Diversity and Inclusion Professionals (DAIP)12th Annual Leadership in Diversity & Inclusion Award
A Slow Burn: Fanning the Flames of Sustainable DEIJ
In the last few years, social justice movements have inspired many organizations and individuals to embrace DEIJ—only to see this passion flicker and fade. Many of us have experienced burnout first-hand. Statistically, the average tenure of DEI professionals is 1.8 years, which is roughly one third the length of other executives. This work is hard, and it cannot fall on just one individual or a small group within an organization.
These trends are unsustainable, and this conversation is a call-to-action for all of us to fan the flame, regardless of our job title and sector, and whether we’re in a DEI or HR role, at a community organization, in academia, etc.
Panelists will explore topics such as:
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creating a workplace culture where the burden of DEI work is shared and ALL employees are set up to thrive,
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approaching your DEI plan as a long-term destination, not a short-term goal,
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incorporating mental health and wellness support to sustain your practitioners,
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And more.
Registration Fee: $125
SHRM Members: $50 (enter promo code: SHRM50)
Click Here to Register
This program will be submitted for recertification credits with HRCI and SHRM.
FEATURED PRESENTERS:
Kevin Matta
President, DAIP Board of Directors Senior Director of People and Culture at United Way of Rhode Island
Kevin Matta (he/ him) brings an extensive understanding and focused attention to the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging. Working closely with clients and the community, Kevin listens deeply and with empathy to fully understand their challenges and needs. Applying his insights and experiences, Kevin works in partnership to help shape the journey to raise awareness, expand connectedness, and strengthen inclusive practices. He also brings a sharp focus on client success and human engagement with his brilliant ability to make connections.
A strategic differentiator who is comfortable challenging the status quo, Kevin brings both passion and experience to his role. Bilingual in Spanish-English, he has worked in the non-profit, healthcare, financial services, small business, and within academia. He has a transformative effect on the numerous non-profit organizations he supports through his volunteer work including serving as Director of Operations for RI SHRM, serving on the board for the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, serving on Trinity Repertory Company’s Board of Trustees, and leading DAIP’s Board of Directors as President.
Kevin is a native Rhode Islander and known for his kindness. You’ll find him happily walking his rescue dog, Chloe, in Providence.
Adama Brown, PhD
United Way of Rhode Island
Adama Brown, PhD (she/her) As Director of Research & Data Analytics at United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI), Adama oversees UWRI’s research and data analytics activities, as well as the learning, evaluation and impact of UWRI programs and investments, and works with academic and community research partners to identify and undertake research to inform UWRI’s community investment and policy strategies.
At United Way, Adama is particularly interested in the ways that data and narrative inform philanthropic work and can act as a catalyst for change. Adama and her team utilize quantitative and qualitative approaches to better understand and reimagine UWRI’s impact, examine UWRI primary data sources, as well as information and referral data that serve as an indicator of community needs in Rhode Island. Adama also plays a key role in UWRI’s justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work by curating UWRI’s annual Equity Challenge, and as a member of UWRI’s culture, equity, and strengths committee.
Adama is a sociologist by training and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Texas at Austin and a PhD in sociology from Iowa State University with an emphasis in mental health, research methods, statistics, and social policy. She also earned an MDiv from Iliff School of Theology with a specialization in pastoral counseling and spiritual care, currently serving as a clergyperson in the New England Annual Conference (NEAC) of the United Methodist Church.
Adama is also a sixth generation Texan who is passionate about genealogy, jazz, and intersectional justice.
Gregory Brunson Diversity
Outreach Coordinator for the
Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital
Gregory Brunson (He/him/his) is Diversity Outreach Coordinator for the Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital. He received his bachelor’s degree from The University of Rhode Island in Communication Studies and has acquired a Diversity and Inclusion certificate from both Cornell and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Gregory has over 10 years of experience in business development.
In his role as Diversity Outreach Coordinator at Butler Hospital, Gregory collaborates with clinical site staff, as well as the communications and marketing teams, to enhance participation and engagement from traditionally underrepresented communities, and to raise awareness of the program and its mission.
He is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with national and regional organizations to build bridges to underrepresented racial, ethnic and geographical groups in the United States and establishing best practices for the Memory and Aging Program’s clinical and observational research trials.
Adama is a dedicated research leader with success defining scope, implementing QA strategies, ensuring compliance, adhering to strict deadlines, and utilizing key technological tools to optimize operations.
Orlena Cowan-Bailey, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Senior leader, speaker, DEI & culture consultant
Orlena Cowan-Bailey, SPHR, SHRM-SCP (she/her) is an award-winning senior leader, speaker, influencer, DEI and culture consultant, a.k.a your favorite “Workplace Superhero.” She is the founder and CEO of HR Zoom Consulting LLC (www.gohrzoom.com and www.HRSwagShop.com), where she’s able to maximize her passion, innovation and expertise to positively impact workplace cultures, strategy and business results.
Orlena is a multi-faceted culture architect with experience in various industries in the public and private sector, across multiple U.S. regions and Fortune 100 companies. She demonstrates expertise in employee relations, talent management & development, diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging (DEIB), training, corporate communications, event & program management, leadership coaching & development. She currently serves as the Executive Director of CT Human Resources Council (CTSHRM), a non-profit and regional affiliate of SHRM.
Fueled by her own experiences in overcoming adversity, Mrs. Cowan-Bailey is a life-long stakeholder, advocate and change agent advancing social justice, equity and cultural competence in the community and behind corporate walls. She’s on a mission to elevate workplaces and talent one culture at a time. Out of the many crowns she wears, her most important roles include being a wife to her loving husband and mom to two beautiful children.
