In the spring of 2020, the nation and world wrestled with events that exposed systemic racism and police brutality. At that time, The Executives’ Club of Chicago brought you the first installment of “Moving from Discrimination to Diversity to Equity.” Our panelists spent time unpacking how systemic racism has long been present in corporate America. Following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, our panelists spoke to what those championing work in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion were noticing, and presented action items that leaders could implement to move toward equity in the workplace, noting this move would be met with difficult conversations along the way.
Almost a year later, we bring back our panelists to address our progress as a community: what has stayed the same? What are the new challenges of widespread social unrest and how are we reckoning with white fragility, how can we restore faith in society after countless hate crimes across communities and what crucial actions must leaders take in this moment, a year later to ensure we don’t lose momentum in the fight for equity?
On May 25th Sabina Gebczyk, Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead, Ingredion Incorporated; Wil Lewis, Chief Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer, Experian; Val Lopez, Partner, Hanold Associates; Xavier Ramey, Chief Executive Officer, Justice Informed and our Moderator Julie M. Félix, MSc, PHR, Senior Manager, Diversity Recruiting & Programs, Western Digital sit down to discuss where we are now, and where this work is heading in the years to come.