Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference

The best business decisions are informed by a multitude of perspectives.

Sparking Success

Sparking Success, our diversity, equity and inclusion conference, is designed to provide a forum for awareness, dialogue and skill-building around issues of diversity and inclusion as it relates to the business world.

Sparking Success: The Intersection of Business and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Location and Timing

Date: Friday, October 25, 2024
8:00 am – 1:00 pm, with reception to follow
McNair Hall, Rice University
This is a FREE event but registration is required.

At Rice Business, we endeavor to create a rich learning environment that considers and appreciates a multitude of perspectives that lead to enhanced decision-making. We consider this mindset a critical leadership skill in today’s increasingly global and inclusive workplace.

Sparking Success, our diversity conference, is designed to provide a forum for awareness, dialogue and skill-building around issues of diversity and inclusion as it relates to the business world.

If interested in sponsorship, please contact Lina Y. Bell at 713-348-4731.

Agenda

*All events in Shell Auditorium – McNair Hall unless otherwise indicated.

Time	Description
8:00 am – 8:30 am	Registration - 1st Floor Rotunda, McNair Hall
8:30 am	Welcome Peter Rodriguez, Dean and Professor of Strategic Management, Rice Business Introduction: Constance Porter, Senior Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Associate Clinical Professor of Marketing, Rice Business
8:40 am – 9:20 am	Keynote Address – Working Together: Practicing the Science of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mikki Hebl, Chair of Psychology, Professor of Management – Rice University Introduction: Chanel Stephens, Full-Time MBA '25
9:30 am – 10:30 am	Corporate Insider Perspectives Panelists: Kevin Giddins, Senior Architect of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, NRG Seema Santhakumar '10, Hydrogen Market Development Leader-Americas, Baker Hughes Stanley Kazibwe '11, Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program, Cheniere Moderator: Toya Cirica Bell '87, Global Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Bazaarvoice Introduction: Simón Cormack, Full-Time MBA '25
10:30 am – 10:50 am	Break - 1st Floor Corridor, McNair Hall
11:00 am – 12:00 pm	Breakout Sessions Option A – Navigating Potentially Charged Discussions over Differing Views - Room 115 Beth O’Sullivan, Professor of Communication, Ret., Communication Coach, Rice Business Introduction: Husein Lokhandwala, Full-Time MBA '25 Option B – Why Neurodiversity Matters: Inclusive Workspaces for Every Brain - Room 218 Tracy Winter, Neurodiversity Specialist, Leadership and Executive Coach Introduction: Britnee Reddick, Professional MBA '25
12:10 pm – 1:00 pm	Breakout Sessions Option A – Legal Considerations in the DEI Space - Room 212 Panelists: Tracie M. Hall '03, Esq. The Law Office of Tracie M. Hall, PLLC Richard Baker, Executive Director, HR People, Equity, & Development, Rice University Moderator: Yoonhwi Cho, Global Senior Diversity and Inclusion Manager, K&L Gates Introduction: Monique Pourkarimi, Online MBA '25 Option B – Leading with Confidence and Self-Care: Break Free from Fear of Failure, Perfectionism and Burnout - Room 115 Ijeoma Nwaogu, Owner, Everlead, LLC Introduction: Andrew Ward, Full-Time MBA '25
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm	Networking Reception - Gibbs Convocation Hall, Suite 200