Studies show that diversity and economic inclusion are correlated with economic vitality. Regions that are more inclusive have greater levels of entrepreneurship, innovation and overall economic growth and prosperity. The ability of the Baton Rouge Area to accelerate economic opportunity across the region hinges on its commitment to economic inclusivity and ensuring that the economy works for everyone, not just the few.
As BRAC has committed to creating a more inclusive economy, it has revamped its traditional Diversity in Business event to a half-day conference including a keynote, breakout sessions, and a vendor connection showcase for minority-owned businesses to connect with local contracting opportunities.
Programming will speak to a wide range of individuals, including C-suite executives, diversity and inclusion practitioners, small business owners, HR professionals, and minority- and women-business owners. All are invited to join us on August 18 for engaging discussions on fostering greater levels of economic inclusion within the workplace and the community.
Online registration is now closed. Onsite registration will be available.
EVENT DETAILS
Join the Baton Rouge Area Chamber for a half-day experience featuring a keynote speaker, panel and fireside chat sessions, and the BR-POP Vendor Connect showcase.
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Date
Thursday, August 18, 2022
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. -
Location
Raising Cane's River Center
275 S River Rd, Baton Rouge
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Pricing
Ticket pricing includes access to all programming, lunch and the vendor connection showcase
$65 for investors
$80 for non-investors
$520 for investor table of eight
$640 for non-investor table of eight
AGENDA
View the full agenda below and continue scrolling for session descriptions and speaker information.
Time | Main Hall | Outside Main Hall | Room #1 |
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9 - 9:30 AM | Registration | ||
9:30 - 9:40 AM | Welcome | ||
9:40 - 9:50 AM | Congressman Troy Carter Speaks | ||
9:50 - 10:45 AM | Corporate Perspectives: Creating an Inclusive Workplace | BR-POP Vendor Connect Showcase | How to Do Business with ExxonMobil |
10:15 - 10:45 AM | Continued - Corporate Perspectives: Creating an Inclusive Workplace | BR-POP Vendor Connect Showcase | How to Do Business with Shell |
10:45 - 11 AM | BREAK | BR-POP Vendor Connect Showcase | |
11 - 11:30 AM | Economic Empowerment: A Fireside Chat with Craig Stevens | BR-POP Vendor Connect Showcase | |
11:30 - 12:30 PM | LUNCH | ||
12:30 - 12:40 PM | Awards Presentation | ||
12:40 - 1:15 PM | Keynote Presentation | ||
1:15 - 1:20 PM | Closing Remarks | ||
1:20 - 1:30 PM | BREAK | ||
1:30 - 3:30 PM | How to Do Business with DOW |
SESSIONS
Learn more about each session below.
In this panel session, local diversity and inclusion executives share best practices for creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all.
Moderator:
- Darrell L. Johnson, Jr., Manager of Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives at BRAC
Panelists:
- LaTina Schaffer, Our Lady of the Lake Vice President of Human Resources
- Michael Jackson, Bernhard Capital Partners Chief Diversity Officer
- Dr. Luz Randolph, LSU Associate Vice Provost for Diversity
Local business owner Craig Stevens will share his journey to success from breaking generational boundaries to finding economic empowerment through entrepreneurship. Stevens is the veteran and minority business owner of Genesis360, a local maintenance and construction service company, who has received such recognitions as LED's Leadership Growth Award for Louisiana, Baton Rouge Business Report's Company of the Year, and the Small Business Administration's Businessperson of the Year.
Interviewer:
- George Bell, Capital Area United Way President & CEO
Interviewee:
- Craig Stevens, Genesis360 Owner & President
Speaker:
- Eunice Heath, DOW Corporate Director of Sustainability
Thirty-minute opportunity for small business owners to learn from ExxonMobil representatives about procedures and best practices for procuring contracting opportunities with their organization.
Thirty-minute opportunity for small business owners to learn from Shell representatives about procedures and best practices for procuring contracting opportunities with their organization.
Extended two hour opportunity for small business owners to learn from DOW representatives about procedures and best practices for procuring contracting opportunities with their organization.
Participating companies:
- BASF
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana
- DOW
- EBRPSS Fair Share
- ExxonMobil
- Jacobs
- L'Auberge
- LSU
- Ochsner
- Our Lady of the Lake
- Turner Industries
- Entergy
- Shell
DIVERSITY STAR AWARD
With a goal of highlighting exceptional diversity and inclusion best practices taking place right here at home, BRAC seeks to honor and recognize regional businesses that have championed diversity and inclusion at their businesses or in the community.
Applications for the 2022 Diversity Star Award are now closed. Awards will be presented at BRAC's Economic Inclusion Symposium presented by DOW.
SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsor

Premier Sponsors
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Vendor Connection Sponsor

Supporting Sponsor


Interested in sponsoring the Economic Inclusion Symposium? Contact Michelle Mahaffey LeJeune at michelle.lejeune@brac.org.