During the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and later that year, the police murder of Minneapolis resident George Floyd, people were feeling isolated, tensions were high, and despair was the ruling emotion.

Four years ago, during this dark time, organizers with Engage! Cleveland, a community engagement organization for young professionals and business leaders who are passionate about making Cleveland a lasting home for the next generation, were searching for ways to unite people, host open and honest conversations about racial equity, and share feelings.

After experimenting with various platforms and programs, Engage! Cleveland ultimately hosted its inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion conference in October 2023.

DE&I Conference 2023The conference was a success—bringing in about 250 participants and representatives from 86 Cleveland companies—including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Foundation, the J.M. Smucker Company, Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, and Sherwin-Williams.

“It went super-well,” says Engage! president Ashley Basile Oeken of the 2023 conference. “It sold out last year, so we decided to bring it back this year, in a bigger space with different speakers and some panel discussions. It’s going to be a full day, and a lot of fun.”

The 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference takes place this Thursday, Sept. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Aviator on Brookpark Road.

After the success of selling out the inaugural conference last year, this second event is set to ignite groundbreaking conversations, share innovative best practices, and propel actionable strategies to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across all sectors in the workplace.

The conference is part of Engage! Cleveland’s broader efforts to attract, engage, and retain diverse, emerging talent in Greater Cleveland and its surrounding areas, says Basile Oeken, and has gathered an array of thought leaders, experts, young professionals, and advocates for a dialogue on the critical importance of diversity and inclusion in the business world.

A diverse slate of speakers and panel discussions will delve into the multifaceted dimensions of diversity and their profound impact on organizations, communities, and our society at large.

Key topics include:

• Decoding Intersectionality
• Equity in Action: Addressing Bias and Promoting Inclusion
• Building a Culture of Belonging
• Accessible Environments: Inclusion in Practice
• Cultivating Safe and Accountable Work Environments
• Developing a Strategic DEI Plan

“At Engage! Cleveland, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords, but fundamental values that drive progress and enrich our communities,” says Basile Oeken. This conference provides a platform for individuals and organizations to come together, share their experiences, and collaborate on creating a more inclusive future.”

DE&I Conference 2023The conference aims to equip attendees with actionable takeaways, foster vibrant networking opportunities, and inspire a renewed commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion both personally and professionally.

“It’s important to talk with emerging professionals about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and why it is important,” says Basile Oeken, adding that she’s heard a lot of participants say they don’t know how to introduce the topic at work.

“Having these events is an opportunity to educate and inform the early- and mid-career populations,” she continues. “We spend a lot of time working with our partners and community members in making sure everything resonates. It’s exciting to see what happens after the conference.”

Basile Oeken says she expects around 150 people to attend this year’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference, and registration is still open. Tickets are $125 and include a snack and parking.

The Engage! Cleveland Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference is sponsored by Boler College of Business at John Carroll University, Oatey, Oberlin College, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Union Home Mortgage, Cohen & Co., National Interstate Insurance, and Wellspring Financial Advisors. FreshWater Cleveland is the conference’s media sponsor.