Your Chamber at Work - August 12, 2024
FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO
Diversity, equity and inclusion is about adding seats to the table so that everyone has a voice when decisions are being made. That is the compelling message a sold-out crowd heard on Friday, August 2, at the POWER of Diversity Breakfast. With a record-breaking crowd of about 900 attendees, it was inspiring to see so many Kansas Citians recommitting themselves to supporting inclusionary practices for those who find themselves in historically underrepresented communities. The panel of award-winning DEI professionals encouraged perseverance in creating environments of belonging for all Kansas Citians despite the challenges currently being faced. And hope and positivity infused the room as we discussed the future and the importance of inclusive representation for Kansas City’s young people.
It was also abundantly clear that there is still work to be done, especially as some minimize or cancel their DEI efforts. So, what can we do to ensure our communities and businesses are reflective of all the people we serve? I think our esteemed KC Chamber Board Chair Lisa Ginter said it best – if you look around the table at your company and don’t see all the beautiful colors represented by the many people and cultures that make up our broader community, add more chairs and invite additional diverse perspectives to the discussion. Include underrepresented voices in the conversation and ensure everyone feels like they belong – it benefits your employees and enhances the bottom line as your organization seeks to understand the diverse markets it serves. The KC Chamber can also help you learn to be an ally and enhance your DEI skillset. I encourage you to attend our events that focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, and connect with our Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Greg Valdovino. Let’s continue this journey together, sustaining progress in making Kansas City welcoming for all.
HEALTHY KC WORKPLACE WELLNESS OFFICE HOURS
The Healthy KC Workplace action team created a health and wellness certification program that recognizes area organizations for innovation and excellence in promoting a culture of health in the workplace. Applications are now being accepted for organizations interested in seeking Healthy KC Workplace Wellness Certification. You can find the application by clicking here. The submission deadline is Monday, September 30.
If you have questions about the Workplace Wellness Certification, make plans to drop in any time on September 17 between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to ask your questions about the certification and our Workplace Wellness Team Members are here to answer and help you complete your certification. Register for the zoom link.
AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
The American Red Cross will be in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) on Monday, September 23, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. for a blood drive. This is an excellent opportunity to donate, helping hospitals throughout our community have the lifesaving resources they need when an emergency arises. Register here to give blood with the American Red Cross and use the code "KCChamber" when signing up for a timeslot.
2024 INCLUSION SUMMIT
The 2024 Inclusion Summit “Audacious Dialogues” is a national hybrid conference that attracts DEI and HR practitioners and thought leaders from across the globe. Held September 26-27 at The Abbott in Kansas City Missouri, plus virtually, the Inclusion Summit will bring together people who are focused on advancing diversity, inclusion, equity, accessibility and belonging for all underrepresented groups of color, culture and identity. This is the second year of conference collaboration by four organizations including the KC Chamber, the Center for Disability Inclusion, D&I Consortium and National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP-KC). Registration is open through September 12. Click here for more information and to register.
ATHENA AWARDS RECEPTION
The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is honored to continue presenting the ATHENA Awards, honoring individuals for professional excellence, community service, and for actively aiding women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. Join us on Wednesday, October 16, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., in the Jeannette and Jerome Cohen Community Stage House at Starlight Theatre (4600 Starlight Road, KCMO) as we celebrate the 2024 recipients of the ATHENA Leadership Award and the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. The cost to attend is $55 for KC Chamber members and $70 for non-members, which includes parking, light refreshments and professional networking opportunities. Learn more and register today!
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors KPMG and UMB for helping make this recognition of women leaders possible.