Feed Your Mind - Diversity Equity & Inclusion: Make it More Than a Box Check

Description

According to LinkedIn data released in September 2020 there has been a 71% increase worldwide in all Diversity & Inclusion roles over the last 5 years and with awareness of inequities in society at what seems to be an all time high it’s safe to say that percentage will keep climbing. The U.S. is leading this growth and DEI has gone from being a topic exclusively existing in Fortune 500 board rooms to companies with less than 500 employees now figuring out how to tackle initiatives. But as diversity, equity, and inclusion becomes even more of a hot button topic how do you ensure your business is implementing and maintaining meaningful strategies vs allowing this to become just another box check? In this presentation we will discuss the importance of continual self-evaluation and getting outside of your comfort zone to make meaningful impact that will actually help the culture of your organization.

Dannie Patrick, Talent & Inclusion Consultant, Great Western Bank

As a Talent & Inclusion Consultant at Great Western Bank, Dannie has a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She initially found that passion at Missouri State University where she helped implement hands-on diversity training for faculty and staff that combined theatre and educational learning. Since then Dannie expanded her DEI experience by being involved in various community programs and events while working for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. She later utilized her mortgage knowledge to recruit for financial professionals, conduct employee engagement, and develop a DEI initiative for an Iowa based employment firm. Originally from the Kansas City Area she, her partner, and their two pups now call Des Moines home for everything except football and are hoping for another Chiefs victory in 2022!