Search

Diversity Expert Deborah Elam Keynotes Chamber DIVERSIFY Luncheon June 19


Chattanooga, Tennessee (May 28, 2019) – The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce hosts Diversify, a half-day summit highlighting diversity, inclusion and the 21st century workplace. June 19 at the Chattanooga Convention Center, Diversify features breakout sessions led by industry professionals and a lunch program keynoted by diversity expert Deborah Elam.

“There are two areas in which any professional can help advance diversity and inclusion. Being knowledgeable, having intellectual curiosity about the subject and having courageous conversations,” Elam says. “The ability to ask about and share stories of life experience with those who are different from you goes a long way towards deeper understanding and appreciation of a co-worker's life journey.”

Deborah Elam began her 30-year career at General Electric as an intern, working her way up to Chief Diversity Officer and later GE Foundation President. As GE’s first black female corporate officer, she dedicated her career to diversity, philanthropy and inclusion.

She’s received numerous accolades and awards, including the Women of Excellence Legacy Award from the National Association for Female Executives and the Women of Power Award from the National Urban League. She is a member of the Executive Leadership Council – an organization of the top African-Americans in corporate America, The National Black MBA Association and Delta Sigma Sorority, Inc. Additionally, Deb is on the Board of Directors at the LSU Foundation and The New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute.

In 2017 Elam launched Corporate Playbook, a business consulting firm specializing in coaching organizations to elevate diversity, inclusion and philanthropy. Learn more about Elam here

In addition to Elam’s keynote speech during the Diversify luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Diversify offers three breakout sessions led by industry professionals beginning at 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Attendees choose from one of three session options in each time slot. Topics include: The Role of Empathy in Inclusion & Diversity, Onboarding for Retaining and Promoting Veterans, Cultural Competency Training: The Latino Market and more.

Full registration ($100) includes breakfast, breakout sessions and lunch ticket. Session-only registration ($50) includes breakfast and breakout sessions.

Register and find full session information here.

Other Topics

The views expressed in this article represent the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, its staff, or its board of directors. As the Scott L. Probasco, Jr., Distinguished…

Diversify 2025 explored strategies for advancing diversity in business, with Juanita McDowell’s S.T.I.C.K.Y.™ program inspiring smarter goal setting and sustainable success.

On Wednesday, June 4, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed a full house of approximately 150 community members to the Finley Stadium Ultra Club for its annual Legislative Wrap Up. The event featured a panel discussion with three members…

The Chamber’s Protégé and Leadership programs get leaders thinking about the city’s future—and how they can be part of its growth. Attracting and retaining top talent requires more than offering competitive salaries, benefits, and fun perks. It means creating opportunities…

At Tiny Tigers Learning Center, LaShon Carter makes sure everyone gets an education. LaShon Carter has always been an educator at heart. But she never imagined it would take the shape of childcare. Carter grew up around daycare, watching her…

Over the last 12 months, Shappi - a three-year-old startup - has delivered more than $5 million in products to more than 300 locations and thousands of customers in South America. Described as the logistics-travel equivalent of Uber or Airbnb,…

Sign up for weekly updates.