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Defying the Shifts: Building Inclusion & Belonging in an Unpredictable World of Work

August 13th, 2025
11:30am - 3:30pm ET
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About

In an era of seismic political, legal, and social shifts, inclusion and belonging are no longer optional, they are essential. This year's Inclusion@work Seminar dives deep into how organizations can not only sustain but amplify their DEI efforts amidst challenges, driving innovation, engagement, and a sense of belonging for all employees.


As political pressures mount and legal frameworks shift, including recent executive orders targeting diversity programs, leaders must double down on their commitment to creating inclusive cultures that attract and retain top talent.


Participants will hear from thought leaders, DEI innovators, and corporate trailblazers who are navigating these changes head-on. From understanding the impact of Supreme Court decisions on DEI efforts to leveraging Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as a foundation for belonging, this seminar delivers both the "why" and the "how" of building resilient, inclusive organizations in today’s world.
 

Key Takeaways

  • Navigate Complexity: Gain insights into how recent political and legal changes are reshaping DEI strategies and HR practices.

  • Lead with Data: Learn about the financial and cultural benefits of embedding inclusion into talent strategies, supported by research from MIT Sloan and others.

  • Actionable Ideas: Walk away with tools, frameworks, and case studies to supercharge your inclusion efforts.

Previous Sessions & Resources

Agenda

11:30am EST
TO
11:40am EST
Opening Remarks & Welcome

Zech Dahms, Community and Culture Program Director, achieve Engagement

11:40am EST
TO
12:10pm EST
Opening Keynote: The New Realities of Inclusion: Courageous Leadership in the Face of Change

This keynote will explore the undeniable shifts affecting DEI in 2025, from executive orders dismantling federal DEI programs to the increasing legal risks for organizations maintaining robust diversity initiatives. We’ll discuss the courage it takes for leaders to champion inclusion amidst adversity and the rewards of staying the course.

12:10pm EST
TO
1:25pm EST
Impact Accelerator:  Belonging at Scale: Transforming ERGs into Strategic Powerhouses

This session will spotlight case studies that transformed its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) into strategic drivers of engagement and inclusion. By aligning ERGs with business objectives, they boosted retention rates among underrepresented groups and increased overall employee satisfaction by 15%. Attendees will walk away with actionable frameworks for leveraging ERGs to build cultures of belonging.

1:25pm EST
TO
2:05pm EST
Panel Discussion: DEI Disrupted: How Major Players Are Evolving to Meet the Moment

This panel brings together leaders from companies that have doubled down on their DEI efforts, even as others scale back. Panelists will discuss the risks and rewards of standing firm in the face of political and legal headwinds. Drawing on recent data, like the 9.8x increase in employee engagement in inclusive environments, panelists will share strategies for navigating the evolving DEI landscape, aligning DEI with business outcomes, and fostering resilience in the workplace.

2:05pm EST
TO
3:20pm EST
Impact Accelerator: From Intent to Impact: Measuring DEI ROI in a Shifting World

Learn how to implement innovative DEI metrics to measure the ROI of inclusion efforts. By strategically aligning DEI goals with organizational KPIs, companies see a 12% increase in innovation outcomes and a measurable boost in employee retention. Attendees will gain practical insights on linking DEI metrics to broader business strategies and showcasing the tangible impact of inclusive practices.

3:20 pm EST
TO
3:30pm EST

Zech Dahms, Community and Culture Program Director,  achieve Engagement

Closing Thoughts - From Ideas to Action: What’s Next?

Why Attend

  • FREE to attend, thanks to our incredible event supporters!

  • Amazing content from an exciting speaker lineup of thought leaders.

  • Interact with speakers and peers in a LIVE virtual setting.

  • All registrants get access to the content On-Demand for 30 days.

  • Earn SHRM & HRCI recertification credits.

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