Over the course of 2021, the National Diversity Council focused on creating programming and partnerships that aligned with enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in workplaces and communities. See a list of 2021 partnerships and programs below that the National Diversity Council successfully implemented. We look forward to continued advancement efforts in 2022:
Forbes Magazine Partnership
From February to July 2021, the National Diversity Council partnered with Forbes EQ Brand Voice to publish nine articles focused on diversity, equity and inclusion best-practices leading to 54,167 collective page views on Forbes, 550,157 total social impressions and 386 total social clicks.
$500,000 Grant from USAA
The National Diversity Council was awarded a $500,000 grant from USAA to increase access to internship opportunities for diverse students and create an executive diversity certification program to train senior leaders in companies. The National Diversity Council launched the pilot executive diversity certification program in September 2021 and the inaugural youth internship program in the summer of 2022.
Inaugural Programs
Emerging Leaders Internship Program
This program promoted collaboration, education and opportunity for diverse students by bridging qualified diverse talent with valuable internships at major organizations that value diversity, equity and inclusion. Students received hands-on work experience as a part of an eight-week paid virtual internship program from June to August 2021. This paid summer internship program focused on advancing racial equity in the workplace through talent pipeline efforts.
Executive Certification Program Pilot and 2022 Launch
The National Diversity Council has designed a special executive education experience for people at the vice president level or higher who wish to excel in inclusion, strategy, communication and influence. The pilot session for the Executive Certification Program was hosted in the fall, with plans to launch in the spring of 2022. The program has a faculty of recognized subject-matter experts whose extensive practical experience and evidence-based research is shared with participants. In addition, the program provides a rare opportunity for interaction and networking with peer senior executives in different industries who are interested in advancing DEI.
Disability Inclusion Academy Pilot and 2022 Launch
The DiversityFIRST™ Disability Inclusion Academy hosted a pilot in the fall, with plans to launch in the spring of 2022. The mission of the academy is to be a resource to both individuals and organizations seeking to achieve disability inclusion. The academy blends theory and practice over a one-and-a-half-day interactive curriculum, with the development of an action plan to effectively achieve disability inclusion for the greatest business impact through talent acquisition, customer service, reducing unconscious bias, culture change and compliance.
Inaugural Black Men in Leadership Summit
The Michigan Diversity Council (MIDC) in partnership with the National Diversity Council (NDC) and the National Coalition for Racial Justice & Equity hosted the inaugural National Black Men in Leadership Summit focused on the theme “Advancing Black Male Leaders: The Voice, Truths and Power of Black Men.” The summit included a keynote address from Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, general panel discussions and breakout sessions that focused on leadership development and advancement topics.
Inaugural Native American Summit
The Michigan Diversity Council (MIDC) in partnership with the National Diversity Council (NDC) hosted the National Native American Summit focusing on the theme “Standing Together and Taking Action.” The inaugural summit included a keynote address from The Rush Group Founder and CEO, Andra Rush, general panel discussions, and breakout sessions that focused on the Native American/Indigenous community and diversity, equity and inclusion topics. In addition, the conference served as a platform for organizations, leaders and individuals to share their stories, experiences, best practices and contributions in increasing Native American/Indigenous representation and creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace.
Conferences
National Healthcare DEI Conference – Keynote Speakers 16th & 17th Surgeon Generals of the United States
The Healthcare Diversity Council, an initiative of the National Diversity Council, hosted the National Healthcare DEI Conference focusing this year on “Managing Pandemics: Recover, Restore, Renew.” The two-day virtual event was filled with a lineup of speakers, ranging from healthcare executives and entrepreneurs to medical experts holding sessions addressing topics such as, but not limited to, “Managing your Workforce during a Crisis” and “How to Give Proper Healthcare to All.” There was also an awards ceremony recognizing healthcare diversity leaders and organizations who demonstrated innovative diversity initiatives and fostered a more inclusive and equitable work environment.
National Latino Leadership Conference – Keynote Speaker Tony Plana
The Council for Latino Workplace Equity (CLWE), an initiative under the National Diversity Council, hosted the Sixth Annual National Latino Leadership Conference from Sept. 14-Sept.15, 2021. The two-day virtual conference’s theme was “The Rise, Power and Influence of Latino Leaders” and featured award-winning Cuban-American Actor and Director, Tony Plana; chairman and CEO of the Pinnacle Group, Nina Vaca; the National Latinas in Leadership Program and recognized the 2021 Top National Latino Leaders and Top Employers of Latino Leaders.