Leadership Inclusive convened organizational leaders across Nashville for a fireside chat and small-group dialogues on the future of DEI in Tennessee. The session surfaced candid perspectives on the impact of new legislation and explored how organizations can sustain equity commitments in a shifting climate.

On Veterans Day 2024, Leadership Inclusive hosted a virtual panel featuring leaders from prominent Veterans BRGs, including representatives from Comcast NBCUniversal, T-Mobile, and Dollar General. Panelists shared how these groups not only support veterans and their families but also strengthen organizational culture and align directly with business priorities.

Outcomes & Impact:

• Highlighted proven strategies for launching and sustaining Veterans BRGs with strong executive sponsorship.
• Showcased how BRGs can bridge personal support with organizational impact, from community outreach to retention and leadership development.
• Provided a model for aligning BRG activities with broader business objectives, inspiring attendees to reframe BRGs as both cultural and strategic assets.

In partnership with the Academy of Country Music, BMI, and Culture Shift Team, Leadership Inclusive hosted an in-person event at the National Museum of African American Music. Black women artists and industry leaders shared their experiences, spotlighting barriers and opportunities for greater equity in country music.

The 2020 Racial Reckoning is three years passed. The inevitable backlash that comes with accelerated social progress is going full steam. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts are being demonized, weaponized, and exploited for political gain. How do we navigate these rough waters? How do we ensure, despite these headwinds, we are positioning our organizations to grow and accomplish our missions? In an increasingly diverse talent and consumer market, what does it mean to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging?.
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Panelists:

• Alicia Braswell – Sr. Manager, Diversity and Inclusion, Asurion
• Ebonee Davis Ifeobu – VP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Bridgestone Americas
• Julie Kratz – Speaker, Trainer and Author – Next Pivot Point
• Stacie Yee – Partner and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Pillsbury Law.

During Pride Month, Leadership Inclusive partnered with the Tennessee Pride Chamber and LGBTQ+ business leaders, including panelists from Dell Technologies and Postmates, for a critical discussion on protecting and supporting transgender employees. Speakers shared practical strategies for allyship, creating affirming workplace policies, and countering efforts that dehumanize the trans community.

Outcomes & Impact:

• Provided actionable guidance for allies on using privilege to advocate for trans coworkers.
• Highlighted model practices for building safe, affirming spaces within organizations.
• Strengthened partnerships with the LGBTQ+ business community to amplify support and advocacy.

As part of the Summer Inclusion Series, Leadership Inclusive explored how mental health initiatives and neurological diversity intersect with organizational inclusion. Experts and practitioners shared model approaches for supporting employee wellbeing while leveraging diverse cognitive strengths.

Leadership Inclusive gathered experts in racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, and women’s advocacy to address the rising threat of hate in communities and workplaces. Through dialogue and peer exchange, participants considered early warning signs, strategies for prevention, and ways to foster safe, inclusive environments.

Join the Tennessee Diversity Consortium for the second in a regular series of Virtual DEI forums offering TDC members the opportunity to:

• Network in small cohorts by industry or organization type
• Identify and share common challenges, obstacles and best practices around DEI
• Share resources and tools needed to accelerate DEI efforts
• Map out the near and long term future of DEI across similar organizations or industries

The TDC was formed as an informal network for DEI practitioners to share model practices for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The global pandemic has elevated the challenge of equity across a wide variety of organizations, industries and geographies. There is no better time for diversity practitioners and leaders tasked with driving DEI to build stronger networks and better equip one another to achieve our DEI missions.

Leadership Inclusive welcomed Mike Ayalon, CEO of Greek University, alongside a panel of Gen Z student leaders to explore what this generation expects from the workplace. The discussion emphasized Gen Z’s passion for authenticity, inclusion, and purpose-driven leadership, while offering practical strategies for organizations to respond.

Outcomes & Impact:

• Identified key Gen Z priorities, including mental health, flexibility, and inclusive cultures.
• Equipped leaders with strategies to attract, retain, and engage the most diverse generation in history.
• Elevated the voices of Gen Z themselves, ensuring the conversation reflected lived experience rather than assumptions.

Each June we celebrate Pride Month and the positive impact greater LGBTQ+ inclusion is having on the lives of our co-workers, neighbors, and family members. But what about the business side of LGBTQ+ inclusion? Specifically, how do LGBTQ+ employee resource groups in our workplaces help drive business outcomes? What does it mean to consistently “show up” for the LGBTQ+ community and how does it positively impact the mission and vision of your organization? Join the Tennessee Diversity Consortium as we convene an insightful panel, including Joe Woolley from the Nashville LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce and two of our business partners, Nikki Gibson from Dell and Terry Vo from Comcast, to better navigate the business of LGTBQ+ inclusion.

Featuring special guest Samar Ali of the Millions of Conversations initiative, this session examined how organizations can respond to polarization during a divisive election cycle. Attendees engaged in dialogue on misinformation, civility, and strategies for sustaining inclusive cultures amid political divides.

Help the Tennessee Diversity Consortium and BMI celebrate Black Music Month, June 17th 11:30 – 1pm by joining us for a special virtual town hall, “Staying Alive in Crisis”. We’ll explore how African-Americans in the Nashville music community have traditionally been able to thrive during crises, the role Black music is playing in the current crisis, and what the fight for equity will look like for the next generation of black artists. “Staying Alive in Crisis” will feature live music and a dynamic group of panelists from the Nashville music community.

This webinar is sponsored by BMI.