Promoting model practices for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
News & Events
Elevating the Voices of Black Women in Country Music.
March 13, 2024
Join us March 13, 2024, at 11am for a special in-person event sponsored by the Tennessee Diversity Consortium, "Elevating The Voices of Black Women in Country Music".
County Music has made strides in recent years to become more inclusive and highlight women and artists of color. How are these efforts impacting the experiences of Black women on stage, at venues and behind the scenes? What are the main barriers and how can Country Music better support Black women in their creative and professional journey?
Co-Sponsored by Academy of Country Music, BMI, and Culture Shift Team and hosted at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), this in person event will feature a reception at NMAAM and a special panel featuring Black women in the Country Music industry. Spaces are limited so please RSVP today!
Tuesday, March 13, 2024
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
The New Boogeyman? How to Sustain your Organization's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Efforts in the Current Political Environment.
November 1, 2023
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? Join us for this important webinar as we explore the path forward for DEIAB on November 1, from 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
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
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Creating Safe Spaces for Transgender Employees and Allies
June 21, 2023
As we celebrate Pride month, we find ourselves in the midst of unprecedented attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. A period of sustained progress for queer acceptance has been followed by one in which the transgender community in particular is in the crosshairs of a politically motivated movement intended to herm and dehumanize our trans neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones.
How do allies push back on this movement from our positions of privilege in the workplace? How do we redouble our efforts to protect and embrace our transgender coworkers? Join the Tennessee Diversity Consortium, the Tennessee Pride Chamber of Commerce, and our colleagues in the LGBTQ+ business community for this critical discussion, Wednesday June 21st, 11:30am - 1pm CST.
Moderator:
Dr. Marisa Richmond - Retired Professor of History and Gender Studies from Middle Tennessee State University
Panelists:
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Stephanie Battaglino - Founder & Owner, Follow Your Heart, LLC
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Cindy Dempsey - Director, Total Rewards, Genesco Inc.
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Jeynce Poindexter - Transgender Activist, Speaker, Policy Expert
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Lilianna Reyes - Health Equity and Outreach Director at the Ruth Ellis Center, Executive Director of Trans Sistas of Color Project
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Dakerri Rhone - Nashville Board of Governors, Human Rights Campaign
To watch the meeting recording CLICK HERE.
Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellness in DEI Practitioners
August 17, 2022
Are you a diversity committee or BRG leader in your organization? Do you support DEI through your role in HR? Perhaps you are your organization's overall DEI leader? DEI leadership roles require us to demonstrate enormous empathy for others who may be struggling with the constant barrage of micro-aggressions, outright discrimination, and, unfortunately, violence because of our societal struggles navigating differences. Advocating for change, educating others, and internalizing these issues can begin to take a toll on our own mental health as leaders. So, how do we prioritize our own mental health and wellness? How do we ensure we are in a mentally and emotionally healthy place to truly show up for the difficult work in these challenging times and truly move the needle in our organizations?
Join us Wednesday, August 17th, for part three of our Summer Inclusion Series, "Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellness in DEI Practitioners." This will not be a one-directional webinar, so please be prepared to participate fully.
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
To watch the meeting recording CLICK HERE.
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The Intersection of Mental Health, Neurological Diversity, and DEI
July 27, 2022
Part 2 of the Tennessee Diversity Consortium Summer Inclusion Series examines how we integrate mental health initiatives and neurological diversity into our DEI work. In the last five years, there has been a renewed emphasis on mental health and wellness as a driver of healthy, inclusive organizations. Separately, there has also been a greater appreciation and understanding of the role neurological diversity should play in how we think about employees' strengths and weaknesses. This session will include experts on both employee mental health initiatives and neurological diversity, as well as perspectives from organizations who are implementing initiatives that elevate both of these topics within their workplace.
Join us on Wednesday, July 27, as we explore the intersection of mental health initiatives, neurological diversity, and DEI. This will not be a one-directional webinar, so please be prepared to participate fully.
To watch the meeting recording CLICK HERE.
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How Do We Stop the Hate?
June 22, 2022
The challenge of serving as a DEI leader is encouraging different perspectives and creating space for disagreement and difference while helping your organization sustain productive, fair and safe work environments. But, In recent years and months, we have experienced countless examples of how unfettered hate can fester and lead to devastating tragedy. The stakes for DEI leaders have never been greater. So how do we stop the hate? How do we recognize it early before it leads to violence, and what do we do when we see it?
Join us for our first DEI Virtual Forum of 2022, where experts in racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality and women's advocacy and equity share their front-line perspectives and where you as a DEI leader will have the opportunity to engage in this important conversation in small groups with your peers. This will not be a one-directional webinar so please be prepared to fully participate.
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
To watch the meeting recording CLICK HERE.
Access Passcode: C=S@le@6
October Virtual DEI Forum: "How Do We Respond to Emerging Issues?"
October 6, 2021
Join the Tennessee Diversity Consortium for the second in a regular series of Virtual DEI forums offering TDC members the opportunity to:
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Network in small cohorts by industry or organization type
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Identify and share common challenges, obstacles and best practices around DEI
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Share resources and tools needed to accelerate DEI efforts
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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.
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
To see the presentation material from this event CLICK HERE.
What Gen Z Wants & How to Deliver
August 10, 2021
Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in US history. Born after 1996, they have similarities and differences with the Millennial generation which preceded them. But now that they are entering our workspaces, what sets them apart from previous generations? What are they looking for from their work community, their colleagues and their leaders. How do you attract them, what are they most passionate about, how do you motivate them, and most importantly, how do you keep them? Join the Tennessee Diversity Consortium for a special look at Gen Z, featuring Mike Ayalon, CEO of Gen Z serving Greek University, and a panel including and moderated by Gen Z students.
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
To see the presentation material from this event CLICK HERE.
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The Business of Inclusion: LGTBQ+ Business Resource Groups
June 22, 2021
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.
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
To see the presentation material from this event CLICK HERE.
First Panel Virtual DEI Forum
April 28, 2021
Join the Tennessee Diversity Consortium for the first in a regular series of Virtual DEI forums offering TDC members the opportunity to:
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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.
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Navigating Political Polarization in the Workplace
October 7, 2020
Our country is in the midst of the most polarizing election cycle in most of our lifetimes. We feel it within our social media feeds, our casual discussions with friends and families, and in our workspaces. How do we navigate internally and externally driven misinformation targeting both sides of the partisan divide? How do we maintain civility in the workplace while encouraging courageous conversations? How do we begin to put it all back together on November 4th? Join the Tennessee Diversity Consortium and our special guest, Samar Ali, acclaimed attorney, speaker, and leader of the Millions of Conversations initiative, as we discuss the challenges of "Navigating Political Polarization in the Workplace." This virtual session will include a presentation from Samar Ali, as well as a special facilitated Zoom breakout reflective dialogue session for attendees.
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Staying Alive in Crisis
June 17, 2020
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.
Wednesday , June 17, 2020
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
To see the presentation material from this event CLICK HERE.
Inclusion and Equity within the Healthcare Leadership Pipeline
April 29, 2020
Understanding the role of inclusion and equity in hiring healthcare leaders has never been more important than today. What are the systemic obstacles to achieving more diverse leadership representation and how do we solve them? What is the role that diversity of leadership plays in providing equitable care to all communities?
Join the Tennessee Diversity Consortium for a conversation about "Inclusion and Equity Within the Healthcare Leadership Pipeline." This webinar is sponsored by HCA Healthcare.
Wednesday , April 29, 2020
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Beyond Inclusion: Prioritizing Equity
April 7, 2020
Many of our organizations are adopting the title "DEI" or "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" in our diversity functions. But what does the "E" In DEI actually mean? What does it mean for our organizations to prioritize equity in our diversity initiatives? When crises hit, what impact does lack of equity have on our client or patient outcomes, the delivery of services in our community, and on our bottom lines? Join the Tennessee Diversity Consortium for our first webinar of 2020, Tuesday, April 7th, at 11:30 am, as we explore the impact of equity before, during, and after crises. The webinar will be led by Ashford Hughes, former Chief DEI Officer for Metro Nashville Government and current Principal and founder of Blueprint Solutions Group, LLC.
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
To see the presentation material from this event click here
Ambassadors for Change: Developing a Gender-Balanced Pipeline
November 12, 2019
Most organizations recognize the need for better gender balance in leadership roles, yet too few of our organizations are achieving it. Why? What are the model practices for creating gender balance throughout the talent pipeline? How do you create male and female ambassadors for change? Sponsored by Bridgestone Americas and featuring Professor Corbette Doyle, Ph.D., join us as we explore how to ensure you have a gender-balanced workforce and a diverse leadership team ready to drive the achievement of your most critical objectives.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Location: Bridgestone Americas
200 4th Ave. S Nashville, TN 37201
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
To see the presentation material from this event click here
Do's & Don'ts of Diversity & Inclusion Training
August 29, 2019
Diversity training is often the first step we take in our diversity initiative. Effective training creates awareness and develops skills needed for our inclusion activities to gain traction in our organizations. But what makes good diversity and inclusion training? Should it be mandatory or voluntary? What must we do in our internal environment to ensure the organization is ready? What about on-line training? Join us for this very special Tennessee Diversity Consortium luncheon, featuring five experienced speakers utilizing the Japanese PechaKucha method to share their "Do's and Don'ts" of diversity and inclusion training.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Location: Center for Non-Profit Management
37 Peabody St., Suite 201, Nashville,TN 37201
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
To see the presentation material from this event click here
The Role of Music in Diversifying Nashville
June 12, 2019
Nashville and music are synonymous. As Nashville grows, its reputation for great music beyond Country is growing as well. As we celebrate June as Black Music Month, let's identify how music will play a role in making Nashville more inclusive. How can we promote Nashville as more than just one genre of music? What are some barriers? How does this affect the community? Join us as we delve deeper into the role music will play in driving an inclusive and welcoming culture for the future of Nashville.
Sponsored by BMI.
Panel participants include:
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Bob Oermann - Historian
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Henry Hicks - National Museum of African American Music
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R.LUM.R - Singer/Songwriter
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Shannon Sanders - Producer/Songwriter
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Jody Williams - VP, BMI - Creative
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Butch Spyridon - Nashville Convention Center
Wednesday , June 12, 2019
Location: BMI Nashvile
10 Music Square E, TN 37203
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
The Intersection of Culture and Care
March 19, 2019
What is the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in optimizing health outcomes? What gets missed when we don't consider inclusion in the delivery of our employee health care benefits? What are great healthcare organizations doing to reflect their patient demographics in the makeup of their workforce? Join us on Tuesday, March 19th from 11:30 am - 1 pm as the Tennessee Diversity Consortium tackles these questions as we explore the intersections between culture and health care.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Location: Evergreen Life Services
6050 Dana Way Antioch, TN 37013
11:30 am - 1:00 pm