Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
101 S. Independence Mall East
Philadelphia, PA, USA 19106
Overview (Program Summary)
A program hosted by:
ACC Greater PhiladelphiaCorporate cultures rooted in belonging aim to make every employee, regardless of their background, identity, or perspectives, feel a sense of connection, acceptance, and inclusion within the organization. These corporate cultures cannot exist without leadership committed to navigating challenging conversations and nourishing an environment rooted in respectful discourse among its diverse workforce while constantly seeking opportunities to improve.
The December 5, 2024 Diversity Summit presented by the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel - Rising Together: The Corporation’s Role in Building Belonging, will focus on providing legal professionals with tools and knowledge to help them advance belonging culture within their organizations so that all employees can thrive.
Please join an audience of in-house counsel from a wide range of businesses in the Greater Philadelphia Area to participate in meaningful conversations about corporate belonging.
This event will feature four educational sessions presented by our sponsors, one session presented by the summit committee, and a networking cocktail reception following the sessions.
AGENDA
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Registration & Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Opening Remarks
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
"Belonging Journeys: A Conversation About Struggling to Belong and Allyship"
Presented by the ACCGP Diversity Summit Committee
Speakers:
- Nina Blackshear, Senior Counsel, Spark Therapeutics, Inc.
- Yoella Epstein, Counsel, Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
- Dr. Tamara V. Johnson
- Iveliz Crespo
10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
"AI and Belonging: Tools for Inclusive Workplace Practices"
Presented by Blank Rome LLP
While AI is transforming how we work, its impact on the sense of belonging in the workplace is less understood. Belonging is central to inclusivity—it’s about a sense of connection, acceptance, and integration within a particular organization. This panel will explore how AI can either foster or hinder a sense of belonging within workplace teams and client relationships. The discussion will highlight actionable ways AI can be leveraged to enhancing belonging by, among other things, fostering meaningful engagement, improving communication, and addressing bias such that individuals from diverse backgrounds are supported, valued, and able to thrive. This panel will explore potential pitfalls (such as depersonalization, isolation, and the proliferation of bias) and how organizations can intentionally design AI systems that prioritize human connection and emotional well-being. Real-world case studies, current data, and best practices will be shared during the discussion.
Speakers:
- Stephanie Gantman Kaplan, Partner, Blank Rome LLP
- Anthony Mingione, Partner, Blank Rome LLP
11:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Break
11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Lunchtime Exercise
"Belonging at the Table - Strategies for Workplace Inclusion"
1:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Break
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
"The Legal Framework for Accommodations and Support and the Company as a North Star"
Presented by Fisher Phillips
Speakers:
- Jason Roberts, Of Counsel, Fisher Phillips
- Rick Grimaldi, Partner, Fisher Phillips
- John C. Ungar, Corporate Counsel and Director of Planning, NewCourtland
2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Break
2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
"Leadership's Role in Supporting Belonging Culture" Presented by Cozen O'Connor
Fostering a culture of belonging within an organization requires dedication, intentionality, and vision from leadership. In this session, we will explore the challenges and strategies for creating an inclusive organizational culture from the top down.
Speakers:
- Simeon Brier, Chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Chair, DEI Strategies & Solutions, Cozen O'Connor
- Leslie Gomez, Vice Chair, Institutional Response Group, Cozen O'Connor
- Miguel Pozo, Member, Cozen O'Connor
- Felicia Washington, Vice President Human Resources, University of Pennsylvania
3:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Break
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
"Leveraging the Power of Mentoring to Bridge the Belonging Gap"
Presented by Dechert LLP
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception