[Print Version] Agenda: USBLN 21st Annual Conference & Expo “NextGen Disability Inclusion”

Closed planning meeting for the USBLN’s Rising Leaders Advisory Council.

Hosted by: Anthem

The Rising Leadership Academy kicks off with a Welcome Dinner. During dinner Rising Leaders will engage in an informal networking activity, as well as, review the agenda and expectations for the Rising Leadership Academy and the USBLN Annual Conference.

Intended Audience: Exclusive to Rising Leaders and Corporate Hosts

Speakers:

• Patrick Sturdivant, Lead Testing Engineer, USAA
• Scott Filion, Corporate & Investment Bank Campus Recruiting, JPMorgan Chase

Presenters:

• Jill Houghton, President & CEO, USBLN
• Liz Taub, Executive Vice President, USBLN

Hosted by: JPMorgan Chase
Hosted by: USAA

Perhaps you’ve utilized academic accommodations, but do you know what you’ll need to be successful in the application/interview process and workplace? Sometimes it can be challenging identifying your needs. This interactive session will help Rising Leaders to explore questions ranging from how to know when to request an accommodation to what accommodations one can request.

Intended Audience: Exclusive to Rising Leaders and Corporate Hosts

Moderator:

• Meena Das, Secretary, USBLN Rising Leaders Advisory Council

Panelists:

• Andy Imparato, Executive Director, Association of Univ Centers on Disabilities
• Russell Shaffer, Director, Brand Strategy, Outreach and Benchmarking – Global Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Walmart
• Larry Roffee, Owner & Principal, LMR Consulting

The interviewing process can encompass different stages, each presenting its own challenges. This workshop will help Rising Leaders to understand various types of interviews and how to best leverage the process. Detailed information and practical tips on interviewing and negotiating offers will better prepare participants for their future career.

Intended Audience: Exclusive to Rising Leaders and Corporate Hosts

Moderator:

• Cierra Warren, USBLN RLA & Alum

Panelists:

• Joe Furino, University Relations Manager, Talent Acquisition, Boston Scientific
• Rick J Wilson, Director, Diversity & Inclusion, AT&T
• Susan Barker, Staffing Manager, Campus Recruitment, Bank of America
• Scott Filion, Corporate & Investment Bank Campus Recruiting, JPMorgan Chase

Hosted by: Synchrony Financial

Come prepared to network and build genuine relationships. Rising Leaders will have an opportunity to mingle with the Corporate Hosts.

Intended Audience: Exclusive to Rising Leaders and Corporate Hosts

Hosted by: MGM Resorts International®
Hosted by: AT&T

Speakers:

• Jerry Dorsey, Corporate Director, In-Room Initiatives Global Procurement, MGM Resorts International
• Susan Mazrui, Director, Public Policy- Corporate External Affairs, AT&T

Closed meeting for the USBLN’s Rising Leaders Advisory Council and The Boeing Company.

Hosted by: The Boeing Company

The Technology Innovation Lab will enable Rising Leaders to learn about the important role that universal design plays in our everyday lives and explore the skills that can help them solve challenges in the workplace by designing innovative new products, services or processes that promote disability inclusion. This real-world, team-based environment encourages cross-disability collaboration towards solving employment challenges. Rising Leaders are split into teams, with 10 students per team, to create a project that addresses accessibility in the workplace. The Rising Leaders Advisory Council and volunteers from  USBLN corporate partners serve as Mentors to offer guidance to the teams and provide feedback on their proposed project designs and approaches. The Technology Innovation Lab will conclude with the teams pitching their ideas to conference participants for a chance to win prizes during the Rising Leaders Plenary Luncheon on Wednesday, July 11 from 11:15 am – 1:00 pm.

Intended Audience: Exclusive to Rising Leaders, Corporate Host and Volunteer Mentors

Sponsor Speaker:

• Michael Cox, Vice President, Global Head of Talent and Vice President, Global Talent Planning & Acquisition, The Boeing Company

Hosted by: The Boeing Company

Want to discover how to leave a lasting impression and build business relationships? Rising Leaders will learn etiquette and networking skills over dinner that lead to stronger rapport with coworkers, clients and customers.

Intended Audience: Exclusive to Rising Leaders, Corporate Hosts, and by Invitation Only

Sponsor Speakers:

• Rainia Washington, Vice President, Global Diversity and Inclusion, Lockheed Martin
• Joan Willor, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, TD Bank

Hosted by: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Hosted by: TD Bank

Intended Audience: Council Members

Intended Audience: BLN Affiliates and Potential Affiliates

The USBLN and Voya Foundation have joined forces to help you achieve the financial knowledge necessary to compete in the 21st century workforce and make smart financial decisions that lead to a secure future. This session will teach Rising Leaders important information about the six pillars of financial wellness, to equip you in making decisions as you enter the workplace. Financial literacy topics include budgeting, debt and credit management, saving, employee benefits and retirement.

Intended Audience: Exclusive to Rising Leaders and Corporate Host
Hosted by: Voya Financial

Intended Audience: GFG Member Companies

Intended Audience: Circle Members

Part 1 of this two-part pre-conference that is designed to enable you and your team to take a strategic approach when embracing the multitude of disability inclusive practices. From piloting accommodation practices, to assessing your current disability climate, to conducting a technology audit, presenters will share the “How To’s of replicating practices towards your goal of having a disability inclusive workplace.

Intended Audience: NCC Members

Please join Microsoft’s technology experts for a 2-hour accessibility boot camp that will explain why accessible technology matters and how to support your employees with and without a disability with inclusively designed tools. The session will share practical resources and tips for ensuring that your workplace technology and content is accessible, from job applications to documents created with Microsoft 365.

Intended Audience: All conference registrants

Hosted By: Microsoft

This space is designed for company recruiters and conference participants to have one-on-one sessions with college students and recent graduates who are participating in the Rising Leadership Academy. At the Rising Leaders Interview and Networking Center, recruiters and company representatives can host formal and informal job interviews with students. This is also an open space for conference participants to network or have discussions with any student who draws their attention.

Hosted by: United Technologies Corporation 

Want to learn how to build a strong brand as a business professional? The result is an understanding of who you are as a professional and the ability to communicate about your skillsets, vision, values, and desired opportunities.

Intended Audience: Exclusive to Rising Leader and Corporate Hosts

Sponsor Speaker:

• Kristy Mandigo, Engineering, Raytheon Company

Presenters:

• Joyce Bender, Founder and CEO, Bender Consulting Services Inc
• Mary Brougher, Executive Vice President of Operations, Bender Consulting Services Inc.

Hosted by: Raytheon

Intended Audience: BLN Affiliates, USBLN BOD, CAB, and Circle Members

Come prepared to network and build genuine relationships. Rising Leaders will have an opportunity to mingle with the Corporate Hosts.

Intended Audience: Exclusive to Rising Leader participants and Corporate Hosts

Hosted by: Hilton

Intended Audience: Council Partners

Hosted by: Cargill

Intended Audience: Committee Members

Intended Audience: CAB Member Companies

Part 2 of this two part pre-conference that is designed to enable you and your team to take a strategic approach when embracing the multitude of disability inclusive practices. From piloting accommodation practices, to assessing your current disability climate, to conducting a technology audit, presenters will share the “How To’s of replicating practices towards your goal of having a disability inclusive workplace.

As you transition into the workplace, there are many groups and networks you can leverage in building your professional career and network. This session will discuss how Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are now incorporated into a company’s overarching human resources strategy. Panelists will also discuss a variety of company resources that can build leadership skills and meaningful collaborations.

Intended Audience: Exclusive to Rising Leaders and Corporate

Moderator:

• Ozgul Calicioglu, Chair, Rising Leaders Advisory Council

Presenters:

• Lien Randle, Director, Mitsubishi Elevator
• Natalie Sadosky, AVP, Shared Services Operations, Voya Financial
• Lisa Welsh, Vice President of Strategic Priorities, Wells Fargo

Hosted by: Wells Fargo

Intended Audience: BOD Members

Intended Audience: ERG/BRG Leadership Committee Member Companies

Intended Audience: Mentors and Mentees

During this one-on-one speed networking session, company representatives will be matched to Rising Leaders who possess the field of study, educational background, and/or experience they are seeking in potential job applicants. Matchmaking is exclusive to USBLN corporate partners. To participate please RSVP to keri@usbln.org by May 21, 2018.The matching between the company and the Rising Leaders will be conducted ahead of time. Companies will be provided the participants’ names and resumes prior to the conference

Intended Audience: Rising Leaders, Recruiters, Talent Acquisition Representatives, and Corporate Hosts. Must RSVP to keri@usbln.org by May 21, 2018

Hosted by: CVS Health

Intended Audience: All conference registrants invited

Welcome to the annual USBLN Veterans Community Service Project. Conference attendees join the ‘assembly line’ and fill bags with essentials that will be distributed to homeless veterans via US VETS in the greater Las Vegas Area.

Speakers:

• Jill Houghton, President & CEO, USBLN
• Floyd Alcorn, Executive Director Technology, Cox Communications
• Brent Amundson, VP, Global Talent Acquisition Center of Excellence, Dell
• Chris Dillon, Diversity Initiatives Consultant, Walgreens Co.
• Betta Beasley, Founder and CEO, 2rbConsulting, Inc., DOBE Host Committee Chair
• Shalimar Cabrera, Executive Director, US VETS

Service Project Bags Provided by: Walgreens Co.

Hosted by: Cox Communications
Hosted by: Dell

Intended Audience: All conference registrants

NextGen Disability Inclusion

This session will explore the past, present and future of USBLN and disability inclusion. USBLN will recognize the importance of their old brand and launch a new brand. Hear from senior executives about their company’s disability inclusion journey.

At this plenary USBLN will present the Affiliate of the Year and John D. Kemp Leadership Awards

Intended Audience: All conference registrants

Speakers:

• Jill Houghton, President and CEO, USBLN
• Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Chair, USBLN, Chief Accessibility Officer Microsoft
• Chad Jerdee, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at Accenture
• John Pluhowski, SVP, Chief Communications Officer Corporate & Public Affairs, TD Bank
• Paul Gennaro, Chief Communications Officer, Voya Financial

Panel: NextGen Disability Inclusion

 Moderator:

• David Casey, Vice President, Workforce Strategies & Chief Diversity Officer, CVS Health, USBLN Board Member

Panelists:

• Michelle Moore, Head of Digital Experience at Bank of America
• The Honorable Tony Coelho
• David Gonzales, Head of Global Diversity & Inclusion, Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Arturo Taylor, President & CEO, Taylor Distribution Group (certified Disability Owned Business Enterprise)

Hosted by: American Airlines

This space is designed for company recruiters and conference participants to have one-on-one sessions with college students and recent graduates who are participating in the Rising Leadership Academy. At the Rising Leaders Interview and Networking Center, recruiters and company representatives can host formal and informal job interviews with students. This is also an open space for conference participants to network or have discussions with any student who draws their attention.

Hosted by: PwC

Negotiating Workplace Accommodations in Non-Traditional Work Spaces

During this intermediate level session, industry and sourcing agency representatives will share strategies for negotiating workplace disability-related accommodations for a range of work spaces, situations and employment status. Situations that will be covered include working from a home office, challenging travel schedules and preparing for contract employees. Issues that will be addressed include joint responsibility for providing accommodations, determining what productivity tools will be effective, negotiating financial arrangements, approving needed technologies and how to ensure that the accommodations are in place before the employee arrives on day one.

Intended Audience: Conference attendees with intermediate level knowledge of the topic

Moderator:

• Andrew McCartney, SVP and Service Delivery Executive, U.S. Life Event Services, Bank of America

Presenters:

• Brooke Matheson, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Disability Accommodation Program Manager, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Robert (Bob) J. Vetere, Corporate Manager, Disability Partnerships, Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Jennifer Wilburn, LMHC, CIC, Accessibility Consultant, Florida Blue
• Priscilla Koranteng, DXC (invited)

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore tools and strategies for engaging in effective accommodation practices
2. Understand approaches to negotiating financial responsibility for accommodations
3. Identify strategies on how to create policies and practices to implement and monitor the use of technologies

Hosted by: Bank of America

Navigating Workplace Disability Related Barriers

This beginner level session is designed for both new and experienced professionals with disabilities, their allies and mentors.  During this session experienced business savvy experts will present the knowledge and skills needed to become empowered to effectively navigate disability related barriers. Topics will include: rights and responsibilities; recognizing and dealing with conscious and unconscious bias, micro aggressions, and hostile work environments; understanding how anticipating negative actions may raise defenses; and securing the accommodations and productivity tools needed to perform at maximum productivity and to succeed in a new position or transition to a new one. This session will also serve as a powerful review for managers.

Intended Audience: Conference attendees with beginner level knowledge of the topic

Welcome Remarks:

• Sam Cove, Senior, Assurance, EY

Moderator:

• Nancy J Geenen, Chief Executive Officer, Galt Foundation

Presenters:

• Greg Pollock, Vice President, Human Resources, Accessibility Officer, PNC Financial Services
• Elizabeth Daly-Torres, Vice President, Global Diversity Manager, JPMorgan Chase
• Dorrie Tompsett, ADA Specialist, Integrated Leave Management, Meijer

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will gain confidence from the information and knowledge received to effectively deal with workplace barriers
2. Attendees will learn how to navigate their organizational structure and create effective engagement when dealing with barriers
3. Attendees will be empowered to address disability-related barriers from securing accommodations to dealing with hostile work environments to searching for resources both within and outside of the organization

Hosted by: Ernst & Young (EY)

It’s Not Rocket Science:  Proven Success Skills for the SD Professional and Diverse Supplier

For SD Professionals, gaining and building support internally is a necessary skill, particularly when introducing a new supplier group into your supplier diversity program.  While influencing and persuading remain undeniable attributes for supplier diversity professionals, methodology for doing so also requires effective engagement with leaders in key departments/levels (from formation of executive steering committees to strategic partnerships with D&I and ERG/BRGs).

For certified disability suppliers being deliberative on how to engage with different corporations and supplier diversity representatives and their decision-makers, utilizing more effective ways to bid for, win and retain contracts is equally important to drive successful outcomes.

Intended Audience: USBLN Corporate Partners and Certified Suppliers

Welcome Remarks:

• Rona Fourte, Director, Supplier Diversity, Diversity & Inclusion, Walgreens Co.

Moderator:

• Gwen Tillman, Corporate Manager, Global Supplier Diversity Programs/Government Relations, Northrop Grumman Corporation

Panelists:

• Jaymie Mitchell, Senior Vice President Supplier Diversity and Development, Senior Development Director, Bank of America
• Floyd Kaylor, Managing Member and Co-Founder, The Cheshire Duo, LLC ‘DOBE®’, DOBE Host Committee
• L. Jay Burks, Ph.D., Manager, Supplier Diversity, Comcast Corporation
• Tiffany Blocker, Small Business Liaison Officer, The Boeing Company
• Megan Rast, Senior Manager, Supplier Diversity, Strategic Procurement, Charter Communications

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand how you can use new or differently applied methodologies to positively impact and guide internal dialogue on disability inclusion
2. Suppliers will learn how changing their approach will change their results (there will be a pre-conference Web-Ex to help prepare for BXMM meetings at the conference)
3. SD professionals and disability suppliers will define common ground for enhanced relationship building

Hosted by: AARP
Hosted by: Charter Communications

Disability inclusion in the workplace and supply chain are becoming global priorities. USBLN corporate partners with experience outside of the United States will share their key insights on corporate disability inclusion in five countries. The presenters will focus on unique employer requirements, addressing cultural norms that impact disability inclusion in the workplace, finding and retaining talent with disabilities, and expanding supplier diversity to include disability owned businesses in a global marketplace.

Intended Audience: Multinational USBLN Corporate Partners (Corporate partners serving in global roles or working outside of the United States)

Moderator:

• Chad Jerdee, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at Accenture

Facilitators:

• Leslie Wilson, Vice President, Workplace Initiatives, USBLN
• Philip DeVliegher, Supplier Mentoring & Global Consultant, USBLN

Presenters:

• Stefanie Nennstiel, Vice President Diversity & Inclusion, SAP SE
• Archana Nirwan, Senior Director, Human Resources, Qualcomm, Inc.
• Kazunori Koike, APAC Manager, Supply Chain & Global Co-lead of the Bloomberg Abilities Community, Bloomberg
• Carolina Verdelho, Recruiting Leader, Formerly Head of LATAM Recruiting, Facebook

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about corporate disability inclusion, including global accommodations policies & practices, and employer requirements outside of the U.S.
• Gain an understanding of unique cultural norms that impact inclusion and how to address them in the workplace
• Explore global approaches to recruitment and retention

Hosted by: Accenture

Everyone Loves Us! Right…? Managing & Measuring Marketplace Perceptions

Perceptions of our company products and services drive brand value and the strength of this brand impacts revenue. Responding to brand perceptions of inclusivity is also critical to the evolution of new and better products and services. But how do we effectively and accurately engage and solicit feedback from the marketplace? Leaders from a diversity of industries will share their experiences, including replicable practices for measuring the disability market’s perceptions. Together, we will explore how to leverage these findings to enhance products or services to the benefit of everyone in a target market.

Intended Audience: Conference attendees with beginner level knowledge of the topic

Welcome Remarks:

• Mark Tauscher, Manager, Product Development/Program Management, Sprint

Moderator:

• Jocelyn Weyrauch, Diversity Vendor Manager, TD Bank

Presenters:

• Bonnie Hayes, Customer Service Policy & Procedure, American Airlines
• Carlos Cubia, Vice President & Global Chief Diversity Officer, Walgreens Co.
• Jen Cobb, Director – Diversity Products, Cox Communications
• Mark Tauscher, Manager, Product Development/Program Management, Sprint
• Matthew Lipsky, Vice President, Goldman Sachs

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore business case examples for embracing disability inclusive products & practices
2. Understand various measurement methodologies for brand perception and how they are being utilized
3. Discuss how enhancing the brand perception of people with disabilities drives brand value and market share

Hosted by: Sprint

From Zero to Digital Inclusion – Building Your Accessibility Program

Have you got an accessibility program you’re looking to grow, or inspired to start one? Looking to identify an executive sponsor or simply secure a budget? Trying to infuse accessibility standards across all of your products and services? Whether you are just getting started, or well on your way, join top companies as they share their journeys to initiate, build and grow their accessibility programs.

Intended Audience: All interested conference attendees

Moderator:

• Carrie Farber, Accessibility Lead, eCommerce, Walmart

Presenters:

• Michael Palmer, Senior Manager, Accessibility & Regulatory Compliance, T-Mobile,
• Fred Moltz, Chief Accessibility Officer, Verizon Wireless
• Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Chief Accessibility Officer, Microsoft
• Sarah Herrlinger, Director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, Apple
• Larry Goldberg, Senior Director, Accessible Media, Oath

Learning Objectives

1. Learn strategies from your experienced peers on how to build and grow an effective accessibility program.
2. Identify approaches that worked and pitfalls to avoid.
3. Acquire strategies to infuse accessibility standards across your company.

Hosted by: Microsoft

Learn about the business impact of employing individuals on the Autism Spectrum in your workforce.

Intended Audience: Company representatives interested in how to enhance recruiting and interviewing processes to tap the often-overlooked talents of people on the Autism spectrum.

Presenters:

• James Mahoney, Global head of Autism at Work, JP Morgan Chase & Co
• Neil Barnett, Inclusive Hiring Director, Microsoft
• Hiren Shukla, Director, Americas Account Support Associates Program, EY

Technology is opening doors for the 1 Billion+ people with disabilities around the world. Hear from leading companies in the Tech sector are working to empower people with disabilities through technology – at work, play, and day to day life. Speakers will talk and demonstrate some of the newest technologies and talk to the importance of prioritizing and innovating through the lens of accessibility.

At this plenary USBLN will present the Marketplace Innovator Awards

Award Presenter:

• Tom Wlodkowski, Vice President, Accessibility and Multicultural – Technology and Product, Comcast; 2018 Marketplace Track Chair

Moderator:

• Apoorva Gandhi, Vice President, Multicultural Affairs, Marriott International

Speakers:

• Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Chief Accessibility Officer, Microsoft
• Sarah Herrlinger, Director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, Apple
• Eve Andersson, Director, Accessibility Engineering, Google

Hosted by: Microsoft

The Disability Recruiting Pipeline: How to Get to a Hire

During this intermediate level session, representatives from a variety of industries present snapshots on how they built productive pipelines for job candidates with disabilities that resulted in hires. Attendees will engage with the panelists on pipeline issues including: connecting with and educating the most appropriate college/university departments; leveraging disability sourcing agencies; attracting candidates who are not affiliated with a disability sourcing entity; and reaching experienced job candidates with disabilities for high level positions. To move from recruiting to a hire, the discussion will cover communications that guide job candidates on self-disclosure throughout the entire hiring process and dealing with internal and external policies that are barriers to innovative direct hiring initiatives.

Intended Audience: Conference attendees with intermediate level knowledge of the topic

Moderator:

• Elizabeth Peregrino, Head of People Compliance Strategy & Solutions, Facebook

Presenters:

• Tom Downs, Senior Manager, Diversity Talent Acquisition, Capital One
• Lisa Maberry, Diversity Program Manager, Global Talent Acquisition, Microsoft
• Nish Parikh, CEO, Rangam Consultants, INC

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify strategies to increase effective connections and communications with colleges/universities to recruit talent
2. Explore strategies to attract qualified candidates not affiliated with disability sourcing entities as well as experienced candidates for high level positions
3. Identify language/communication methods to encourage self-disclosure during the entire hiring process and internal and external policies and strategies to overcome barriers to hiring

Hosted by:  Rangam

Launch, Ignite and Inspire Your Disability ERG/BRG

This interactive session is designed to advance the development and relevance of all ERGs/BRGs at all phases of maturation.  During this session leaders for disability-focused ERGs/BRGs will share their experiences and strategies for a successful launch, moving to the next phase, and re-energizing a mature disability affinity group. You will be engaged in sharing your strategies for maximizing the impact of your disability-focused ERG/BRG.

Intended Audience: Conference attendees engaged in the life cycle of an ERG/BRG

Moderators:

• Greg Pollock, Vice President, Human Resources, Accessibility Officer, PNC Financial Services, USBLN ERG Committee Co-Chair
• Angela Borrell, IDAS Integrated Scheduling Specialist, The Boeing Company, USBLN ERG Committee Co-Chair

Presenters:

• Paula Kelley, Managing Director, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management
• Jeanie Wade, Vice President, Human Resources, Aerospace Systems, Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Hunter Hammond, Federal Senior Consultant, Deloitte Consulting
• Nora Vele, Executive Director, Global Diversity & Inclusion, Merck

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the value proposition for a disability focused ERG/BRG.
2. Discover ways to understand your stakeholders.
3. Benchmark against other companies to develop and advance to the next phase.

Hosted by: Sanofi

Policy Talk Made Simple: Understanding New Accessibility Policies

Are you ready for the recent accessibility policy updates such as US based digital accessibility outlined in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, the ADA and international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines WCAG 2.1? Find out what’s new, what this means for you and your company, and simple strategies for successful implementation.

Intended Audience: All interested conference attendees

Moderator:

• Kelly Curtis, Senior Technical Program Manager, Amazon

Presenters:

• Andrew Kirkpatrick, Head of Accessibility & W3C Committee Co-chair & Editor of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Adobe
• Ann Marie Rohaly, Director of Accessibility Policy, Microsoft
• Bruce Bailey, Accessibility Specialist/Information Technology Specialist, Access Board
• Claudia Gordon, Senior Manager, Government and Compliance, Sprint

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn what is new in the 508 Refresh and WCAG 2.1.
2. Acquire an understanding of how these changes affect you and your company.
3. Identify strategies for successful implementation.

Hosted by: Microsoft

Navigating for Business – Where Are Corporations Really Looking for Small and Diverse Businesses?

This session will emphasize the importance of certification/verification (similar to last year) but will now go the extra step of showing how some DOBEs, V-DOBEs and SDV-DOBEs have effectively used this tool as a stepping stone to get business contracts.  But wait—is your product or service area really needed by major corporations? Corporations get bombarded by small and diverse suppliers, many who are competing in the same spend categories (contingent labor, staffing, training, IT, promotional items etc.)  But there are areas where many large businesses are struggling to find small and diverse businesses (e.g. National Fleet provider (sales), transportation, TV media, radio, utilities where available, Production materials and equipment, consumer retail products, etc.). Typically, these are capital intensive areas/industries with other high barriers to entry (e.g. regulatory).

Intended Audience: USBLN Certified Suppliers and USBLN Corporate Partners

Moderator:

• Leigh Ann Oravecz, CIA, CPA, Associate Director Procurement CSR, Bayer

Panelists:

• Dominica Groom, Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion, Freddie Mac
• Robert A. James, Program Manager, Supplier Diversity Program, Highmark Health
• Sheri Shafir A.P.P., Head, Supplier Diversity, Novartis Business Services, Novartis
• Betsy Hosick, General Manager, Procurement Operations, Chevron
• Artura Taylor, President and CEO, Taylor Distribution Group ‘DOBE®’, DOBE Host Committee

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn about the importance of certification and find out more about opportunity categories and resources
2. Brainstorm ideas on how USBLN and other organizations prioritize the identification and certification of disability and service-disabled veteran owned businesses (DOBEs and SDV-DOBEs)
3. Learn resources (private and public) that are available to help suppliers overcome barriers to entry to under-populated categories

Hosted by: IBM

USBLN is going global. Be a part of this engaging and interactive workshop led by USBLN corporate leaders discussing with each other workplace and supply chain disability inclusion strategies, best practices, and challenges within a global business landscape.

Intended Audience: USBLN Multinational Corporate Partners

Moderator:

• Wil Lewis, SVP, Diversity & Inclusion Executive, Bank of America

Facilitators:

• Leslie Wilson, Vice President, Workplace Initiatives, USBLN
• Philip DeVliegher, Supplier Mentoring & Global Consultant, USBLN

Roundtable Facilitators:

• Peter Zerp, Supplier Inclusion & Diversity Program Lead, Accenture
• Emily Sylling, Accelerator Lead Deployment Specialist, Digital Analytics Strategy, BAH
• Kazunori Koike, APAC Manager, Supply Chain & Global Co-lead of the Bloomberg Abilities Community, Bloomberg
• Shakti Harris, Global Organizational Vibrancy Leader, Specialty Products Division, DowDuPont
• Andrea Hall, Global Diversity & AMS University Talent Acquisition Leader, DXC Technology
• Jesse Cortez, Global Inclusion Effectiveness Lead, Inclusion & Diversity, HPE
• Michael Tobolski, Director of Corporate Relations, WEConnect International
• Frances West, Founder, FrancesWestCo

Learning Objectives:
This session is designed to provide corporate partners with key learnings on how to drive disability inclusion success within their respective organizations operating outside of the United States.

Hosted by: Accenture

Service is Everything

Every organization provides a service. Whether it’s answering a call from a client, greeting a guest at your business, or responding to an email about a product specification, service is essential to your market. To capture and engage the disability market, how that service is delivered is a critical success factor.  Employees need to possess a level of disability inclusivity to succeed in their service.    Organizations must respond to customers with disabilities by asking appropriate questions and demonstrating respect, authenticity and confidence. This session will engage industry representatives and attendees in a lively discussion of successful training methods (incorporating topics like micro-inequities and unconscious bias), associated customer satisfaction metrics, lessons learned, and recommendations for sustaining success.

Intended Audience: Conference attendees with intermediate level knowledge of the topic

Moderator:

• Scott Hoesman, CEO, inQUEST

Presenters:

• James Ashworth, Managing Director, Southwest Airlines
• Thomas Wlodkowski, Vice President, Accessibility and Multicultural – Technology and Product, Comcast
• Jessica Tuman, Head of People with Special Needs – Center of Excellence, Voya Financial
• Sheri Byrne-Haber, Senior Manager for Global Accessibility, McDonald’s Corporation

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand how and why service presents opportunities for engaging customers with disabilities
2. Explore successful approaches for gaining disability inclusion ‘buy-in’ from service providers in your organization
3. Demonstrate strategies for delivering confidence & results producing disability inclusion training

Hosted by: McDonald’s Corporation

Disability Equality Index (DEI) – Celebrating the Past and Preparing for the Future

This session will begin with a review of some compelling early analysis drawn from past DEI results which seeks to illustrate that disability inclusion drives business success and, if appropriately leveraged, leads to true competitive advantage. During this session, we will celebrate the past and prepare for the future changes to the DEI. You will hear compelling stories from corporate diversity leaders as to how the DEI helped their organization to focus on every aspect of what it takes to be authentically and creditably disability inclusive with customers, suppliers and talent. You will also hear about the upcoming changes to the 2019 DEI. Topics covered will include Culture & Leadership, Enterprise-Wide Access, Employment Practices, Community Engagement, Supplier Diversity, and the new Non-U.S. Operations survey section. Join this innovative interactive session to discover how your organization can leverage the power of the DEI to develop winning business strategies by enhancing disability inclusion practices.

Intended Audience: All Conference attendees

Moderator:

• David Casey, VP, Workforce Strategies and Chief Diversity Officer for CVS Health

Presenters:

• Becky Curran, Program Manager, Disability Equality Index, USBLN
• Laurie Henneborn, Managing Director of Thought Leadership, Accenture Research
• Russell Shaffer, Director, Brand Strategy, Outreach and Benchmarking in the Office of Global Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Walmart, Inc.
• Arlene Gonzalez-Pagan, Global Inclusion Business Partner, Mastercard
• Helena Berger, President and CEO, American Association of People with Disabilities

Learning objectives:

1. How companies leverage the DEI to accelerate internal disability inclusion
2. How companies harness the DEI to advance their market and talent presence
3. How to prepare for the upcoming changes to the DEI

Hosted by: Wells Fargo

Accessibility in Procurement – A Strategic Business Driver

Full disability inclusion extends to accessibility as a necessary component and a competitive advantage for organizations in reaching key stakeholders such as customers, employees, and suppliers. Accessibility is key to interacting with the disability community, supply chain and procurement leaders who play a crucial role in influencing how accessibility practices are adopted by their organizations and supply chains to ensure universal usability for all products sold in the US.

At this plenary USBLN will present the Advocate of the Year – Supply Chain and Supplier of the Year Awards.

Intended Audience: All conferees

Remarks:

• Jill Houghton, President & CEO, USBLN
• Regina Heyward, Vice Chair, USBLN, Senior Vice President, Head of Supplier Diversity, Wells Fargo & Company
• Betta Beasley, CEO, 2rbConsulting, DOBE Host Committee Chair
• Rona Fourte, Director, Supplier Diversity, Diversity & Inclusion, Walgreens Co.

Panel: Accessibility in Procurement – A Strategic Business Driver

Moderator:

• Brian Horn, Chief of Staff, Operations, USBLN

Panelists:

• Theresa Harrison, Director, Diversity & Inclusiveness Procurement, EY
• Ruoyi Zhou, Ph.D., Director, Accessibility Research, IBM
• Peter Zerp, Supplier Inclusion & Diversity Manager, Accenture.

Feature Event: DOBE® Pitch Tank Competition

Introduction to the 2018 USBLN Pitch Tank Competition:

• Andrew Houghton, President, No Barriers Media ‘DOBE®’, DOBE Host Committee

Moderator:

• Philip DeVliegher, Supplier Mentoring and Development Consultant, USBLN

Pitch Tank Judges:

• Rondu Vincent, Director, Supplier Diversity, Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Natalie McGrady, Director, Supplier Diversity, Cargill
• Tim Ruddell, Manager, Supplier Diversity, Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sponsored by: Galt Foundation
Sponsored by: Merck
Sponsored by: Wells Fargo

During this one-on-one speed networking session, company representatives will be matched to Rising Leaders who possess the field of study, educational background, and/or experience they are seeking in potential job applicants. Matchmaking is exclusive to USBLN corporate partners. To participate please RSVP to keri@usbln.org by May 21, 2018.The matching between the company and the Rising Leaders will be conducted ahead of time. Companies will be provided the participants’ names and resumes prior to the conference

Intended Audience: Rising Leaders, Recruiters, Talent Acquisition Representatives, and Corporate Hosts. Must RSVP to keri@usbln.org by May 21, 2018

Sponsor Speaker:

• Sarah Crump, Diversity Senior Consultant, Office of Diversity & Inclusion – Workforce, Freddie Mac

Hosted by: Freddie Mac

We invite our guests to join us for an invigorating and fun networking evening. Reconnect with other business champions, advocates, local BLN representatives, and of course USBLN certified suppliers. Find out about our collective progress in advancing disability business inclusion in both public and private sectors and what is in store for 2018.

Intended Audience: USBLN Board Members, USBLN Corporate & DSDP Partners, BLN leaders and members, DOBEs/SDV-DOBEs, local USBLN Affiliates, and and disability business owners

Speakers:

• Jill Houghton, President & CEO, USBLN
•  Tabatha Bowman, Manager Supplier Diversity, Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
•  Regina Heyward, Vice Chair, USBLN, Senior Vice President, Head of Supplier Diversity, Wells Fargo & Company
• Rona Fourte, Director, Supplier Diversity, Diversity & Inclusion, Walgreens Co.
• Lynn Trew Kirkbride, Director of Affiliate Relations, USBLN
• Scott Hoesman, CEO, inQUEST Conculting, BOD Affiliate Liaison, USBLN
• Joyce Bender, Founder and CEO, Bender Consulting Services, Inc
• Patricia Richards, Vice President, Supply Chain Initiatives, USBLN
• Philip DeVliegher, Supplier Mentoring and Global Lead, USBLN
• Cami Turcotte, Coordinator, Disability Supplier Diversity Program, USBLN

Hosted by: Lowe’s Companies

Join us in the Exhibit Hall for the Expo Welcome Reception. This will be the first look at disability inclusive products and services offered by corporations, government agencies, disabilityowned businesses, organizational partners and other key stakeholder exhibitors.

Make sure to visit the Rising Leaders booths to hear their Innovation Lab Pitches & vote.

Hosted by: Marriott
Hosted by: Meijer
Hosted by: United Airlines

All Exhibits Open & Rising Leaders Innovation Lab Pitches & Voting Continues

Hosted by: Marriott
Hosted by: Meijer
Hosted by: United Airlines

Intended Audience: Corporate Partners and Certified Suppliers who have signed up prior to the event

Hosted by: GlaxoSmithKline

Hosted by: The Walt Disney Company

This space is designed for company recruiters and conference participants to have one-on-one sessions with college students and recent graduates who are participating in the Rising Leadership Academy. At the Rising Leaders Interview and Networking Center, recruiters and company representatives can host formal and informal job interviews with students. This is also an open space for conference participants to network or have discussions with any student who draws their attention.

Hosted by: Johnson & Johnson

The USBLN Corporate Partners have spoken! We know that one of the topics that has been top of mind that you would like to know more about is how to successfully work with your colleagues in the legal department to enhance disability inclusion, and what are the best most practical strategies for getting good results from a self-identification campaign. Our dynamic panel will share pragmatic, sustainable and replicable practices from Merck, Comcast and TD Bank as well as answer your questions.

Intended Audience: All conference participants

Moderator:

• Deborah Dagit, President, Deb Dagit Diversity LLC and USBLN Going for Gold Consultant

Presenters:

• John Pluhowski, Chief Communications Officer, Corporate and Public Affairs, TD Bank
• Nicole E. Stovall, Executive Director and Managing Counsel Labor & Employment Practices, Merck
• Kristie King, Senior Manager, Workforce Diversity and Inclusion, Comcast

Learning Objectives:

1. What your corporate counsel attorneys needs to know/hear to approve disability inclusion policies and practices
2. How to mitigate actual and/or perceived employment law risks
3. Essential elements of a successful well received self-identification campaign
4. How to most effectively collaborate with your colleagues on the communications team
5. Examples of best practices

Come prepared to learn about issues that are important to NextGen Talent with Disabilities. Demographic and social changes have influenced the value of embracing a diverse workforce. Rising Leaders will discuss their take on intersectionality and how diversity initiatives can contribute to the profitability of businesses. Additionally, witness the top Technology Innovation teams as they pitch their universal design ideas and compete for first place.

At this plenary USBLN will present the Employer of the Year, Champion Award. 

Intended Audience: All conference participants

Keynote Speaker:

• Rod Martin, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Voya Financial, Inc.

Remarks:

• Jenette Ramos, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain & Operations, Boeing

Innovation Lab (iLab) Pitch Competition

Moderator:

• Kevin Silva, Chief Human Resources Officer, Voya Financial

iLab Judges:

• Ben-Saba Hasan, Senior Vice President and Chief Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Walmart
• Ed Mackey, Executive Vice President, Global Operations, Boston Scientific (invited)
• Sandra Evers-Manly, Vice President, Global Corporate Responsibility, Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Gina Heng, Vice President and General Manager, Photovoltaic Division, and Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility & Environmental Sustainability Department, Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.

Intersectionality Panel

• Jesse Trinity, Software Development Analyst, Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Afomeya Mekonnen, Pharmacy Tech, CVS Health
• LeAndre Yarrell, Senior Cyber Engineer, Rockwell Collins

Closing Remarks:

• Keri Gray, Director, Rising Leaders Initiatives, USBLN

Hosted by: Voya Financial

Identifying Internal Business Partners: Engaging the Right People to Remove Barriers to Disability Workplace Inclusion (Advanced)

In the competitive business environment all departments have heavy workloads. Internal departments such as Accessibility/Accommodations, D&I, Facilities, HR, Legal, Operations Talent & Recruiting, and Security are among the critical internal partners for barrier removal. To deal effectively with cross-functional disability-related issues such as long and short-term leave, Worker’s Comp, Return to Work, facility and technology access, and flexible policies, it is necessary to identify the thought leaders in each relevant department. During this advanced session the facilitator will guide a deep dive discussion between the members of the panel and the attendees on how to identify the right internal people and how to bring those thought leaders together to create a cohort that drives change.

Intended Audience: Conference attendees with advanced level knowledge of the topic

Moderator:

• Sarah Pullano, Account Manager, Getting Hired

Presenters:

• Rainia L. Washington, Vice President, Global Diversity and Inclusion, Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Avalyn Jackson, Lead Talent Attraction Manager – Diversity, AT&T
• Josh Stewart, Vice President, Director, Specialty Talent Programs and Recruiting, PNC Financial Services, Inc
• Lori Golden, Americas Abilities Strategy Leader, EY

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the right internal business partners that you need to achieve disability inclusion results
2. Identify strategies and tools to develop a community of support that results in the elimination of barriers to disability inclusion
3. Effective best practices to create a process flow

Hosted by: Getting Hired

Supply Chain Rationalization –SD Professionals Can Use It to Drive Better Business Results

Rationalizing the supply chain continues to receive attention by senior business leaders as a key strategy mechanism for cost reduction and supplier and risk management. Supplier Diversity professionals are faced with the dilemma of how to introduce new disability suppliers into a system that is increasingly restrictive. It is critical that SD professionals work with procurement colleagues to develop plans that deliver on this requirement to ensure continued diverse supplier representation including metrics to quantify usage, tracking linkage of disability suppliers to primes, early identification of business-ready pre-qualified diverse suppliers, and introduction of primes to USBLN.

Intended Audience: USBLN Corporate Partners and Certified Suppliers

Moderator:

• John “JT” Taylor, CDP, Director, Supplier Diversity, Medtronic

Panelists:

• Kathi Stearman, Employment Compliance Officer, Brown-Forman
• Tarrance Frierson, Principal Manager, Supplier Diversity and Development, Southern California Edison
• Carol Wooden, Director, Supplier Diversity Corporate Supply Chain, Raytheon
• Natalie McGrady, Director, Supplier Diversity Strategic Sourcing, Cargill

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how senior procurement leaders (and SD peers) are leading efforts to challenge and accommodating rationalization thought norms
2. Understand how you can use knowledge of external and internal business landscapes to drive a thirst for solutions, innovations and fresh perspectives
3. Find out how to ignite second tier initiatives (requirements for prime/first tier suppliers) and USBLN

Hosted by: UPS

Communication Skills for Tough Workplace Conversations

This intermediate level session will focus on the communication skills that are needed to start the tough workplace conversations on the ‘How’, ‘What’, and ‘Where’. These are skills needed to be a high-performing employee or member of management. Presenters will share initiatives that have worked and those that haven’t worked within their organizations. If you are ready to exchange ideas and knowledge this session is for you. The facilitator will engage the presenters and the attendees a lively discussion that will address issues and topics including: how to speak up when you are a small fish in a big pond; ‘finding your voice’; building self-confidence; how to be assertive and contribute to the discourse without being annoying or being perceived as angry; utilizing a mentor to help contextualize issues that you may not be aware of and distilling issues and talking points; and how to be open and receptive during those hard conversations with managers.

Intended Audience: Conference attendees with intermediate level knowledge of the topic

Moderator:

• Charles Golden, North America Human Resources – Shared Services, Global Chair ADEPT ERG, Caterpillar

Presenters:

• Brian Ronningen, Director, HR Operations, Human Resources, 3M
• Megan Belden, Director, Consumer Neuroscience, Nielsen
• Amy Philbrook, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Fidelity Investments
• Ollie Reeve, Manager, Assurance, Ernst & Young LLP

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will learn the importance of managing their personal communications style when engaging in hard conversations with individuals with different communication styles
2. Attendees will be able to identify appropriate timing for engaging in the tough workplace conversations
3. Attendees will be empowered to be part of the solution, not the problem, and learn how to frame talking points and prepare responses for the tough workplace conversations that are necessary to thrive in their careers

Hosted by: Caterpillar

Disability Inclusion Across Generations: Expectations Are Driving Innovation

Millennials and Gen Z, sometimes referred to as the “ADA Generation,” have different expectations than other generations. The ADA Generation has grown up benefiting not only from full inclusion protections under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) but also from the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). This market expects to be accommodated in public, academic and transportation settings, often without even having to request disability inclusion.  A facilitator will guide an informative and provocative discussion amongst consumers of diverse generations.  The conversation will explore product and service expectations now and in the future and the types of marketing strategies that drive brand loyalty.

Intended Audience: Conference attendees with advanced level knowledge of the topic

Moderator:

• Jacqui Winters, Principal, Federal Human Capital Practice, Deloitte

Presenters:

• Ron Pettit, Director, Disability Inclusion & ADA Compliance, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
• Jay Cardinali, Worldwide Accessibility Manager, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
• Apoorva N. Gandhi, Vice President, Multicultural Affairs, Marriott International, Inc.
• Anna Cunningham, Manufacturing Analyst, Northrop Grumman Corporation

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand similarities and differences in generational expectations for disability inclusion
2. Discuss best practices as well as lessons learned (what works, what doesn’t)
3. Explore future expectations that will drive and sustain brand loyalty

Hosted by: Deloitte

Today, Tomorrow & Beyond: Tech Trends Advancing Inclusion

What is the future of technology for people with disabilities. Are you wondering how Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5th generation wireless networks (5G) and personal assistants are advancing inclusion in and out, of the workplace? Hear from industry leaders about the trends of today and sneak a peek into the innovations of tomorrow.

Intended Audience: All interested conference attendees

Moderator:

• Aaron Bangor, Lead Accessible Technology Architect, AT&T

Presenters:

• Ruoyi Zhou, Ph.D, Director, Accessibility Research, IBM
• Anirudh Koul, Senior Data Scientist, Microsoft AI & Research, Microsoft
• Carl Wellborn, Advanced User Experience Strategy/Research & Development, General Motors, LLC
• Jack Chen, Product Counsel, Google

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain an understanding of how digital assistants support full inclusion.
2. Learn which assistive technologies are now feasible using 5G internet of things and mobile/wearable technologies.
3. Explore the future of AI and its contributions to full inclusion.

Hosted by: Microsoft

An Introduction to the USBLN Local BLN Affiliate Network

This year’s session will showcase the newly formed North Texas BLN (NTBLN) as a way to demonstrate how joining a BLN is an opportunity for a company to be involved year-round at the local level in developing a more inclusive workplace, supply chain and marketplace across your footprint. If there is not a BLN in your locale, discover the process that the NTXBLN went through to make a BLN a reality, how they developed a truly business to business/for business by business model and got it launched using the USBLN’s Affiliation process.

Did you know that the USBLN has a network of Affiliate Business Leadership Networks (business to business, for business/by business networks) that span over 29 states and are located in over 43 locations across the US? Come learn more about this amazing network and get involved locally!

Intended Audience: All Conference attendees

Moderators:

• Lynn Kirkbride, M.S., Director of Affiliate Relations, USBLN
• Scott Hoesman, USBLN Affiliate Liaison, CBLN and CEO & Founder inQuest Consulting

Presenters:

• Rick Wilson, Director Diversity & Inclusion- Human Resources, AT&T, NTXBLN Board Co-Chair
• Marji McMillian, SPHR People Manager, Accommodations and Career Transitions (ACT) Team, Southwest Airlines, NTXBLN
• Anila Jivanji, Senior Specialist Inclusion & Diversity, American Airlines, NTXBLN

Learning Objectives:

1. Introduction to the USBLN Affiliates and Process of Affiliation
2. Formation of the NTXBLN- Founding Membership
3. BLN Infrastructure
4. BLN Programming and Meetings
5. BLN Funding
6. BLN Partnerships/ and Service Providers

Disability Inclusion: Getting Started, Making Progress, Hitting Your Stride

The USBLN’s Going for the Gold (GFG) Program has engaged 20 companies in a Community of Practice. GFG companies make a 3-year commitment, come into the program at various times and are in multiple stages of their disability inclusion journeys. Collectively, they have hired over 10,000 individuals with disabilities since 2014. These committed companies will describe how they got started, the progress they have made and the work ahead. This open and honest discussion will include acknowledgment of hurdles experienced and how the companies successfully overcame the wrong turns they made along the way. The USBLN GFG Program is funded by the Poses Family Foundation, the May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust, the Institute for Career Development (ICD), and corporate match.

Intended Audience: Conference attendees who are at various stages of their disability inclusion journeys.

Moderators:

• Leslie Wilson, Vice President, Workplace Initiatives, USBLN
• Emily Malsch, GFG Sourcing & Outreach Consultant, USBLN

Presenters:

• Consuelo Rodriguez, Director, Diversity & Inclusion, Dell
• Nick Turner, Enterprise Advocacy Advisor, Chief Customer Office & North America True Ability ERG Lead, Dell,
• Mary Lynn MacKenzie, Senior Vice President, Talent Acquisition, Bank of America
•  Bob Patman, Regional SVP, Network Operations, McKesson
•  Kristen Cook, Manager, Diversity & Inclusion, McKesson,
•  Ana Gregory, Program Manager – Talent Acquisition, Diversity & Inclusion, McKesson,

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how to get started and advance your company’s disability inclusion strategy
2. Learn how the use of USBLN tools and programs will expedite your progress
3. Gather information on avoiding pitfalls and wrong turns

Heights & Sinkholes: Intentionally Evangelizing & Communicating Your Company’s Disability Inclusion Journey

                                                As an Executive serving as a sponsor or similar position for your company’s disability-focused Employee/Business Resource Group, one task is to serve as an internal communicator and community ambassador. During the year there are multiple communication opportunities including recognitions such as the DEI Best Places to Work, innovative ERG sponsored ‘bring your whole self to work’ programs, and outstanding professional individual accomplishments of a company employee with a disability. During this knowledge exchange, you will engage with senior leaders who support disability ERGs/BRGs in an interactive, small round-table private and confidential discussion to share your experiences, challenges and successes.

Host Facilitators:

• Bob Patman, Regional SVP, Network Operations, McKesson
• Kristen Cook, Manager, Diversity & Inclusion, McKesson
• Lance Dorsey, Senior Manager Supplier Diversity, McKesson

Intended Audience: ERG/BRG Executive Sponsors of USBLN Corporate Partners

Hosted by: McKesson

Tools for Mitigating Workplace High Stress Situations that can Result in or Exacerbate Mental Health Conditions (Intermediate Level)

All workplaces experience high stress periods such as during major organizational change situations. High stress situations negatively impact all employees and can result in or exacerbate mental health conditions such as, but not limited to, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bi-polar, substance abuse and depression.  During this intermediate level session corporate representatives will share programs and initiatives to help managers be mindful of the impact of high stress periods on all employees, recognize stress signals, recognize when stress is affecting a mental health condition, and what are effective tools to deal with this important workplace issue.

Intended Audience: Conference attendees with intermediate level knowledge of the topic

Presenting Remarks:

• Brooke Matheson, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Disability Accommodation Program Manager, Booz Allen Hamilton

Moderator:

• Vicki Mealer-Burke, VP & Chief Diversity Officer, Qualcomm

Presenters:

• Andi Blaylock, LCSW, CEAP, SAP, Employee Relations Programs Senior Consultant, Cargill
• Anne Gardner, Abilities CRG, CVS Health
• Michael B. Weiner, EY Assist Leader, Ernst & Young LLP
• Dan Ellerman, Senior Manager, Global Inclusion and Diversity, Accenture

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore what you can do to prepare all employees for coping with upcoming high stress periods
2. Learn to recognize stress-induced mental health issues and identify the tools needed to mitigate these reactions
3. Identify strategies to engage managers and employees in participating in mental health initiatives and programs and to obtain C-Suite buy-in to implement mental health initiatives

Hosted by: Booz Allen Hamilton

Developing and Implementing a Growth & Development Plan                                   

This advanced level session is designed to enhance the skills of professionals with disabilities and individuals charged with ensuring that professional development initiatives are inclusive. The panel will provide snapshots of professional growth and development plans constructed using such tools as collaboration, coaching, mentoring and networking. A skilled facilitator will engage the panel in providing examples of the elements that comprise a specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely (SMART) growth and development plan. A lively discussion with the attendees will include identifying and addressing roadblocks to a successful development plan. These may include: recognizing and overcoming implicit biases by well-intentioned managers; self-advocacy concerns; and connecting with individuals who represent varied expertise, background and diversity of thought.

Intended Audience: Conference attendees with advanced level knowledge of the topic

Presenting Remarks:

• Ron Pettit, ACTCP, Director, Disability Inclusion & ADA Compliance, Access Department, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd

Moderator:

• Russell Shaffer, Director – Global Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Walmart Inc.

Presenters:

• Kathy Martinez, SVP, Lead Disability Segment, Wells Fargo
• Ryan Gibson, Senior Product Manager, Boeing Global Services, The Boeing Company
• LeAndre (Lee) Yarrell, Senior Cyber Engineer, Rockwell Collins
• Ron Pettit, ACTCP, Director, Disability Inclusion & ADA Compliance, Access Department, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will leave this session empowered to move beyond ‘a job’ to a ‘vocation’ by developing specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely (SMART) career goals
2. Attendees will learn how to identify and effectively deal with attitudinal and perception barriers that can impede career growth
3. Attendees will gain the ability to create their own or assist others in formulating a successful growth and development plan

Hosted by: Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd

Globalization:  Remaining Present and Relevant within a Multi-National Landscape – A Playbook for Competing Globally

How can global corporate partners include DOBEs in bid opportunities while providing a framework for DOBE firms to compete against multi-national, majority suppliers? One workable solution is to have disability suppliers form partnerships, alliances or teaming arrangements.  Participate in a vigorous conversation of real possibilities led by a panel of corporate representatives and DOBEs providing realistic solutions on how to keep disability suppliers in the game.

Intended Audience: Corporate Partners and Certified Suppliers

Moderator:

• Nedra Dickson, Global Supplier Diversity and Sustainability Lead, Accenture

Panelists:

• Michael Tobolski, Director of Corporate Relations, WEConnect International
• Peter Zerp, Supplier Inclusion & Diversity Manager, Accenture
• Punita M Patel, Vice President, Global Supplier Diversity, JPMorgan Chase & Co
• Betta Beasley, Founder & CEO, 2rbConsulting ‘DOBE®’, DOBE Host Committee, Chair
• Pat Graves, President, Caption First ‘DOBE®’, DOBE Host Committee
• Michael K. Robinson, Transformation and Operations/Global Procurement, Program Director, Supplier Diversity, IBM

Learning Objectives:

1. Hear how corporations are leveling the playing field by encouraging and accepting scaling solutions for inclusion
2. Listen as suppliers share real business examples of success from several different industries
3. Understand how to make the leap from U.S. to global suppliers working with multi-national clients

Hosted by: General Motors

Inclusive Technology & Talent: Unlocking the Keys to Productivity & Retention

Assistive technology is a crucial component to a truly inclusive workplace. Join candidates and employees with various disabilities as well as HR professionals as they share how assistive technology has driven inclusion and productivity. We’ll explain all the terms and discuss how companies are using digital inclusion to find, grow and keep talent with disabilities.

Intended Audience: All interested conference attendees

Moderator:

• Mike Ellis, CPACC, Global Vice President, Sprint Accessibility, Sprint

Presenters:

• Joan Willor, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, TD Bank
• Matt Ater, General Manager, The Paciello Group (TPG), VFO Companies
• Tom Wlodkowski, Vice President, Accessibility and Multicultural – Technology and Product, Comcast
• Hannah Chadwick, USBLN Rising Leader Alumni & Program Coordinator, USBLN

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn about the first-hand experiences of candidates and employees in asking and receiving digital accommodations.
2. Explore strategies for how employees with disabilities keep up with rapid workplace demands with evolving digital technologies.
3. Identify best practices from HR professionals in finding the best digital tools and resources in the workplace to keep employees productive.

Hosted by: Microsoft

Tapping into the strength of service-disabled veterans in your business

This session is designed for companies that are both new and experienced in their disabled Veteran recruiting initiatives. During this session, industry Subject Matter Experts will share their best practices for recruiting and retaining Veterans with disabilities to include: innovative programs and ideas for recruiting; how to engage Veterans during their transition out of the military; and, onboarding and how to maintain engagement with these employees. The session will also encourage group participation and collaboration so that everyone is included in the conversation thus leaving the session with a broader knowledge of how your company can make a greater impact with disabled Veterans.

Intended Audience: Participation exclusive to USBLN Corporate Partners at the Collaborative Level (Ruby) and above.

Moderators:

• Chris Phillips, AVP, Military and Disabilities Diversity Specialist, PNC Financial Services, Inc
• Tom Downs, Senior Manager, Diversity Talent Acquisition, Capital One

Table Facilitators:

• Danny Chung, Chief of Staff for Military Affairs at Microsoft
• Ish Escobar, Operation IMPACT Program Lead, Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Jawana R. McFadden, Program Manager, Veterans & Individuals with Disabilities, Southern California Edison
• Simeon C. Garriott, Military Relations Manager, Lockheed Martin Corporation

Learning Objectives:

1. Best practices successful employers are using to hire and retain veterans with disabilities.
2. Understanding how the military and your company are more similar than you think…the synergies of cultures.
3. Veteran disabilities: understanding, acceptance, and performance.
4. Engaging veterans and the disability community to support the veteran transition process

Hosted by: PNC Financial Services Inc.

Intended Audience: Companies that scored 80 or above on the USBLN’s Disability Employment Index

Remarks:

• Ann Powell Judge, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Ted Kennedy Jr., Deputy Majority Leader, Connecticut State Senate & Board Chair, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

Hosted by: Bristol-Myers Squibb

(Formal Attire Optional; Doors open at 6:40 pm)

During this dinner, the USBLN will present the Employer of the Year Launch, Ignite and Inspire Awards and the Top Corporations for DOBEs Awards. Additionally, DEI top-scoring companies will be recognized.

Intended Audience: All conference attendees are welcome

Emcee:

• Gerard Dehrmann, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and State & Local Government Relations, Walmart, USBLN Board Member

Performance by: Singer/Songwriter Mandy Harvey

Brought to you by: Comcast NBCUniversal

Keynote Speaker:

• Ted Kennedy Jr., Deputy Majority Leader, Connecticut State Senate & Board Chair, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

Closing Remarks:

• Liz Taub, Executive Vice President, USBLN

Hosted by: Walmart

Intended Audience: All conference attendees are welcome

Description:  During this interactive session, attendees will self-select one of four table discussions. Each table will discuss one of the following topics followed by a report-out. The discussion topics are:

1. Universal Design: How can we accomplish this?
2. Inclusion of employees with disabilities in career development: How can we ensure this happens?
3. Engaging experienced employees with disabilities in the disability inclusion conversations: How to get them to talk about the barriers they encountered and their perceptions of disability inclusion.
4. Leveraging ERGs/BRGs as internal resources and assistance in building the pipeline.

Intended Audience: All conference attendees with an interest and basic knowledge of the topic

Moderator:

• Yvonne Webb, Vice President HR Compliance & Enterprise Risk Management, Kaiser Permanente

Table Facilitators:

• Kristy Mandigo, Engineering Manager, Raytheon Company
• Richard Curtis, Vice President of Workforce Development, State Street Corporation
• William Harkness, Senior Strategy Leader, The Boeing Company

Hosted by: Kaiser Permanente

A Place at the (Universal) Table

During this interactive session, attendees will self-select into one of four discussion groups where they will engage in a productive dialogue on how best to approach key internal stakeholders when encouraging them to embrace universal design principles.  Each table will have a facilitator who will guide a 4-step process.

• Step 1:  Developing and communicating the business case for universal design
• Step 2:  Identifying and engaging key internal cross-functional stakeholders
• Step 3:  Determining which products and/or services could/should be targeted
• Step 4:  Talking through interdependencies and unique aspects of universal design application within each step of the product lifecycle, from concept and R&D to customer service feedback loops

Intended Audience: All conference attendees with an interest and basic knowledge of the topic

Moderator:

• Drew M. Gulley, Program Manager, Disability & Inclusion, Bloomberg L.P.

Table Facilitators:

• Josh Goldschmid, Systems Engineer, The Boeing Company
• Corinne Abramson, National Inclusion Director, Choice Hotels, International
• Elizabeth Daly-Torres, Vice President, Global Diversity Manager, JPMorgan Chase

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand/be able to articulate the importance of embedding universal design in the lifecycle of a product or service.
2. How the application of universal design principles may vary in each part of the business
3. How to facilitate communications within and across key stakeholder teams

Hosted by: Bloomberg L.P.

The Supply Chain Roundtable session will be in roundtable format to facilitate knowledge sharing with like-minded professionals. The session will be led by industry and business experts and consist of robust and intense discussions of future and leading trends and ideas that will impact disability supplier inclusion.

Intended Audience: USBLN Corporate Partners

Moderator:

• Raul Suarez-Rodriguez, Manager of Supplier Diversity, CVS Health

Table Facilitators & Topics:

• SC Rationalization:
  • Leigh Ann Oravecz, CIA, CPA, Associate Director Procurement CSR, Bayer
• Metrics:
  • Lawrence ‘Larry’ B. Wooten, Corporate Supplier Diversity Senior Manager, American Water Inc.
• Global:
  • Jackie LaJoie, Supplier Diversity and Supplier Sustainability, Ingersoll Rand
• Finding and Approaching Disability Suppliers:
  • Darlene Fuller, Senior Director of Supplier Diversity, Sodexo
• Driving Disability Inclusion in the SC:
  • Tim Ruddell, Manager, Supplier Diversity, Sony Pictures Entertainment

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn what various industries are anticipating and planning for around key topics for supplier inclusion
2. Collaborate and share best efforts uniting those in private and public sectors, and learn how to influence public forums to support disability inclusion
3. Identify a plan of action to take back for implementation and new ways to measure plan results

Hosted by: Bayer

Whether or not you attended one or more of the Professional Development breakout sessions, you do not want to miss this facilitated interactive roundtable discussion.  This session will bookend all three breakout sessions in an experiential, hands-on work session. Attendees will self-select to join a table that is marked with one of three topics: Navigating Workplace Disability Related Barriers; Communication Skills for Tough Conversations; Developing and Implementing a Growth & Development Plan. Come with questions you want to ask your peers and be prepared to share your personal and organization’s effective practices.

Intended Audience: All conference attendees with an interest and basic knowledge of the topic

Moderator:

• Oz Mondejar, Vice President of Talent Management, Partners HealthCare

Table Facilitators:

• Joanna Kopinetz, Technical Writer, ABLE Officer (Abilities Beyond Limits and Expectations) BAE Systems
• Kimberly Smieja, Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager, Global Diversity and Inclusion, Intel Corporation
• Patrick Cokley, Disability Policy Engagement Manager, Anthem, Inc.
• AnnMarie Killian, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, ZVRS and Purple Communications

Hosted by: ZVRS and Purple Communications

Self-Disclosure in the Context of Intersectionality

This in depth hot topic roundtable session provides you with an exclusive opportunity to explore a critical disability inclusion issue with peers within your industry.  This year’s discussion will focus on framing disability self-disclosure within the context of intersectionality and the expectations of the new workforce. Facilitating self-disclosure or proudly bringing one’s whole self to work is one of the most challenging tasks that face companies across most diversity areas including LGBTQ, Veterans, Race & Ethnicity, Age and Disability. During this engagement session you will be at a table with representatives from your industry group or one closely aligned to not only share experiences and strategies but to formulate innovative approaches to take back to your company.

Table Industries:

• Financial Services/Banking/Professional Services
• Healthcare/HealthServices/Insurance/Pharma & Retail/Consumer Products
• Technology/Cable/Telecommunications
• Defense Contractors/Automotive/Chemical/Manufacturing
• Hospitality/Hotels/Airlines (1 Table)

Host: Jesse Cortez, Global Inclusion Effectiveness Lead, Inclusion & Diversity, Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Intended Audience: Participation exclusive to USBLN Corporate Partners at the Collaborative Level (Ruby) and above.

Hosted by: Hewlett Packard Enterprise

The Key Ingredients to a Digitally Inclusive Environment

We all need to be able to work in an inclusive supportive environment that empowers every person to shine. Learn how you can empower or disempower via digital technology in your company. From technology, tools and training to processes and procurement, engage with industry experts on the best practices for an inclusive workplace. Break- out into groups and dig deep into the details to share, develop and grow your own successful strategies.

Intended Audience:  All conference attendees with an interest and basic knowledge of the topic

Moderator:

• Megan Lawrence, Ph.D., Accessibility Technical Evangelist, Microsoft

Table Facilitators:

• Stephen Cutchins, CIO Accessibility Lead, Accenture
• Amanda Gioia, Vice President, Business Operations, Mastercard
• Stefanie Nennstiel, Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion, SAP
• Kris Biagiotti-Bridges, Senior Advisor IT Business Partner, Dell
• Todd Bankofier, CEO, AudioEye
• Preety Kumar, CEO, Deque Systems, Inc.

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop executive support for a digitally inclusive environment
2. Gather tips to build digital inclusion into your operations from the bottom up and top down
3. Discover strategies to raise procurement’s awareness of the purchase of accessible products/services and assist vendors to create accessible products/services
4. Explore strategies to develop/sustain a disability ERG/BRG that advances digital inclusion

Hosted by: Microsoft

Has your company led self-identification campaigns but not had the participation you hoped for? Creating a disability inclusive workplace requires an accessible, human environment where one can be their authentic self. Come learn bold tips from #NextGen leaders with disabilities on how to build an environment where employees can be who they are and feel that they belong, every day.

During this closing plenary, the USBLN will present the ERG/BRG of the Year Award.

Welcome:

• Mike Witt, Ph.D., Corporate Director, Environment Health & Safety and Sustainability, The Dow Chemical Company

Remarks:

• Paulette Penzvalto, Program Manager, Corporate Engineering, Google, 2018 Professional Development Track Chair

Panelists:

• Bryan Stromer, Product Marketing Manager, Microsoft
• Jack Chen, Product Counsel, Google
• Michele L. Sullivan, President of Caterpillar Foundation and Director, Corporate Social Innovation, Caterpillar Inc.
• Rafi Romero, Software Engineer,, Facebook
• Megan Kennedy, Accessibility Manager and Producer, Charter Communications
• Marcus Tuck, Information Security Analyst, Wells Fargo

Hosted by: The Dow Chemical Company