2021 Diversity Summit

1:00 PM	Welcome and Introduction By Jenny DeHuff, Editor; City & State PA
1:05 PM 1:15 PM	Keynote Remarks By Secretary Curt Topper; Pennsylvania Department of General Services Interview with Representative Malcolm Kenyatta; PA House of Representatives District 181 and Jenny DeHuff, Editor; City & State PA
1:30 PM	MWBE & Top Procurement Projects Panel The opportunities for government contracts in Pennsylvania are starting to bounce back. Between the major cities and state, there will be billions of dollars in capital spending over the next few years. What are the top projects in transportation, construction, technology, healthcare and more? What kinds of contracts will be available for MWBEs? How has COVID-19 highlighting racial disparities affect the way Pennsylvania is now handling these opportunities? Get invaluable insight and strategic advice from agency leaders and prime contractors on how to best position your business to win contracts. Moderated By Teresa Lundy, Principal and Founder; TML Communications Panelists: Iola Harper, Deputy Commerce Director; Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity Toni P. Brown, Chief Administrative Officer; Delaware River Port Authority Kerry Kirkland, Deputy Secretary; Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business OpportunitiesPennsylvania Department of General Services Lisette Martinez, Executive Vice President for Inclusion, Diversity & Community Engagement; Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health Sharmain Matlock-Turner, President and CEO; Urban Affairs Coalition Kristin Malek, Director of Business Diversity; CDW
2:30 PM	Diversity in Pennsylvania Panel Pennsylvania is working harder than ever to implement inclusive hiring practices and foster a diverse workforce. These strategies are a win-win: they promote good outcomes and help organizations remain competitive. What else can the government and sectors like tech, education and health care s do to increase diversity and inclusion? How can Pennsylvania’s government ensure that the diversity in this city and state is further embraced? Introduction Remarks By Christi Powell, WBE/MBE Market Manager and Commercial Sales; 84 Lumber Moderated By Justin Sweitzer, Senior Reporter; City & State PA Panelists: Chad Dion Lassiter, Executive Director; PA Human Relations Commission Nefertiri Sickout, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer; City of Philadelphia Dr. Denise Pearson, Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education Paula Bailey, Senior Vice President, Chief Equity Diversity and Inclusion and Belonging Officer; Grant Associates Karen Spencer Kelly, Founder and Principal; KESK Consulting, LLC
3:30 PM	Sessions Conclude