Rice Business’ annual conference, “Sparking Success: The Intersection of Business and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” will take place Oct. 25. The event bring together academics, corporate leaders and communications experts for dialogue and skill-building around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in business.
“Sparking Success” provides a forum for awareness and discussion with panels presenting the science of DEI, how to improve corporate DEI, why neurodiversity matters, legal considerations and how to handle difficult conversations.
"Rice Business wouldn't be what it is today without our tight-knit and inclusive culture, because we believe that the best ideas emerge from collaboration among diverse perspectives,” said Peter Rodriguez, dean of Rice Business. “We value and foster this culture not only because it leads to better outcomes, but because it is a critical leadership skill in today’s increasingly global and inclusive workplace.”
A keynote address from Mikki Hebl, the Martha and Henry Malcon Lovett Chair of Psychological Sciences at Rice, will present research findings from her latest book co-authored with Eden King, “Working Together: Practicing the Science of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.” The book blends descriptions of case studies with large-scale robust evidence to help leaders recognize the imperative of DEI in organizations, identify their own personal barriers and those of their organizations and specify strategies for achieving positive and persistent change by working together.
What: “Sparking Success: The Intersection of Business and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”
Who: Rodriguez, dean and professor of strategic management at Rice Business; Hebl, professor of management at Rice Business; Kevin Giddins, senior architect of DEI at NRG; Seema Santhakumar, hydrogen market development leader-Americas at Baker Hughes; Stanley Kazibwe, DEI program manager at Cheniere; Toya Cirica Bell, global director of DEI at Bazaarvoice; Beth O’Sullivan, communication coach; Tracy Winter, neurodiversity specialist and executive coach; Tracie Hall, The Law Office of Tracie M. Hall; Richard Baker, HR executive director of people, equity and development at Rice; Yoonhwi Cho, global senior diversity and inclusion manager at K&L Gates; and Ijeoma Nwaogu, owner of Everlead.
When: Friday, Oct. 25, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. with networking reception to follow.
Where: Shell Auditorium in Rice University’s McNair Hall. Parking is available in the Central Campus Garage. The conference is free, but registration is required.
For the full event agenda click here. This conference is sponsored by NRG, Phillips 66 and Cheniere.