24th Annual DLA CONFERENCE

The Words May Change, the Work Continues

October 30-31, 2025

Thursday, October 30th (Virtual)

Friday, October 31st (In-person SRP Pera Club)

 

As the world changes, so must the imperative conversations around equity, fairness, agency, cultural humility, and community. Join Diversity Leadership Alliance for our 2025 Education Conference, “The Words May Change, the Work Continues,” where we strive to create a more resilient, connected community where everyone has a voice and every voice is represented. Our 24th annual Conference is a powerful gathering of thought leaders, advocates, educators, community leaders, students, and everyday change-makers committed to equity, inclusion, and workplace agency. This year’s theme invites us to reflect on the ever-changing ways we speak about equity and belonging and develop a new framework to address inclusion in the workplace.

Over the course of this 2-day dynamic conference, DLA participants will engage with leading voices and emerging leaders through interactive panels, thought-provoking keynotes, hands-on workshops, and healing spaces. Together, we’ll explore how to adapt our strategies without compromising our purpose, build coalitions across lines of difference, and sustain the momentum for change in the face of fatigue and resistance.

DEI Hexagons

Presenting Sponsor

2024 Sponsor SRP

Schedule

ONLINE CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

Live Webinars via ZOOM Events

Thursday, October 30th, 2025

Conference Opening 8:30 – 9:00 am
Welcome
Sponsor recognition
Session details

Conference Opening Session 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Reimagining DEI commitments in a shifting business landscape
Lily Zheng
FAIR Framework

WORKSHOP #1 10:15 am – 11:30 am
Unleashing Hidden Superpowers: Inclusion through neurodiversity, disability & mental health awareness
Dr. Lauren Megrew – PhD, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Therapist
Organizational Consultant and Neurodiversity Speaker

WORKSHOP #2 10:15 am – 11:30 am
GRACIOUS ANGER: A force for courage, protection and healing
Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell, Founder and Principal Consultant
Co3 Consulting: Co-Creating Cohesive Communities
Lunch Break (On your own) 11:45 am – 12:30 pm

WORKSHOP #3 12:45 pm – 2:00 pm
The Science of Implicit Bias and its influence on perception, judgement and decision-making
Amy Jin Johnson, Executive Director
Harvard University – Project Implicit

WORKSHOP #4 12:45 pm – 2:00 pm
BETTER TOGETHER: The business case for immigrant inclusion and a stronger global workforce
The Welcome to America Project
Panel:
– Kevin Groman
  Executive Director
  The Welcome to America Project
– Niloufar Khonsari
  Executive Director | Facilitator | Leadership Coach
  Bala Rising – Organizational Strategy & Culture of Care

Conference Closing Session 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm
Othering is the problem, Belonging is the solution
Stephen Menendian
Assistant Director and Director of Research
The Othering and Belonging Institute

Purchase Online Tickets for Thursday

IN-PERSON CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

SRP Pera Club – (1 E Continental Dr, Tempe)

Friday, October 31st, 2025

Registration Open  7:15 am – 8:00 am
Continental Breakfast * Networking * Community Drumming * Activation wall  

Opening Session 8:00 am – 8:30 am
Welcome
Sponsor comments

Friday’s in-person workshops will focus on the FAIR Framework by Lily Zheng.

TIME                                       Sandhill East                           Sandhill West    
8:45 am – 10:00 am WORKSHOP #1
FAIR FRAMEWORK – Outcomes over Intentions

Melia Dunn

 WORKSHOP #2
FAIR FRAMEWORK – Systemic Focused Changes

Kamana Khadka
10:15 am – 11:30 am WORKSHOP #1
FAIR FRAMEWORK – Outcomes over Intentions

Melia Dunn

 WORKSHOP #2
FAIR FRAMEWORK – Systemic Focused Changes

Kamana Khadka

Lunch break 11:45 am – 12:30 pm
Youth Speaker – 2025 Scholarship winner

TIME                                         Sandhill East                         Sandhill West    
12:45 pm – 2:00 pm WORKSHOP #3
FAIR FRAMEWORK – Coalition Building

Dr. L. Andrea Brownlee

 WORKSHOP #4
FAIR FRAMEWORK – WIN-WIN over Zero Sum

Juan Taveras, MBA, SPHR
2:15 pm –  3:30 pm WORKSHOP #3
FAIR FRAMEWORK – Coalition Building

Dr. L. Andrea Brownlee

 WORKSHOP #4
FAIR FRAMEWORK – WIN-WIN over Zero Sum

Juan Taveras, MBA, SPHR

YOUTH LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP  8:45 – 2:00 p.m. 
Separate workshop for DLA Youth Leadership Academy students only
Facilitated by Evener Scott and Jen Zingg

Purchase In-Person Tickets for Friday

2025 Conference Speakers and Presenters

Thursday Speakers and Presenters

Friday Speakers and Presenters

  • Tondra Richardson

    Tondra Richardson

     

    Director, Engagement Strategy & Program Development
    University of Phoenix
    View Bio

    FRIDAY EMCEE

      Fri. Oct. 31
    8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

  • Allison Rodriguez

    Allison Rodriquez

     

    Multimedia Journalist & News Anchor
    Today in Arizona, 12 News
    READ BIO

    FRIDAY EMCEE

      Fri. Oct. 31
    8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

  • Melia Dunn

    Melia Dunn

    (she/her)

    CEO and Founder
    Melia Dunn Consulting
    View Bio

    WORKSHOP #1
    FAIR FRAMEWORK – Outcomes over Intentions

      Fri. Oct. 31
    8:45 AM – 10:00 AM and 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM

  • Kamana Khadka

    Kamana Khadka

    (she/her)

    Founder and Lead Consultant
    Unlocking Inclusion
    View Bio

    WORKSHOP #2
    FAIR FRAMEWORK – Systemic Focused Changes

      Fri. Oct. 31
    8:45 AM – 10:00 AM and 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM

  • Dr. L. Andrea Brownlee

    Dr. L. Andrea Brownlee

    (he/him)

    CIS Faculty | Education and Cultural Studies Adjunct Faculty
    South Mountain Community College
    Arizona State University: The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy–Impact Arizona Fellow
    View Bio

    WORKSHOP #3
    FAIR FRAMEWORK – Coalition Building

      Fri. Oct. 31
    12:45 PM – 2:00 PM and 2:15 PM – 3:30 PM

  • Juan Taveras

    Juan Taveras, MBA, SPHR

    (he/him)

    DEI PRO FINDER
    Founder, CEO, and Podcast Host
    View Bio

    WORKSHOP #4
    FAIR FRAMEWORK – WIN-WIN over Zero Sum

      Fri. Oct. 31
    12:45 PM – 2:00 PM and 2:15 PM – 3:30 PM

  • Evener Scott

    Evener Scott

     

    Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
    HonorHealth
    View Bio

    YOUTH LEADERSHIP

      Fri. Oct. 31
    Youth Leadership Session Facilitator
    8:45 AM – 3:30 PM

  • Jen Zingg

    Jen Zingg

     

    Product Developer/Trainer
    Blanchard Institute
    View Bio

    YOUTH LEADERSHIP

      Fri. Oct. 31
    Youth Leadership Session Facilitator
    8:45 AM – 3:30 PM

DEI Hexagons

2025 DLA Conference Sponsors

2025 DLA Conference Sponsors

DEI Hexagons

2025 Conference Committee


Joanna de’Shay Conference Committee Co-Chair
Joanna de’Shay
Executive Director, DLA
DLA Diamonds 2025 Conference Co-Chair
Tikki Carmichael 2025 Conference Chair
Tikki CarMichael
Community Advocate
DLA Diamonds 2025 Conference Co-Chair


DEI Hexagons

2024 Conference Gallery


 

Understanding Agency, Equity, and Inclusion.

At the heart of transformative organizational culture lies a deep understanding of Agency, Equity, and Inclusion.

  • Agency is the sense of control you feel in your life. It is your capacity to influence your thoughts and behaviors. Agency allows you to handle a wide array of tasks, especially in the face of conflict or change.
  • Equity focuses on balance and justice, ensuring everyone has the same opportunities and resources. Unlike equality, which treats everyone equally, equity involves addressing systemic barriers and providing tailored support to achieve equitable outcomes for all.
  • Inclusion is the practice of creating environments where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to participate fully. It involves fostering a culture where diverse voices are heard and individuals can contribute their unique perspectives without fear of bias or exclusion.
Diversity arms inclusion

Why Join this Education and Leadership Conference?

Investing in an Education and leadership conference offers a transformative opportunity for organizations and individuals to deepen their understanding and commitment to fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment. Here’s why you should consider attending:

  • Gain Insight from Experts:

    Hear from thought leaders and practitioners at the forefront of Inclusion initiatives. Learn best practices, emerging trends, and actionable strategies for your organization.

  • Enhance Skills and Knowledge:

    Participate in interactive workshops and sessions that provide practical tools and techniques for addressing and overcoming biases, creating inclusive policies, and promoting equity.

LGBTQ Plus Diversity Equity Women
Group of diverse equity people
  • Foster Networking Opportunities:

    Connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and build relationships that can lead to valuable collaborations and support networks.

  • Drive Organizational Change:

    Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to champion D&I efforts within your organization, driving meaningful change and cultivating a more inclusive workplace culture.

    Explore how our diversity equity and inclusion workshops in Phoenix, AZ can make a difference in your organization or community and take the next step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive environment.

Secure your spot today and join us in leading the charge for meaningful change!

Learn More About DLA

Our Online and In-Person Education and Leadership Conference Covers

Social Justice

Our workshops are aimed at encouraging, enhancing, and promoting dialogue and reconciliation. This conference supports healing and accountability by encouraging constructive dialogue that can move the needle on social justice issues.

Implicit Bias

Our Implicit Bias training helps individuals identify and overcome unconscious prejudices. Create a more inclusive and equitable environment by learning to address biases that affect decision-making and interactions.

Champion Resilience

Learn effective tools that can help you be a better champion, advocate, and ally.  Our workshops provide resources that will assist attendees in building a vision of equity that transcends boundaries, igniting a beacon of hope for a world where everyone’s voices are heard and valued.

Equity Building

At this year’s DLA conference, you will work with individuals across various industries to address barriers to radical inclusion within your organization. Discover effective strategies to reengage leadership, management, and colleagues around the importance of DEI and implement those strategies into your workplace culture.


Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. We offer partnership opportunities for organizations interested in supporting the diversity leadership conference. For more details, please email Executive Director Joanna de’Shay at leadership@diversityleadershipalliance.org.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into current DEI trends and challenges, learn actionable strategies for fostering inclusive workplaces, network with industry leaders and peers, and participate in hands-on workshops to develop practical skills for implementing DEI initiatives.

The conference includes a combination of keynote presentations, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. The agenda is designed to provide a comprehensive experience covering various aspects of DEI.

Yes, absolutely. We offer virtual attendance options to accommodate participants who cannot attend in person. Virtual attendees will have access to live-streamed sessions, on-demand content, and virtual networking opportunities.

Yes, all attendees will receive access to conference materials, including presentation slides, session recordings, and additional resources shared by speakers. These materials are valuable for ongoing learning and reference, allowing participants to revisit key concepts and share insights with their teams.