Engage: Tools of the Community

Explore how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are reshaping the future of the meeting and events industry. Join us in learning from some of the most prominent meeting and event DEI professionals and impactors in our area. But that's not all - we are taking it a step further! Uncover the hidden pages and tools from our history as we delve into Kansas City's redlining and it's impact on the community. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and pave the way for a more inclusive tomorrow. Let's rewrite the narrative together!

PANELISTS:

Alexandra Scott
Talent Acquisition and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategist
Unity World Headquarters at Unity Village

Alexandra Scott’s work is driven by her love to empower others to build confidence and showcase the value of cultural differences. She believes the only way to achieve greatness and truly value others is to be open to earn from their perspectives and experiences which lends to the fabric of who they are. Alexandra is certified in organizational culture competency in diversity and inclusion and a facilitator of Courageous Conversations.

Lauren Conaway
Founder and CEO
Innovate HER

Lauren Conaway serves as an advocate for women+ leaders as founder and CEO of InnovateHER KC, a 6.5K+ member leadership community that serves women and gender minorities in the verticals of entrepreneurship, community advocacy, civic engagement, education, nonprofit and corporate management and the arts. Through InnovateHER KC and as co-host of the Startup Hustle Podcast, a top 10 entrepreneurship podcast on Apple, she makes it her mission to amplify, elevate and celebrate women doing bold things in Kansas City and beyond, facilitating space for leadership development, a supportive network, resource sharing and mentorship for marginalized leaders and founders.

 

Gary Broils
Accomplished PHD holder and Professional Expert Speaker on all DEI matters

Dr. Gary Broils is a passionate organizational leader with over 25 years of progressive career growth as a management consultant, academic professor, and in industry. As a consulting leader, Gary leads teams during complex project delivery and advises C-level clients for strategy and performance improvement. He has served in adjunct faculty roles at different universities providing instruction in project management and business topics. His industry experience includes technology and management roles at several Kansas City area companies, including: H&R Block and Service Management Group. Gary is also a military veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps.

Gary has a doctorate degree in business from the University of Phoenix and his doctoral research was in factors affecting organizational effectiveness. He leverages that area of research focus and his own personal experiences in providing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consulting services to a wide range of organizations. His DEI consulting services include strategy development, business case modeling, diversity and inclusion assessments, and organizational training.

Gary’s volunteer activities with non-profits includes serving on the Board of Directors for Central Exchange, a leading organization in Kansas City with the mission of advancing a diverse group of women in meeting their full potential through providing high quality programming and opportunities to build their professional network.

Gary is also a sought-after speaker. He has been invited to deliver speeches both to small and large crowds at major corporations and during conferences.

Suzanne Wheeler
Founder and Former President of the LGBTQ+ Chamber, as well as pivotal in the removal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy in the Military

Suzanne is a retired Army Colonel and combat veteran who spent the last two years of her career serving as an out transgender woman. She became an integral member of the Obama administration’s team, which facilitated the lifting the ban on transgender military service. She served as the Executive Director of the Mid-America LGBT Chamber, where she diligently worked to improve LGBTQ+ business opportunities and help employers improve outcomes by cultivating the inclusion of gender and sexually diverse employees, customers, clients, and patients.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Unity Village
500 Unity Circle North
Unity Village, MO