renowned keynote speakers who will provide inspiration and actionable steps people can take to advance inclusion practices.”   

As previously announced, this year’s keynote speakers are Michael Amilcar, CEO and Principal Consultant at Be Equitable, and Dr. Nika White, Founder and Lead Principal Consultant of Nika White Consulting. 

Amilcar has more than 25 years of experience in inclusion, equity, leadership development and organizational change management. She and Be Equitable have partnered with organizations of all sizes to build equitable, healthy and thriving workplace cultures that work for all. Amilcar’s desire to bring about social change is rooted in her own identity as a proud Black Latina born and raised on the south side of Chicago. She is a sought after speaker and panelist, providing expertise on topics related to inclusion, workplace equity, and strategic organizational change. Prior to Be Equitable, Michael held senior leadership roles at Diversity Best Practices (now Seramount), AXA Financial, NBCUniversal, and Magic Johnson Enterprises. 

Dr. White helps maximize people’s and organizations' effectiveness, potential and capacity through optimized systems and culture. Her overall praxis and scholarship are in organizational development and industrial psychology, specifically focusing on systematically operationalizing strategic and intentional efforts that foster diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. This holistic approach centers organizations’ most essential asset — its human capital. The heart of Dr. White’s work systematically moves people and organizations toward change for better results. She is an award-winning management and leadership consultant, keynote speaker, published author and executive practitioner for inclusion efforts across corporate, government, nonprofit and education sectors. 

Sponsors for the Inclusion Summit include Premier Sponsors Veridian Credit Union and Wells Fargo & Co., Gold Sponsors EMC Insurance Companies, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and Nationwide, Silver Sponsors Bankers Trust, IMT Insurance, NCMIC and Sammons Financial Group, and Bronze Sponsors Athene, Casey’s General Stores, Inc., Des Moines University, GreenState Credit Union, Merchants Bonding Company, UnityPoint Health – Des Moines and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa.  

Learn more, find the latest updates and register 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 400 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.