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29th Annual

People First: Opportunity and Access

JUNE 12 - 13, 2025

BROOKLYN, NY

Learn more about becoming a sponsor 

Discussions around workforce mobility and inclusion have never been more complex—or more critical. As organizations navigate shifting political, legal, and corporate landscapes, leaders are seeking pragmatic, legally sound, and forward-thinking approaches to foster opportunity, mitigate risk, and sustain progress.

At the People First: Opportunity and Access summit, leading voices from business, law, and policy will share how they are adapting to this moment—what’s working, what’s changing, and what the future demands. Expect candid conversations and actionable insights.

Explore Effective Approaches to:

  • Navigate Legal and Reputational Risks: Learn how to safeguard your organization from legal challenges and reputational fallout while staying ahead of evolving regulations
  • Leverage Data for Measurable Impact: Explore how leading organizations use analytics to track progress, secure executive buy-in, and embed sustainable hiring and advancement practices that drive business success
  • Strengthen Leadership in a Changing Landscape: Gain insights from executives who are redefining inclusive leadership—balancing business goals with external pressures, fostering engagement, and sustaining long-term impact
  • Reimagine Workforce Development: Discover how top companies are rethinking recruitment, employee growth, and skills advancement to ensure opportunity remains a core business priority

Speakers

Credits

Agenda

Thursday, June 12, 2025

08:00 AM - 08:45 AM ET

Registration & Networking Breakfast

08:45 AM - 09:00 AM ET

Welcome from our Conference Chair

More

09:05 AM - 09:30 AM ET

Conference Board Research: The State of Workforce Opportunity
More

09:35 AM - 10:10 AM ET

After AA—The Legal Landscape & Our Future Path
The shifting legal and regulatory landscape has left companies navigating uncertain terrain when it comes to workforce opportunity, inclusion, and com … More

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM ET

The Great Reset: Impact in the World of Work
Given the social and political climate for DE&I in the US, CDOs need to rethink approaches to be effective. What are the newer competencies, influenc … More

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM ET

Coffee Break & Networking

11:20 AM - 12:10 PM ET

The Trillion-Dollar Blind Spot: The High Cost of Ignoring Eco…
The numbers don’t lie—underrepresented communities wield more than $5 trillion in collective spending power, driving trends, shaping industries, and … More

12:10 PM - 01:30 PM ET

Lunch

01:30 PM - 02:00 PM ET

Embedding Inclusion: Integrating Workforce Equity into Busines…
For inclusion efforts to be sustainable, they must be more than standalone initiatives—they need to be part of the way a company operates. How do org … More

01:30 PM - 02:00 PM ET

Understanding and Explaining the Global Picture
While US companies are resetting the stage for diversity and inclusion work – DEI as we once knew it thrives in other parts of the world. Navigating … More

02:05 PM - 02:35 PM ET

Management Concerns: Scenario Planning
Did you know that Forbes has reported that organizations engaging scenario planning are 25% more likely to achieve their DEI goals? You’ll learn how t … More

02:05 PM - 02:35 PM ET

Expanding Your Influence and Impact: Collaborative Strategies …
As diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives face increasing headwinds, leaders must mobilize allies and champions across the organization to sustai … More

02:35 PM - 02:55 PM ET

Afternoon Break

02:55 PM - 03:25 PM ET

From Measurement to Movement: Implementing Change from Data
You’ve done the surveys, gathered the numbers, and tracked the trends—but how do you turn those insights into lasting change? Too often, data sits in … More

03:30 PM - 03:45 PM ET

Spark Talk: The Myths We Need to Debunk
In this fast-paced talk Siri Chilazi, Harvard researcher and author, will walk through key myths that can hold us back from designing fair processes … More

03:45 PM - 04:10 PM ET

Discussion + Audience Q/A of The Myths We Need to Debunk

04:15 PM - 04:45 PM ET

What Does the Future Hold for Inclusion?
We convene industry leaders to share their insights, predictions and expectations for the immediate future, based on their years of experience in the … More

04:45 PM - 05:00 PM ET

Facilitated Reflection & Day One Recap

05:00 PM - 06:00 PM ET

Networking Reception

Friday, June 13, 2025

08:00 AM - 08:45 AM ET

Breakfast & Roundtable Discussions
Attendees join their peers over breakfast for small group discussions.

08:45 AM - 09:00 AM ET

Opening Remarks
More

09:00 AM - 09:45 AM ET

Navigating the Legal Frontlines: Compliance, Litigation & Bran…
The legal and reputational risks surrounding workplace policies are increasingly complex. From shifting regulations to high-profile litigation and pu … More

09:50 AM - 10:10 AM ET

The Power of Middle Managers: Sharing Influence Through the O…
Middle managers are the bridge between leadership vision and daily execution, making them critical players in shaping workplace culture. Their influe … More

10:10 AM - 10:20 AM ET

Coffee Break & Networking

10:20 AM - 11:30 AM ET

Workshop: From Crisis to Strategic Communications
Helping companies shift from crisis response to strategic communication as it relates to Opportunity & Access; focusing on proactive planning and nar … More

11:35 AM - 12:45 PM ET

Workshop: Today’s Inclusion Challenges: From Self-Reflection a…
How aware are you of the Inclusion challenges within yourself, your team, or your organization? This highly interactive workshop balances introspecti … More

12:50 PM - 01:00 PM ET

Closing Reflections & Key Takeaways
Closing Reflections & Key Takeaways … More

New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge

333 Adams Street

Brooklyn, NY 11201

Phone: 718.222.6791

RESERVE YOUR ROOM

Hotel Cutoff Date: May 21, 2025

New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge

Frequently Asked Questions

People First: Opportunity and Access

  • REGISTER