Equity and inclusion webinar series in partnership with BGE
The Maryland Chamber Foundation launched a six-part webinar series showcasing best practices for developing strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. The series, sponsored by BGE, features business leaders from high-profile companies who are driving systemic change in their own organizations and communities. No matter the industry, diversity, and inclusion have to be a business imperative—a core part of a company’s collective purpose.
Established in 1987 and revived in 2017, the Maryland Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on ensuring that Maryland is a place where people are proud to live and work, and on researching issues important to Maryland: the economy and business climate, the talent pipeline, and the educational and workforce development needs to fill that pipeline. As the research and development arm of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce (MDCC), the Foundation uses data-driven research to help drive MDCC’s grassroots advocacy efforts and implement premier education and workforce development initiatives.
Past Webinar Sessions
Webinar #1 | July 20, 2020 | The business imperative for equity and inclusion in the workplace
No matter the industry, diversity, and inclusion have to be a business imperative—a core part of a company’s collective purpose. Attendees will learn how BGE, an Exelon company, has built an environment that unlocks the potential of diversity and ensures that the best ideas and practices can emerge and be embraced. By integrating alternative perspectives, companies gain additional insight into how to solve problems, innovate, and meet the needs of their customers and communities. Ultimately, these benefits impact your regulatory compliance and workplace culture. Click here to view the past event webpage.
Moderated by:
- Sandy Grace, vice president governmental & external affairs, BGE
Panelists:
- Steve Woerner, President & COO, BGE
- Rodney Oddoye, SVP governmental & external affairs, BGE
- Frank Kelly, diverse business empowerment manager, BGE
- Danielle Bradshaw-Lee, director of security, BGE
Webinar #2 | September 2, 2020 | Reducing bias in the workplace through hiring, retention, development, and promotion
From hiring to promoting, hear from representatives at Comcast key insights on how companies focus on reducing bias in the workplace and create inclusive cultures that support retention and employee engagement. This webinar will cover best practices to help ensure organizations are poised to deliver excellence in the workplace. Panelists will discuss tools to promote inclusion, foster a corporate culture that prioritizes equity, and best practices to create opportunities for teams to communicate and grow internally and externally – including Comcast’s four-prong plan.
Moderated by:
- Christine Ross, President & CEO, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
Panelists:
- Mary McLaughlin, regional senior vice president, Comcast Beltway Region
- Kelli Hill, regional vice president customer care, Comcast
- Loren Hudson, regional vice president human resources, Comcast
The Maryland Chamber Foundation is grateful to BGE for their ongoing support and sponsorship of the entire equity and inclusion webinar series. We’re excited that our partner, Comcast, supported the second webinar.
Webinar #3 | November 12, 2020 | Inclusive economic and workforce development: Good for growth and good for communities
As business leaders face the challenge of reconciling rising growth and rising inequality, the concept of inclusive economic and workforce development initiatives has emerged as the solution to the problem. Robert Matthews, Vice President of Workforce Development and Exelon Utilities Chief of Staff, Joe Jones, CEO, Center for Urban Families, and Sarah Hemminger, CEO, Thread will share approaches focused on growth with mutually beneficial outcomes for businesses, communities, and workers, including those in historically underinvested groups.
Moderated by:
- Christine Ross, President & CEO, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
Panelists:
- Robert Matthews, VP Workforce Development & Exelon Utilities Chief of Staff
- Joe Jones, CEO, Center for Urban Families
- Sarah Hemminger, CEO, Thread
Center for Urban Families resources
Webinar #4 | January 12, 2021 | Driving Business and Organization Impact through ERG Programs and Initiatives
Establishing a strong Employee Resource Program (ERGs) is essential for an organization to work towards an inclusive company culture. Employee Resource Groups are voluntary, employee-led groups who join together based on shared interests, backgrounds or demographics in order to develop best practices to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. These groups work together with the organizations they serve to create a cohesive work environment where differences, cultures and values are not only embraced but celebrated. View the event page here.
Moderated by:
- Nicole Durham, Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Exelon Corporation
Panelists:
- LaTara Harris, Regional Director, External & Legislative Affairs, AT&T
- Tavonna Cherry, Manager of Business Planning & Support, BGE
- Kenneth Lockie, Senior Manager of Talent Management and Organizational Design, BGE
- Mylisha Davis, Client Solutions Executive II – Global Healthcare, AT&T
The Maryland Chamber Foundation is grateful to BGE for their ongoing support and sponsorship of the entire equity and inclusion webinar series. Thank you to our partner, AT&T, for supporting the fourth webinar.
Webinar #5 | March 18, 2021 | Creating a Culture of Service
Establishing a culture of employee volunteerism and corporate social responsibility (CSR) at any organization is one of the most effective ways to increase your impact on the community, boost employee morale, and create an environment that enables your teams to thrive. Get inspired by a conversation led by experts in employee engagement. You’ll hear from leaders as they share insight into what makes their programs successful, emerging CSR trends, and innovative solutions to jumpstart your employee participation.
Moderated by:
- Tanya Terrell – Director of Corporate Community Impact, BGE
Panelists:
- Destiny-Simone Ramjohn – Vice President of Community Health & Impact, CareFirst
- Stacey Ullrich – Global Head Social Responsibility, Under Armour
- John Brothers – President, T. Rowe Price Foundation; and President, T. Rowe Price
- Jessica Gappa – Director, Community Impact, Comcast
Webinar #6 | May 18, 2021 | Understanding and Fostering Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Internally and Externally
Today’s headlines have brought equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) to the forefront of the workplace. Changing mindsets, behaviors, and business practices play an integral role in demonstrating your organizational commitment to drive meaningful change. This 60-minute webinar delves deeper into the meaning of EID, specifically addressing racism as a public health crisis. Hear from experts at Kaiser Permanente on how businesses can embrace EID internally and externally to:
- Foster a positive company culture and build an inclusive workplace
- Adapt best practices to make EID a business imperative across the organization
- Engage stakeholders to create healthy and strong communities
- Create a healthier and more engaged workforce where both your employees and your business can thrive
Experts will also share Kaiser Permanente’s approach to care delivery to eliminate health disparities.
Moderated by:
- Natalie Burke – President and CEO, CommonHealth Action
Panelists:
- Dr. Mona Gahunia, D.O. – Associate Medical Director, Operational Excellence, Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Kaiser Permanente
- Shannon Hines – Director, Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Wellness, Kaiser Permanente
- Tonga Turner – Interim Executive Director, Community Health, Kaiser Permanente
- Christopher Bradshaw – Founder and Executive Director, Dreaming Out Loud, Inc.
The sixth installment of the equity and inclusion webinar series is sponsored by:
The Maryland Chamber Foundation is grateful to BGE for their ongoing support and sponsorship of the entire equity and inclusion webinar series.
If you have any questions, including registering for a webinar, please contact Myriam Fuentes at mfuentes@mdchamber.org or (410) 269-0642.
Resources on equity and inclusion in the workplace from the Maryland Chamber Foundation
- Download the whitepaper from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: America’s opportunity gaps
- Lean In
- McKinsey & Company
- View this comprehensive study on Women in the Workplace
