Standing Together and Taking Action

The purpose of this event is to bring together individuals and organizations who – by discussing topics that pertain to today’s workforce – will speak to the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion and how it pertains to and supports the Native American/Indigenous Community in the workplace. The summit’s theme is, Standing Together and Taking Action. The summit will address and educate organizations on their efforts to foster outreach and inclusion of Native American/Indigenous People. This event will serve as a platform for organizations, leaders, and individuals to share their stories, experiences, best practices, and contributions in increasing Native American/Indigenous representation and creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace. Our goal is to educate, inspire, and encourage attendees to reflect on their own commitments and practices as they strive to advance DEI within their respective organizations and beyond. And more than ever, we hope to help companies embrace and champion policies that dismantle a biased system and move towards equity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace.

For questions or comments, please contact Ivy Hunter at [email protected]

Michigan

Ángeles Valenciano

Ángeles Valenciano

CEO
Texas Diversity Council

Andra Rush

Andra Rush

Founder and CEO
The Rush Group

Carol Bergquist

Carol Bergquist

Project Director
Hannahville Indian Community

Kevin Blaser

Kevin Blaser

Business Growth, Development & Energy Specialist
Migizi Economic Development Company

Stephanie Bolman-Altamirano

Stephanie Bolman-Altamirano

Community Advocate, Council Member
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe

Elizabeth Carr

Elizabeth Carr

Senior Advisor to the Director Indian Health Service
Indian Health Services (IHS)

Chasity Dial

Chasity Dial

CEO
American Indian Health and Family Services (AIHFS)

Mark Freeland

Mark Freeland

Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program
South Dakota State University

Kim Goethe

Kim Goethe

Senior Vice President, Director, CTP, CPFIM Government Banking
Flagstar Bank

Rachel Grove

Rachel Grove

Branch Manager
Flagstar Bank

Meghanlata Gupta

Meghanlata Gupta

Founder, Ojibwe Journalist, and Historian
Indigenizing the News

Kevin Leonard

Kevin Leonard

Interim Director of the Native American Institute
Michigan State University

Michaelina Martin

Michaelina Martin

Tribal Liaison
Mno-Bmadsen

Melissa Pope

Melissa Pope

Chief Judge
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

Levi Rickert

Levi Rickert

Editor and Publisher
Tribal Business News | Native News Online

Jessica Rickert, D.D.S

Jessica Rickert, D.D.S

Dentist | Anishinaabe Outreach Specialist
Delta Dental Insurance Company of Michigan

David Sickey

David Sickey

CEO and Former Chairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana
Sickey Global Strategies, LLC

Wenona Singel

Wenona Singel

Associate Professor of Law/ Associate Director of the Indigenous Law & Policy Center
Michigan State University College of Law

Amanda Smith

Amanda Smith

President
Mahuya Industries

Emily Sorroche

Emily Sorroche

Associate Director
CANF Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (MSU)

John Tahsuda III

John Tahsuda III

Principal
Navigators Global LLC

Nathan Wright

Nathan Wright

Founder and Owner
Herbal Lodge

Victoria Wright

Victoria Wright

Author & Voice Over Artist
Healing Words

Sharice Davids

Sharice Davids

U.S Representative
U.S House Representatives | 3rd District

Jennifer Booz

Jennifer Booz

Chief Diversity Officer
University of Alaska Anchorage

Edward Clifford

Edward Clifford

Executive Director of Supply Chain
Consumers Energy

Dr. Denene De Quintal

Dr. Denene De Quintal

Assistant Curator for Native American Art
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)

Darlene King

Darlene King

Executive Director
Michigan Diversity Council

Tory Niceswander

Tory Niceswander

Sr. Specialist, Diversity Inclusion & Employee Engagement
The Hershey Company

Lyndsay Savage

Lyndsay Savage

Bank Officer, Corporate Training Instructor III
Flagstar Bank

Tamela Aikens

Tamela Aikens

Director of Criminal Court Services
Third Judicial District Circuit Court

Tina Alonzo

Tina Alonzo

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Administrator Infrastructure Planning and Facilities
Michigan State University

Patricia McCann

Patricia McCann

Vice President, Senior Diversity Consultant – Social Impact
Comerica Bank

Alice Nordwall

Alice Nordwall

IT Analytics Manager
Vericast

Toielynn Smith

Toielynn Smith

Deputy Court Administrator
Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan

Erica White

Erica White

Supplier Diversity Lead
Corewell Health

Agenda

9:00am-9:05am Welcome - Darlene King, Executive Director, Michigan Diversity Council
9:05am-9:15am Opening Remarks - Ángeles Valenciano, CEO, Texas Diversity Council
9:15am-9:55am Introduction and Keynote Address - Andra Rush, Founder and CEO, The Rush Group
9:55am-10:05am Interim Break
10:05am-11:05am Concurrent Session I: Inclusive Leadership Through an Indigenous Lens

1.1 Dismantling Negative Impacts of Media Portrayals and Stereotypes- A groundbreaking report revealed how the American public views Native Americans/Indigenous people. The report includes some stunning statistics on just how distorted and inaccurate public perception really is. It targets media bias, and therefore it is wise to explore how media contributes to racism in explicit ways. This session will focus on mass media influences, bias, microaggressions, and stereotypes in creating negative impacts. In addition, the potential for these media outlets and non-Native allies to be part of the solution by championing accurate representation.

Facilitator:
Meghanlata Gupta, Founder, Ojibwe Journalist, and Historian, Indigenizing the News


1.2 Native American Voices- A Historic Journey- Much of Native American history involves the hardships caused by colonization that still disenfranchise indigenous communities today. It is important to acknowledge this history and celebrate the successes, achievements, and movements of Native Americans/Indigenous Peoples. Join us for a discussion and gain a deeper understanding of Native Americans​/Indigenous Peoples, their central role in shaping American history and contemporary life, and connections between the past, the present, and the future. Topics will include identity and life, spiritual and cultural significance, historical and contemporary contexts, traditions, sovereignty, socio-economics, political and social systems, resurgence, and resilience.

Panelists:
Levi Rickert, Editor and Publisher, Tribal Business News | Native News Online
Dr. Martin Reinhardt, Professor of Native American Studies, Northern Michigan University
Mark Freeland, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program, South Dakota State University

Moderator:
Dr. Denene De Quintal, Assistant Curator for Native American Art, Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)

1.3 Land Acknowledgements- An Act of Reconciliation - Land Acknowledgements are statements written to honor the land structures that were built with Indigenous land. We’ll explore the history surrounding Land Acknowledgements, why folks are saying the statements, explore the concepts of reconciliation and what relationship to land means. Dr. Sorroche will also share her experience with Land Acknowledgements while working with Michigan State University including the ongoing efforts. Resources will be discussed for attendees to begin this important work.

Facilitator:
Emily Sorroche, Associate Director, CANF Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (MSU)

11:05am-11:25am Break
11:25am-12:25pm Concurrent Session II: Standing Together and Taking Action

2.1 Driving Inclusion- The Role of Executive Sponsors and ERG's-The ERGs/BRGs are the backbone and the heart of DEI initiatives because they provide opportunities for employees at every level to get involved in supporting diversity awareness and helping to advance discussions on policies, processes, and systems. Executive Sponsors are critical to the success of ERGs/BRGS because they serve as advocates within the company to help advance the work of DEI. This session will offer a better understanding of ERG’s/BRG’S and Executive Sponsors as an impactful vehicle in driving strategic priorities and business outcomes, in addition to diversity, inclusion, community, and employee engagement.


Panelists:
Kim Goethe, Senior Vice President, Director, CTP, CPFIM Government Banking, Flagstar Bank
Rachel Grove, Branch Manager, Flagstar Bank

Moderator:
Darlene King, Executive Director, Michigan Diversity Council


2.2 Creating an Inclusive Workforce- Although many businesses are moving towards more inclusive and diverse workforces, there is still much progress to be made. Join our panel of leaders as they share their personal and professional perspectives on best practices in creating an inclusive workforce for Native Americans. Topics include community and employee engagement, recruitment strategies, retention​ and advancement​, culture, training and development​, policies, processes, and behaviors.​


Panelists:
Kevin Leonard, Interim Director of the Native American Institute, Michigan State University
Sarah White, Director of Education Equity, NDN Collective
Victoria Wright, Author & Voice Over Artist, Healing Words

Moderator:
Jennifer Booz, Chief Diversity Officer, University of Alaska Anchorage


2.3 Fostering Cultural Awareness and Competency- A culturally competent organization emphasizes the advantages of cultural diversity, celebrates the contributions of each culture, encourages the positive outcomes of interacting with many cultures, and supports the sharing of power among people from different cultures. Organizations that acknowledge the diversity of their workforce understand the importance of promoting cultural awareness, competence, and humility that honors Native American traditions, including spirituality, healing practices, traditional languages, and other cultural practices and activities. This session will focus on building culturally competent organizations by bringing together knowledge and transforming it into standards, policies, and practices that create inclusive workplaces.


Panelists:
Nathan Wright, Founder and Owner, Herbal Lodge
David Sickey, CEO and Former Chairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, Sickey Global Strategies, LLC
Carol Bergquist, Project Director, Hannahville Indian Community

Moderator:
Lyndsay Savage, Bank Officer, Corporate Training Instructor III, Flagstar Bank


12:25pm-1:15pm Lunch
1:15pm-2:30pm Concurrent Session III: Building Back Stronger, Together

3.1 Native American Rights, Activism, and Social Justice- Taking Action-Native Americans/Indigenous People, like all people, are entitled to inalienable, fundamental human rights. Human rights include equal protection and freedom from discrimination in voting, education, incarceration, health, culture, and religion. In addition, tribes have fundamental collective rights to lands, territories, and resources. The heartbeat for meaningful change is growing stronger by the day. However, there are many challenges Native American/Indigenous Peoples still face today — due to ongoing racism, discrimination, and human rights violations. This session will focus on understanding organizations' influential role and commitment in advancing human rights, racial justice, and equity, not ​only ​from within the workplace but ​from a worldview systemic approach.

Panelists:
Wenona Singel, Associate Professor of Law/ Associate Director of the Indigenous Law & Policy Center, Michigan State University College of Law
Stephanie Bolman-Altamirano, Community Advocate, Council Member, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
Melissa Pope, Chief Judge, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
John Tahsuda III, Principal, Navigators Global LLC

Moderator:
Darlene King, Executive Director, Michigan Diversity Council

3.2 Closing the Gap: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare - The historically intertwined nature of race, discrimination, and socioeconomic status have translated to numerous health care disparities. Populations facing inequalities based on race, ethnicity, religion, and cultural characteristics and identities face their own unique needs and challenges that require tailored, culturally appropriate, community-supported, and evidence-based interventions. Join our panel of leaders as they discuss gaps, social determinants of health, access, and quality of care as part of a comprehensive and interconnected approach to addressing and eliminating disparities and discrimination in healthcare.

Panelists:
Chasity Dial, CEO, American Indian Health and Family Services (AIHFS)
Jessica Rickert, D.D.S, Dentist | Anishinaabe Outreach Specialist, Delta Dental Insurance Company of Michigan
Tory Niceswander, Sr. Specialist, Diversity Inclusion & Employee Engagement, The Hershey Company
Elizabeth Carr, Senior Advisor to the Director Indian Health Service, Indian Health Services (IHS)

3.3 Promoting Native American Business Opportunities and Development- Investors, customers, and employees are becoming more aware of companies' social responsibilities. They expect businesses to engender positive impacts in relation to DE&I through their policies, processes, and behaviors, both within the organization and throughout their supply chains. Diverse and Inclusive supply chain management represents an opportunity for companies to actively fight against racial discrimination and inequalities, create economic opportunities, maintain competitive advantage, promote an inclusive approach to procurement, and enhance businesses. Join our panel of business leaders as they discuss the socio-economic benefits of supplier diversity and the case for companies to revisit their efforts by committing themselves to partner with Native American/Tribal businesses in their supplier diversity chain framework.

Panelists:
Michaelina Martin, Tribal Liaison, Mno-Bmadsen
Kevin Blaser, Business Growth, Development & Energy Specialist, Migizi Economic Development Company
Amanda Smith, President, Mahuya Industries

Moderator:
Edward Clifford, Executive Director of Supply Chain, Consumers Energy

You will receive an email with a Zoom invitation link 1 day prior to event. Please make sure you check your spam folder.
If you have not received your invitation link please contact: Ivy Hunter at [email protected]

BRONZE SPONSOR

$1250
  • Designated as a Bronze Sponsor of the summit; this designation will be on the event webpage, all pre-event and event online and email promotional material, and printed event materials
  • Professional photographs of event for organizational use
  • Quarter-page ad in the printed event program
  • 2 tickets to the summit

SILVER SPONSOR

$2500
  • Designated as a Silver Sponsor of the summit; this designation will be on the event webpage, all pre-event and event online and email promotional material, and printed event materials
  • Professional photographs of event for organizational use
  • Half-page ad in the printed event program
  • 4 tickets to the summit

GOLD SPONSOR

$5000
  • Designated as an Gold Sponsor of the summit; this designation will be on the event webpage, all pre-event and event online and email promotional material, and printed event materials
  • Gold Sponsor(s) will be included in recognition of 50% event proceeds donation to the Ohio Stem Learning Network
  • Professional photographs of event for organizational use
  • Full-page ad in the printed event program
  • 8 tickets to the summit

PRESENTING SPONSOR

$10000
  • Designated as Presenting Sponsor of the summit; this designation will be on the event webpage, all pre-event and event online and email promotional material, and printed event materials – limited to two co-title organizations
  • Presenting Sponsor(s) will be included in recognition of 50% event proceeds donation to the Ohio Stem Learning Network
  • Presenting Sponsor(s) will be listed on all nametags, table tents, and signage during the event
  • Receive a formal plaque as Presenting Sponsor of the event
  • An opportunity to have a representative from your organization provide remarks to open or close the event (10 minutes)
  • Professional photographs of event for organizational use
  • Two full-page ads in the printed event program
  • 16 tickets to the summit

#RiseandLead, #NativeVoices