The Houston DiverseCity Summit is more than an event, it is an interactive experience catalyzing change, inspiring action and supporting companies across the Houston region in their collective efforts to create opportunity for all. 

Designed for business leaders and practitioners, this one-day symposium offers real-world insights on how to navigate the changing landscape around diversity, equity and inclusion. The case is clear. Businesses poised to flourish within our region understand how to deliver value while nurturing inclusivity and equity to harness the full spectrum of human potential.

Houston DiverseCity Summit includes: 

• 15+ speakers, thought leaders and experts offering diversity, equity and inclusion best practices and actionable insights applicable to all underrepresented groups
• Key findings and industry insights from the 2023 Houston Regional Equity & Inclusion Assessment
• Five interactive breakout sessions discussing emerging ideas and practical strategies to improve outcomes, enhance culture, ensure legal compliance and navigate organizational change
• Peer learning and networking to help participants connect and collaborate with regional leaders
• Luncheon conversation featuring thought leaders with real-world success stories
• Strategic insight into the evolving landscape around DEI and how it impacts the Houston business community

Full Summit Agenda:

Morning Plenary
Presenting highlights of the 2023 Houston Regional Equity & Inclusion Assessment.

• Debby Asuquo, Principal, Boston Consulting Group
• LaTanya Flix, Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Greater Houston Partnership
• Ilshat Haris, Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group
• Katie Pryor, Chief Development Officer, Senior Vice President of Member Engagement Greater Houston Partnership

Breakout Sessions

Inclusive Leadership: Pivotal Proficiency for Managers
Inclusive leadership has emerged as a critical competency on both an individual and organizational level that improves workplace culture and delivers tangible business value. Explore the managerial skills and practices that enable leaders to deliver enhanced outcomes for their teams, companies, and the broader community.

• Moderator: Janet Huber, Senior Vice President & Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, BOK Financial
• Derek R. Avery, Ph.D., C. T. Bauer Chair of Inclusive Leadership in the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston
• Enrica Ruggs, Associate Professor of Management, Associate Editor, Journal of Management, Associate Editor, Journal of Business and Psychology
• Carlecia Wright, Chief Culture & Engagement Officer, Lone Star College

Creating Opportunity for All: Where to from here?
Companies need actionable, comprehensive strategies to foster the recruitment, retention, and advancement of underrepresented groups. In the aftermath of the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, how can organizations ensure their DEI practices are grounded in fair treatment? Examine how the new legal landscape impacts corporate decision-making, explore the factors for success in achieving measurable, scalable, and sustainable DEI, and how to recalibrate when needed.

• Moderator: Arianne Dowdell, Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for Houston Methodist
• Roland Garcia, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig
• Christina Jones, VP, HR Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Shell USA Inc.
• Alveda Williams, Ph.D., Chief Inclusion Officer, Dow, Inc.

The Evolution of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
As employee, investor, consumer, and supplier expectations evolve, the demand for transparency and accountability has only increased. Gain insight into the synergy between DEI, CSR, and ESG and learn the tools required for your team to manage the accompanying tough conversations, polarized opinions, and stakeholder demands.

• Opening Remarks: Toi B. Harris, M.D., Senior Vice President & Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Memorial Hermann
• Moderator: David Feldman, Supply Chain Advisor – Supplier Diversity, Chevron
• Kristin Major, Chief Talent Officer, HPE
• Antonio Robinson, SVP - General Counsel, Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer, Carter's
• Kristin Starodub, Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP

How DEI Delivers Change Power
When companies successfully implement DEI policies and practices, they also improve their ability to successfully implement and manage other types of organizational change. This newfound agility increases employee engagement, strengthens culture, and boosts financial performance. Explore why DEI helps companies become more adaptable and build their “change power” and how leaders can capitalize on this correlation.

• Moderators: Alex Noether, Expert Partner, Bain & Company, and Kevin Murphy, Expert Partner, Bain & Company
• Ashley Coombs, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Camden
• Jobi Martinez, Ph.D., Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Harris Health System
• Qiara Suggs, Senior Vice President and Chief HR Officer, TDECU

DEI: The Engine of Competitive Enterprise Performance 
The business value of DEI encompasses not only a company’s impact in the community but also, crucially, its competitive performance. Identify the key drivers that power scalable progress, discover strategies that place suppliers at the core, and learn how to gain a competitive edge through robust and strategic DEI.

• Melissa Moye, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Enbridge
• Ingrid Robinson, President/CEO, Houston Minority Supplier Development Council
• Kelly Rooney, Chief HR and Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Waste Management
• Moderator: Suzanne Skipper, Managing Partner and Director, BCG

Luncheon

Speakers:

• Bob Harvey, President and CEO, Greater Houston Partnership
• Dr. Melanie Johnson, President and CEO, Collaborative for Children
• Katie Pryor, Chief Development Officer, Senior Vice President of Member Engagement, Greater Houston Partnership

2023 Regional Assessment Key Insights & Panel Moderator:

• LaTanya Flix, SVP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Greater Houston Partnership

Panel Conversation

Organizational Change as a Driver for Value Creation and Positive Impact 

Business leaders today are navigating economic and demographic shifts that require a strong focus on bolstering inclusion and removing barriers for underrepresented groups. Our C-suite panel will share thoughts on how organizations can adapt to new challenges and opportunities and deliver meaningful change at scale.

• Dr. Marc L. Boom, President and CEO, Houston Methodist 
• Antonio Robinson, SVP - General Counsel, Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer, Carter's
• Pamela Skaufel, Chief Procurement Officer and Vice President, ExxonMobil

Join us for the only local event that highlights the collective action of the business community to reduce inequities, amplifies DEI thought leaders and offers data-informed strategies to catalyze organizational change. 

Sponsorship opportunities are filling quickly for this event!

As a sponsor of this impactful event, your company will be highlighted among business and community leaders dedicated to DEI and aligned with unique content focusing on best practices, peer connection, and first-rate resources to help you mature DEI strategies for companies and organizations of all sizes. View the sponsorship opportunities for this event here.

For more information on sponsorship, please contact Terry Leibowitz at tleibowitz@houston.org or 713-824-2403.