Keynote Speaker

MARCUS

BULLOCK

CEO/Flikshop | TED Speaker

Opportunities not Obstacles

Marcus Bullock is a husband and father that grew into a tech entrepreneur who wants to reduce recidivism. He leverages his own journey to share a story about resilience and overcoming obstacles, which he hopes will build stronger communities, more diverse companies, and more inclusive colleges & universities. Marcus is the CEO of Flikshop, a TED speaker, and most recently launched the Flikshop School of Business, where his team introduces tech and entrepreneurship strategies to returning citizens.

Breakout Sessions

The Importance of Age Diversity in the Workplace

RODNEY

CATES

Vice President of HR

Madera Compnies

ADRIENNE

COZART

Owner and CEO

Cozart HR Consulting

MAX

FLORES

Executive Director of

Human Resources

Lubbock ISD

BECKY

PALMER

President, West Texas Division

Atmos Energy

*Moderated by Steve Beck

Age discrimination is flourishing. 1 in 4 workers aged 45 and older have received negative comments about their age from supervisors or co-workers. Yet, age diversity has a positive impact on the workplace through increased productivity, skill diversity, mentorships, and improved employee retention.

Small Changes Making Big Impact - Beyond Compliance for True ROI

JAMES

HARRIS

CDP, Senior Director

Diversity and Inclusion: HEB

This is a look at what can happen when there are no limitations to who and how businesses serve. Presenters will share ways that they have made changes, diversified product lines, or made other improvements that go beyond compliance to serve meet the needs of wider audiences. We will explore how that shift in doing business has affected culture and improved the bottom line.

Hiring Reimagined - Finding New Pathways to Hiring Success

CASH

EAGAN

Vice President

Llano Logistics

CINDY

SZENTTORNYAY

HR Manager

Howdy Ice Cream Shop

KAMI

GOLIGHTLY

HR Business Manager

Llano Logistics

JAIMIE

HAVENS

Program Director

High Point Village

Hiring those who face obstacles during the hiring process: that’s exactly what these companies are doing! We’ll explore the brands and organizations that are creating second chances and building new business models that include those with physical and invisible impairments.

Inclusivity in Marketing: Companies That Get It and Ones That Don't

TELEA

STAFFORD

JACKSON

President

Phenixx Marketing & Media

We’ve all seen it ... a well-intentioned diversity campaign gone wrong. But how did they get there? Our presenter will share case studies and lead a discussion about how to hit the mark by having the right people taking part and leading the planning for advertising and marketing campaigns.

How Diversity is Evolving: Creating a Culture of Belonging

KEVIN

MCCONIC

Regional Chief Diversity Officer

Covenant Health

Is adopting a diversity and inclusion stance enough? Diversity can become about numbers and percentages; belonging is about how you feel when you are at work. Our workforce, especially post pandemic, is looking for work environments where they feel valued and where their perspectives and insights matter.

Service Animals in the Workplace

JON

HOOYENGA

Founder/President

Duty First Assistance Dogs

Now is the time to understand the importance and role of a service dog in the workplace, as well as the challenges it may present and how to handle them. Not all disabilities are visible, and many Veterans and First Responders battle with PTSD and other psychiatric challenges. The use of service animals can help them regain their independence and live healthy and productive lives. We will discuss what the difference is between a service animal and an emotional support animal, how to appropriately interact with a service dog, the rights of the employer as well as the individual with a disability, and how to handle challenges that may arise.