{"id":12441,"date":"2024-09-26T12:58:40","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T18:58:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/board.org\/?p=12441"},"modified":"2026-01-29T22:54:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T04:54:21","slug":"dei-leaders-talk-2025-strategies-learning-and-development-and-more-at-our-fall-board-meeting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/board.org\/dei\/resources\/dei-leaders-talk-2025-strategies-learning-and-development-and-more-at-our-fall-board-meeting\/","title":{"rendered":"DEI Leaders Talk 2025 Strategies, Learning and Development, and More at the DEI Board Meeting"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]More than 40 senior DEI leaders joined us at our 2024 Fall Board Meeting, where they participated in honest, behind-the-scenes chats about leading diversity, equity, and inclusion at the world\u2019s largest companies.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The two-day event included small-group discussions, case studies, and four rounds of unconferences — where members get to choose the most pressing topics and challenges they’re facing in real time and benchmark with their DEI peers.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”12491″ image_size=”medium_large” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]The only thing missing from the Board Meeting was vendors, consultants, or agencies influencing the conversations.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jeannette Robles<\/span><\/a>, Global Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ADM, <\/span>said on LinkedIn<\/span><\/a> that she is feeling renewed and reenergized after being around fellow DEI practitioners who exchanged insights across industries.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at some of the topics we covered:<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n

DEI Strategy Case Studies:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Productivity and wellness strategies for becoming a more impactful DEI leader \u2014 led by <\/span>Nashunda Williams at JLL<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • The future of DEI: What history teaches us \u2014 led by <\/span>Jeannette Robles at ADM<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • DEI data: Let the numbers tell the story \u2014 led by <\/span>Errin Braddock at Enterprise Mobility<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Leveraging DEI incubators for values-driven systems and practices \u2014 led by <\/span>Melenie Choto at Chick-fil-A<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • DEI scenario planning: Mitigating risk \u2014 led by Jermisha <\/span>Pipkins Lynch at AbbVie<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n

    Member-Led Discussions:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Creating trans-inclusive spaces in times of polarization \u2014 led by <\/span>Dani Gomez-Ortega at McCain Foods<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Optimizing DEI learning and development \u2014 led by <\/span>Amy Hunter at Caleres<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Future-proofing DEI: Designing a strategy for the future \u2014 led by <\/span>Marisa Afzali at Progressive Insurance<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Engaging and retaining a diverse workforce \u2014 led by <\/span>Renita Smith at Staples<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”12443″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” img_link=”https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/dannielle-brown-37745b63_amazing-few-days-talking-about-all-things-activity-7240032705583722497-iuOO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n

      Unconferences to Explore the Top DEI Challenges at Large Enterprises:<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]On day two, DEI Board members set the meeting\u2019s agenda themselves through our Unconferences, fast-paced, peer-to-peer discussions where members suggest discussion topics, vote for their favorites, and join the conversations that interest them most.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      It means members are spending the entire time talking about the topics that are most important to them.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      Here\u2019s a look at some of the most pressing challenges DEI leaders are facing:\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Recognition of ERG leaders and members<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Anti-DEI sentiment<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Supporting employees through election year<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Integrating DEI in performance evaluation<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Engaging straight white men into DEI efforts<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Leveraging AI in your day to day<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Safely supporting development of diverse talent<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Diverse talent program structure<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Retaining and supporting underrepresented groups<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”12444″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]The best on-site discussions will grow as full community conversations in the coming weeks and months as we dig deeper together.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_image=”10232″ bg_position=”left top” background_image_loading=”default” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”75px” bottom_padding=”50px” text_color=”dark” text_align=”center” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Interested in learning more about membership?” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:35px|text_align:center|color:%23000000|line_height:1.5″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”15px”][vc_custom_heading text=”As a leader, your mission is important. We\u2019re here to help you win.” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%23000000|line_height:1.5″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”15px”][nectar_btn size=”medium” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” color_override=”#000000″ solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”fontawesome” text=”Apply to Join” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-chevron-right” url=”\/join\/”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        [vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none”…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":12445,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[172],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-12441","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-dei","8":"content-type-blog"},"acf":{"boardmc_hide_post_header":null,"boardmc_hide_site_header":null},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/board.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12441","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/board.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/board.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/board.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/board.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12441"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/board.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12441\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/board.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12445"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/board.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12441"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/board.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12441"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/board.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}