Future of Work Forum: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Welcome to the Digiday Future of Work Forum: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. To kick off this forum we will start with an open and honest discussion group to chat through the challenges and opportunities currently being faced across industries as it relates to diversity and accountability. This will be conducted under the Chatham House Rule.

Coronavirus restrictions, along with the struggle for racial justice, have created a unique turning point in society that forces all to reimagine what diversity and inclusion truly look like within the workplace and beyond. As a leading Black-owned multimedia platform, REVOLT is devoted to cultivating a sense of belonging both among its employees and within the Black community. Further instilling its dedication to culture and inclusion within its staff, REVOLT takes pride in its diverse mindset and company makeup. In this session, hear Detavio Samuels, ceo of REVOLT, discuss diverse leadership initiatives as a culture-driven media company.

Despite collective efforts to break barriers of entry in the current marketplace for the LGBTQ+ community, hurdles remain. In this session, Anthony Saniger, founder of Standard Dose, will walk us through the importance of building a platform that allows for diversity of thought, and creating safe spaces for a variety of voices and perspectives — discussing how leaders can acknowledge and support marginalized groups throughout each brand touch-point.

As companies have been pressured to work to create an inclusive and diverse workspaces, an intential focus has been placed on internal programming that promotes anti-racist environments, creating safe spaces for employees to be heard and seen.But how do you truly ensure you’re not propagating lip service and are actually implementing the right strategies? In this session, CEO of Mimconnect, Netta Dobbins shares how companies can implement a full 360-degree strategy that addresses and measures every aspect of the recruitment, employee engagement and operational side of your company.

Brands and agencies are working to reverse non-inclusive practices, but what many are missing is the traditional networks for recruiting. In this session, Kenny Mac, diverse marketing vp with Giant Spoon will share how by tapping into informal networks, the industry can avoid relying on automated systems which may be inherently racist.

Organizations that focus on ensuring their staff is seen, heard, supported, and properly represented will be the most in touch with culture and community and thus formative for the country and economy at large. In this session, hear from Devin O’Loughlin, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Communications Officer at RAPP delve into the social importance and business value of agencies prioritizing DE&I.

Since pressure has been put on brands to highlight social injustices and promote inclusivity, it is clear that Public Relations professionals are an essential guiding light for many brands and businesses during this time in our history. In this session, hear Melissa Duren Conner, partner of Jennifer Bett Communications speak to revising launch plans, strategically engaging with the media around significant cultural moments, and reworking messaging to ensure storytelling is impactful yet sensitive to the cultural momentum.