THIS virtual event sponsored by:

ABOUT VIRTUAL EVENT

When: Wed., June 9, 2021; 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. CDT
Where: Virtual Webinar

FEES

Chicago chapter member: FREE
Non-member: $10 (Proceeds will support the Young Professionals Network)
Student: FREE

Pre-registration closes on Wed., June 9 at 4 p.m. CDT.

Not able to attend the live virtual webinar? Register for the event, and we’ll send a link to the recording after the live event.

While leaders on the frontlines of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion leaders have been working for years to advise businesses and organizations on their approach to DEI, this counsel is now widely understood to be crucial – not optional. Many companies (from the Fortune 100 to the mid-sized and small agencies around the corner) are actively hiring and nominating DEI managers and Champions. Join us for a conversation with a panel of leaders in the space as we talk about organizational and personal impact of DEI both within and outside the PR industry, and how we all can create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in the present and looking ahead to the future.

SPEAKERS

Nikki Hopewell (she/her)
Senior Communications Strategist (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) | Rush University Systems for Health

Nikki Hopewell (she/her) is a senior communications strategist for diversity, equity and inclusion and a member of the internal communications team in the marketing and communications department at Rush University System for Health. She earned her undergrad and graduate degrees in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She is committed to creating connections through storytelling, bringing marginalized folks into the mainstream and championing equality for all.

Roni Jackson
Co-Chief Executive Office | Red Flag Mania - Experiential Learning Expert

Roni Jackson (she/her) A self-driven and creative marketing executive with over 20 years experience in strategic promotions, brand strategy, digital marketing, and content development. Roni has helped multiple small businesses and Fortune 500 companies attract, retain, and engage their target customer through authentic storytelling and proprietary brand activations. Her passion for new experiences, education, and children has been fostered by studies at University of Chicago, Old Dominion University, and Hampton University. Her current role is co-founder of Red Flag Mania where she designs exciting educational simulation for the next generation of learners.

Mike McGrew
Executive Vice President, Chief Communications, CSR & Diversity Officer | Constellation Brands

Mike McGrew is Constellation’s executive vice president, chief communications & CSR officer. In this role, McGrew is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s communications efforts, including internal and external global communications, brand public relations, corporate branding and reputation, investor relations, and Corporate Social Responsibility. In December of 2020, McGrew assumed expanded responsibilities as the company's Chief Diversity Officer. He has held a number of progressive leadership roles within the company, including serving as a member of the Operational Executive Management Committee, providing valuable stakeholder and business perspective, and leading the development and execution of impactful communication campaigns to support various strategic priorities and investments that have contributed to the company’s overall success. Before joining Constellation Brands, McGrew held a number of roles in corporate communications with increasing responsibility at Grainger, Alliant Foodservice and Morton International. He is a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow, and serves on the Board of Directors for Urban Initiatives.

Tyronne Stoudemire (he, him, his)
Vice President Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Hyatt Corporation | Chairman of the Board for Black Ensemble Theater

Tyronne Stoudemire (he, him, his) is the Global Vice President of Diversity Equity & Inclusion for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, a global hospitality company. At Hyatt, Corporation Stoudemire Collaborates with senior leadership teams to implement culture, talent, and marketplace strategies that leverage diversity and inclusion globally growing the enterprise wide across brand portfolio. His team and internal corporate stakeholders implement diversity initiatives that include Resource Groups, mentoring programs for high-potential women and people of color, a communications and public relations strategy to drive internal engagement and external brand recognition, and enhanced brand marketing effort to further focus on multicultural and LGBT audiences. He is the Co-Chair of Hyatt’s Global Diversity Equity and Inclusion Counsel (GDEIC).

MODERATOR

Rebecca K. Roussell, M.S.
Vice President, DEI Communications at Current Global 

Rebecca K. Roussell, M.S. is the Vice President of DEI Communications at Current Global. She joined in February in this newly created role and works as a hybrid, providing strategic client counsel on DEI matters for Current’s clients in the consumer, healthcare, corporate and tech verticals, including FedEx, Bloomberg Associates, Abbott, and a host of others. She also champion’s Current’s Accessible by Design initiative, which is a commitment to help ensure that communications are accessible for all. She leads Current’s internal DEI efforts as well. Rebecca has 15 years of experience in marketing communications, which has afforded her an opportunity to travel the country and create tons of experiences for brands and people. Roussell is very passionate about DEI and has been listed as one of Diversity MBA Magazine’s Top 100 Under 50 Emerging Leaders, The Chicago Defender’s ‘Women of Excellence’ coveted list and Dillard University’s Top 40 Under 40 Alumni. Roussell obtained a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University in Chicago. She also received her bachelor’s degree, Cum Laude, in Mass Communications from Dillard University, an HBCU in her hometown of New Orleans. She is currently based in Chicago.

Questions? Please email Kelsey Schroeder, Kevin Thiel and Catherine Turco, 2021 Programming co-chairs, at [email protected].

Program Details

Refunds:
All ticket sales are final. Substitutions may be made at any time.