Last week, over 250 business leaders from more than 70 organizations gathered at the 5th Annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference. The focus was clear: collaboration.
Speakers addressed diverse topics, from income restraints and education to criminal justice reform and healthcare. Each highlighted the necessity of collaboration—both from those directly and indirectly affected—to drive progress in our region. For our community to thrive and offer everyone the opportunity to live, learn and earn, many small steps are required to achieve major strides.
This year’s conference had a unique format, featuring fewer topics to allow deeper exploration of solutions and more time for attendees to connect and begin collaborating. Richard Waring, the Chamber’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, emphasized, “Our focus areas this year represented opportunities for us all to engage, offering our time and talent to collaborate on creating viable solutions for change. All presenters left us with actionable items that our communities can take part in. My hope and my ask are that you lean into organizations that are making positive impacts in diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Key presentations included:
- DJ Hampton and Natasha Chatman of Trident United Way: Discussed the ALICE Report, highlighting the struggles of those living above the poverty line yet facing income restraints.
- Dr. Jennifer Baez of Areito Consulting: Shared insights on how educational systems can impact diverse student groups without cultural consideration.
- Judge Ellen Steinberg and Mayor Reggie Burgess: Discussed data on incarceration rates and how community support can prevent “low-level” crimes from escalating into lifelong issues.
- Dr. Renee Linyard-Gary, Dr. Aretha Polite-Powers and Dr. Jeannelle Perkins-Muhammad: Participated in a panel on healthcare and mental health equity’s impact on communities.
- Amy Burch and Phyllis Martin: Shared insightful reflections on their personal and professional experiences in advocating for the people who mean so much to them.
The conference concluded with a panel discussion led by Herbert L. Drayton III, featuring Dr. Baez, Judge Steinberg, and Dr. Polite-Powers, on the intersection of education, criminal justice and healthcare. Attendees then had the opportunity to connect and foster collaborative relationships during a reception.
Waring expressed gratitude to the audience, participants and community for supporting the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to equity. “Please be encouraged by the work of the great organizations that are intentionally charting the path to equity,” he stated.
In the coming weeks, we will delve deeper into each conference session, sharing three key learnings from each.
The Chamber extends its thanks to our conference sponsors for their support and efforts in the DE&I space:
- Presenting Sponsor: Roper St. Francis Healthcare
- Premier Sponsors: Ogletree Deakins, Roberts Civil Engineering and South Carolina Federal Credit Union
- Reception Sponsor: Comcast
- Session Sponsors: Blackbaud and Pinnacle Financial Partners
- Lunch Sponsor: Mercedes-Benz Vans
- Media Sponsor: Charleston Regional Business Journal
- Lived Experience Sponsor: Palmetto Goodwill
- Table Sponsors: Charleston County Government, CTAR, College of Charleston, Cummins, Floyd Lee Locums, MAU Workforce Solutions, Nexans, Norfolk Southern, Norsan Media and Santee Cooper.
