Weeks before the Supreme Court banned affirmative action for higher education institutions, Amira Barger, EVP/Head of Health Communications & DEI Advisory at Edelman, published a piece in Fast Company that argued DE&I should not fall under the purview of HR.

Kristin Chenevert, health and wellness manager at Citizens Bank, shares a peek at her organization’s approach to DE&I.

It’s crucial for journalists to provide comprehensive coverage that goes beyond sensationalism and explores the deeper issues at play.

The far-reaching injunction against government departments and individuals against engaging with social media companies around disinformation, while providing free rein to individuals (and bots and foreign governments) to spread falsehoods, is in fact a looking-glass-world version of “1984” – completely at odds with George Orwell’s writings.

Between the panels, industry conversations, networking, and of course, croissants, I took a moment to reflect on why we were all there in the first place – to listen to new perspectives and continue to drive our industry forward. Below are my top four takeaways for PR professionals.

The Supreme Court decision is still fresh, and it’s worth considering what this could mean for overall DE&I efforts at work.

On this last day of Pride Month, we welcome an editorial from Robert Conner, an activist and expert in LGBTQ communications and media, on how this moment is fraught, “You must rise to meet it.”

The hiring frenzy brought on by George Floyd’s death inspired a great deal of agencies to hire more young Black creatives. Fantastic right? Well, to a point.

When communications leaders know how to navigate DE&I comms, they can set the stage for a stronger workplace culture.

Join moderator Patrice Tanaka and her guests as they discuss how some purpose-driven organizations are supporting employees navigate unpredictable times to remain productive at work and in their personal lives.

Today’s special guest is Patrick Ford, Professional in Residence at University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications.

Global omnichannel media agency Assembly is putting its money where its mouth is: The Stagwell subsidiary just announced an investment program that will directly support minority-owned and operated businesses, creating a cohesive way for clients to reach underserved consumers.

The International Communications Consultancy Organization has just released its latest annual report, surveying thousands of PR professionals across the globe to probe the perils and promise of the industry.

February is over and attention on Black History Month has disappeared. However, the need for ongoing efforts to promote DE&I initiatives remains critical. DE&I initiatives require sustained commitment and action beyond designated heritage months.

In my career, I imagine I have given over 1,000 public presentations. As a former fundraiser and current professional communications & DEI strategist, it is a part of my reality.

Janet Stovall, senior client strategist at NeuroLeadership Institute, discusses performative communications ahead of Ragan’s DEI Certificate Course for Communicators.

Today’s special guest is Helen C.  Shelton, Global Chief Diversity Officer at Finn Partners.  

There has been a lot of consideration given recently to the issues and concerns regarding diversity, inclusion, and systemic racism. We have become more sophisticated in our appreciation that diversity includes much more than race, nationality, gender, sexual preference, or expression. It includes such differences as thinking styles, communication, interaction styles, and much more.

Join the conversation on identifying and improving DE&I support for talent recruitment, corporate retention, and increasing brand awareness and reputation. Sponsored by The George Washington University Master of Strategic Public Relations, this discussion will feature industry leaders and experts on the topics facing society today. The experts will provide actionable insights, address employer/employee pain points, and discuss intersection of the issues. Topics include but are not limited to: identifying the principles of DEI, layers of identities, and corporate responsibilities. To learn more about our speakers, click here.

Did you know that a DE&I-focused talent program can transform company culture and affect how organizations think about the employee experience? Audible did just that with its “Next Chapter” Returnship Program which not only changed how it addressed hiring culture but helped set a new industry standard by helping communities in need with new pathways for employee engagement.