Shape the Future DEI Summit Gallery-1

Welcome to

Shape the Future:

Inclusive Leaders Summit!

March 5th-6th, 2024 @  Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel, Milwaukee, WI

About

Join us for an inspiring 2-day In-Person Summit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from March 5th to 6th, as we gather to explore innovative strategies and cutting-edge tools that will empower Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leaders to shape the future. By attending the Inclusive Leaders Summit, you will develop a future-forward mindset, while building strong connections with other like-minded professionals in the field.

Our highly-interactive sessions, led by esteemed industry experts, delve into five essential areas that are crucial to the success of DEI initiatives.

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  1. The Time Crisis in DEI: Learn how the lack of time contributes to burnout among DEI leaders and discover effective time-management techniques to enhance personal resilience and productivity.
  2. Building Resourcefulness: Uncover resourceful strategies for maximizing DEI impact with limited resources. Allow your creativity to flow as you explore unique solutions that enable you to do more with less.
  3. Unifying Visions: Master the art of optimizing DEI strategies for greater impact by aligning team objectives with organizational goals. Learn how to create a cohesive and unified vision to accelerate change.
  4. Storytelling: Discover the profound power of storytelling and learn how to package your vision in a way that inspires others. Unlock the keys to captivating hearts and minds to build a deep and lasting commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  5. Managing Power: Become adept at leading across the organization by navigating power dynamics that exist at every level. Develop techniques for effective collaboration, communication, and negotiation to advance your DEI initiatives with success.
Why we love DEI work and its impact(1)-2

Why are we doing this?
OUR INSPIRATION

list A@2x-png-1 Academic Best Practices:

We read this article (and others like it), and there it listed the things that are most likely to burn people out.

“The top barrier to progress is not enough time for dedicated DEI work (59%), followed by insufficient resources and funding (43%), inability to create a unified strategy (38%), lack of data (34%) and lack of leadership support (29%), according to the report.”

“Diversity fatigue” was coined 30 years ago to describe the stress associated with management’s attempts to diversify the workforce through recruiting and retention efforts, according to the national trade association, Employers Council.

“Roughly 60% of diversity officers at S&P 500 companies left their positions between 2018 and 2021, according to a study by executive search and consulting firm Russell Reynolds.” If this is happening at the senior leader, what do you think is happening at the non-paid volunteer level in these organizations?

 


list B@2x-1Practical Experience

We researched thriving DEI officers and thought about the skills they have that make them successful.

Interestingly, the content we started to develop for the conference - which offers solutions to address the current market's relevant pain points - lined up with what DEI officers are saying and successfully implementing in their practices.

Below are the topics we'll address in 2024's Uplifting Impact DEI Summit.

 

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Addressing Relevant Industry Issues

DEI leaders currently face the following challenges in their work:

 

  1. Lack of Time: Given that 59% of respondents cited this as a barrier, DEI leaders often don’t have sufficient time dedicated to DEI initiatives and managing their workload.

  2. Insufficient Resources: DEI work is often under-resourced, both financially and in terms of human capital, as highlighted by 43% of respondents.

  3. Creating a Unified Strategy: About 38% of DEI leaders struggle to develop a comprehensive plan that aligns all aspects of an organization’s DEI efforts.

  4. Lack of Data: In order to make informed and effective decisions, DEI leaders need access to adequate data points. However, 34% reported a lack of such data.

  5. Lack of Leadership Support: Even the most dedicated DEI leaders can struggle without the backing of organization leaders. This was cited as a challenge by 29% of respondents.

  6. Diversity Fatigue: This term describes the stress associated with efforts to diversify the workforce. Managers and employees may become overwhelmed with the ongoing efforts to recruit and retain diverse talent, which can lead to burnout.

  7. High Turnover: According to a study by Russell Reynolds, about 60% of diversity officers in S&P 500 companies moved on from their positions between 2018 and 2021, indicating a high turnover rate.

As for the non-paid volunteer level within these organizations, similar or even magnified challenges exist. Volunteers, lacking financial compensation, can be even more prone to lack of time devoted specifically to DEI, greater resource scarcity, and severe diversity fatigue, which may lead to lower persistence and higher turnover rates.

The issues faced at the senior leadership level likely trickle down and may even be amplified for these individuals.

Our Venue

Saint Kate, located in the vibrant heart of Milwaukee, stands out as an extraordinary hotel with a unique blend of art, culture, and luxury accommodations. This elegant boutique hotel has garnered a reputation for its exceptional guest experience, characterized by its avant-garde design and innovative approach to hospitality. At Saint Kate, guests are immersed in an inspirational atmosphere that celebrates and showcases local and global artistic talent, with galleries, studios, and theatre spaces situated throughout the property.

Comfortably appointed rooms, top-notch dining options, and exceptional service heighten the guest experience while the hotel’s convenient location allows easy access to Milwaukee’s abundance of attractions, events, and nightspots. Saint Kate is truly an oasis for the curious, the creative, and the discerning traveler seeking an unforgettable stay.

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  • Milwaukee Skyline - Shape the Future
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Meet Your Summit Guides

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Deanna Singh

Founder & CEO, Uplifting Impact
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Deanna is a sought-after speaker and
trailblazer in the field of social change. As
an expert social entrepreneur, she is
obsessed with making the world a better
place, and she will build or break systems
to create positive change. Her dynamic
presence and inspirational messages
impact over 100,000 people annually. She
is an award-winning author, educator,
business leader, and social justice
champion who has dedicated her life to
creating positive change.


As the Founder and Chief Change Agent
of Flying Elephant, Deanna leads four
social ventures that work towards
creating a more equitable society. From
DEI and healthcare to children's literature
and leadership, these ventures are united
in their mission to shift power to
marginalized communities.Deanna's
impact extends beyond her social
ventures. She is the author of six books
including Actions Speak Louder and A
Girl’s Guide to Race & Inclusion in
partnership with American Girl.

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Dr. Justin Ponder

Co-Founder, Uplifting Impact
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Dr. Justin Ponder is a thought-leading Chief Information Officer at Uplifting Impact and a seasoned professor of Ethnic Studies, well versed in inspiring organizational transformations. He leverages his expertise to foster inclusion within a wide variety of organizations globally. He also instructs an esteemed certificate program on diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of the University of Wisconsin School of Business and the Center for Professional and Executive Development.

With an impressive dossier with numerous academic publications, Justin doesn't limit himself to the theoretical realm. He is fervently dedicated to applying his knowledge to transform practical scenarios. His passion fuels his initiative as a prolific  co-host of a globally recognized podcast that engages with DEI leaders worldwide. Sharing his invaluable insights, he also co-chairs the annual 'How to Be an Ally Virtual Summit' under the Uplifting Impact banner, shaping new allies around the world!

What to Expect & Tickets

Included in your Shaping the Future ticket:

icon1-1 Supplemental Tools icon2-1 Reflection Resources icon3-1 Industry Expert Collaboration
    1. Access to all scheduled conference sessions: This includes keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops on March 5-6th.
    2. Networking Opportunities: Mingle and establish connections with other attendees, sponsors, speakers, and exhibitors.
    3. Materials and Handouts: Conference materials and hand-outs from presentations or workshops, including supplemental tools,
      reflection resources, and learning tools
    4. Certificate of Participation
    5. Food and Drink (Included with Ticket Purchase): Breakfast will be served from 8AM to 9AM on March 5th and 6th.
      Join us for a unique Milwaukee Food & City Tours experience with our exclusive Multi-Cultural Meal at 3rd Street Market Hall. In collaboration with a diverse array of vendors, we're crafted a distinct experience that goes beyond a meal; it's a journey highlighting Milwaukee's rich diversity and culinary excellence in a single convenient and vibrant setting.  Be sure to RSVP below , once you purchase your tickets!

 

 

$850

Regular Price

$5,000

Sponsorship Packages

Registering a group of 5+? Purchase now and get 10% OFF

 

Time DAY ONE DAY TWO
8:00 - 9:00 AM Breakfast Networking & Registration
9:00 - 10:15 AM Opening/Welcome Keynote
10:15 - 10:30 AM Break
10:30 - 12:00 PM Building Resourcefulness: Strategies for Maximizing DEI Impact with Limited Resources Managing Power: How Do You Lead Across the Organization
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 - 2:30 PM The Time Crisis in DEI: How the Lack of Time Contributes to Burnout among DEI Leaders Unifying Visions: Optimizing DEI Strategies for Greater Impact
2:30 - 2:45 PM Break
2:45 - 4:15 PM Shifting Context: Navigating Geo-Political Issues in DEI Work Powerful Storytelling: How To Package Your Vision To Inspire Others
4:15 - 5:00 PM Ask Me Anything Session! How We Move Forward!
6:00 - 10:00 PM MKE Tour & Dinner, Tuesday, March 5th: Meet in lobby of Saint Kate

 

Sponsors that are Shaping the Future

Sponsors that are Shaping the Future

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Builder Banquet

A CELEBRATION OF HOPE AND LEADERSHIP

Honoring partners Uplifting Impact works with who are doing the real DEI work with passion and commitment. We want to recognize them and give them their moment of elevation, relaxation and joy!

 

More Information to Come! | March 4, 2024

 

Companies that have previously participated in How to be An Ally Virtual Summit

McDonald's Logo
Kohl's Logo
American Girl Logo
Planned Parenthood Logo
Associated Bank@2x
Wisconsin University Logo
NAWBO Logo
Penguin Random House Logo
Quad Q Logo
African American Leadership Logo
Penfield Logo
Molson Coors Logo

Milwaukee, WI Our Host City

Milwaukee, often referred to as the “City of Festivals,” presents itself as the ideal destination for conference goers seeking a dynamic, culturally diverse, and accessible location. Nestled along the stunning shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee boasts a thriving arts scene, historic landmarks, and world-class museums, offering an unmatched mix of learning and leisure opportunities. The city excels in its capacity to host a wide variety of events, thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities, rich infrastructure, and a warm Midwestern charm that is evident in its hospitable atmosphere. With an abundance of delectable dining options, a vibrant nightlife, and a burgeoning craft beer scene, Milwaukee provides countless ways to unwind and network after conference sessions. In addition, the city’s efficient public transportation system and an expanding list of accommodations for every budget make Milwaukee an attractive, hassle-free, and unforgettable destination for conference attendees.

Don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity to sharpen your skills, network with industry leaders, and be a part of the transformation towards a more inclusive future. 

Reserve your spot today and get ready to elevate your leadership abilities and make a lasting impact for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Have Questions About The Summit? Contact Us below...

Do you have questions? Contact Us...