Experts and advocates Eric Charlton, Rebecca Cokley, Andraéa LaVant, and Tomás León headline the third day of event focused on developing leadership skills in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

University of Phoenix is pleased to announce industry experts, advocates and leaders Eric Charlton, of Charlton & Associates: Emotional Wellness Consulting Firm, Rebecca Cokley with Ford Foundation and Co-Founder and former Director of the Disability Justice initiative at the Center for American Progress, Andraéa LaVant, Founder and President of LaVant Consulting Inc., and Tomás León, President of Equality Health Foundation, as speakers at the second annual Inclusive Leadership Summit and Career Fair, May 2-4, 2023.

Charlton, Cokley, LaVant, and León will be featured speakers and industry experts at the May 4 panel, “Leadership Accountability & Awareness of Mental Health,” in a panel discussion sharing the emotional tax of balancing varied systemic barriers and socioeconomic challenges while also striving to perform. The panel will discuss the steps that organizations can take to ensure that accessibility is a key aspect of inclusion when developing strategic initiatives that meet the mental health needs of their staff. Panelist will also explore the topics of:

• Invisible and visible disabilities
• Accessibility challenges and solutions
• Considerations for quality mental health resources and benefits in organizations
• The intersection of accessibility and identity
• Overall impact to employee performance and engagement

“We are honored to assemble this group of leaders and advocates for a candid and courageous conversation about accessibility in the workplace as an issue of mental well-being and inclusion,” states Steven Gross, chief marketing officer at University of Phoenix. “The session is intended to provide insights and direction on what can work to support an inclusive and high performing workplace culture.”

Gross will provide opening remarks to the session, and John Ramirez, dean of operations in the College of Doctoral Studies, will serve as moderator.

The summit, titled “Developing a Culture of Belonging: Prioritizing Social and Emotional Well-Being,” offers attendees a robust lineup of speakers and sessions, research presentations, and access to virtual networking opportunities. The free, virtual event brings together leaders, scholars and professionals across multiple industries to explore how to prioritize mental health and belonging at the core of strategic operations. Event attendees will have the opportunity to earn a digital badge, “Inclusive Leader: Self & Social Awareness.”

In addition to the focus on wellbeing, this year’s event establishes the inaugural Workforce Diversity Leader Seminar. The seminar will serve as a meeting place for the advancement and empowerment of employee resource group (ERG) or business resource group (BRG) leaders, ERG or BRG sponsors and emerging leaders who serve in workforce areas related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Participants will engage in facilitated conversations about workforce trends and learn the skills necessary to become effective inclusive leaders in the workplace. The number of available spaces for attendees will be limited, and those who attend will have the chance to earn a workforce-focused Inclusive Leadership Badge.

Register for the University of Phoenix Inclusive Leadership Summit here.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life® help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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