Diversify: Learn, grow, collaborate

Join Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce members and guests for Diversify, a half-day summit highlighting diversity, inclusion and the 21st century workplace. June 19 at the Chattanooga Convention Center, Diversify features breakout sessions led by local professionals and a lunch program keynoted by diversity expert Deborah Elam.

Join Us for Diversify

8 a.m. Breakfast, networking & welcome session with a panel featuring the day's speakers.

9:15 a.m. Sessions (choose one)

Unconscious Bias

Ronald Harris, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

Unconscious bias: We all have it whether we admit it or not. Failure to acknowledge bias adversely affects hiring practices, culture, recruitment, retention and attrition of existing employees. This session gives attendees the opportunity to share, explore and discuss unconscious bias.

The Role of Empathy in Inclusion & Diversity

Sabrina Moon, Problem Solving Institute

Explore the role empathy plays in building an inclusive and diverse culture. Topics for this session include defining empathy, how to build skills in empathy and how to measure empathy.

Workplace in My Shoes: A Disability Simulation

Luronda Jennings, Hamilton County Schools

An interactive simulation for employers, community partners and volunteers of what life is like with a disability. Participants will engage in simulations to gain a new level of empathy and appreciation for those living with autism, language impairment or an intellectual disability.

10:15 a.m. Sessions (choose one)

Creating a Diverse Workforce

Summer Kohlhorst, Center Centre

Learn techniques and strategies Center Centre uses to attract and retain a talented and diverse workforce. This session overviews the model of Center Centre co-founder Leslie Jensen-Inman, Ph.D., for designing a better work experience for a range of accessibility needs.

The 5 Point Diversity & Inclusion Strategy

Teresa Daniel, HR Consultant

The 5 Point Diversity & Inclusion Strategy assists businesses in developing a plan to encourage a culture of diversity and inclusion within their organizations. This session will be interactive, engaging and a place to share inclusion best practices and resources.

Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?

Alexis Willis, The Startup Maven

The first African-American billionaire Reginald Lewis wrote "Why Should White Guys have all the Fun." Based on the book, this session contemplates how to navigate the workforce as a person of color and strategies for building an empire.

Deborah Elam

11:30 a.m. Diversify Luncheon

Featuring Deborah Elam, President & CEO, Corporate Playbook

Deborah Elam began her 30-year career at General Electric as an intern, working her way up to Chief Diversity Officer and later GE Foundation President. As GE's first black female corporate officer, she dedicated her career to diversity, philanthropy and inclusion. She's received numerous accolades and awards.

In 2017 Elam launched Corporate Playbook, a business consulting firm specializing in coaching organizations to elevate diversity, inclusion and philanthropy. Learn more at corporateplaybook.com.

1:30 p.m. Sessions (choose one)

Inclusive Workforce Planning for Diversity

Greg Laudeman, Eduity

Workforce planning gives employers the opportunity to avoid problems and build capabilities to compete within their industries. To be effective, workforce planning must be inclusive, intentional and strategic. The best strategies come from including diverse perspectives in the conversation. Bring a laptop and get started on workforce planning for your organization during this workshop.

Onboarding for Retaining and Promoting

Pipan Wilson, Unum

About 60-70% of veterans leave their first job between the first and second years. Mentoring veterans during their first few years of employment can significantly reduce the turnover rate. This session explores how workplaces can support mental health.

Cultural Competency Training: The Latino Market

Stacy Johnson, La Paz

Prepare your workforce to serve diverse internal and external customers with this training focused on recognizing cultural world views, discovering attitudes toward differences and developing cross- cultural skills that lead to better communication and higher levels of productivity at work.