Diversity is not a concept normally associated with West Virginia. That is often an unfair perception because there are many angles of diversity that are in fact valued and represented in our state. At the same time, we all know we are the least ethnically diverse state in the country and there are major issues to overcome.
One of the best ways to do that is to embrace diversity proactively. The Diversity Track, lead by Crystal Good, will help you and your community on that journey!
Monday 10/19. - 10:15 AM
Elitist or Opportunity for All? Is the Creative Economy for Everyone?
We West Virginians are always suspicious of anything that resembles elitism. We don’t like to consider ourselves better than anyone else, and we sure don’t like it when others consider themselves better than us. So how does this impact the growth of the creative economy in West Virginia? Does this initiative open opportunities for everyone? Can the growth of a creative economy tackle one of our most challenging issues, poverty? Or will its development just benefit the elite few with the right kinds of degrees.
2. - 11:30 AM
Monday 10/19
Monday 10/19
Lessons From the Diversity Leadership Academy (DLA)
Most corporate diversity efforts are compliance-driven, adding little to the bottom line. For over 8 years The Diversity Leadership Academy® (DLA) has been promoting a “mission-focused/requirements-driven” approach to managing diversity, helping leaders make quality decisions strategically about diversity, with a clear understanding of how those decisions relate to the mission of the organizations they lead, regardless of the community sector they represent.
This session is designed for those who hope to manage projects, organizations, and processes involved in creating successful business and community outcomes that are valuable precisely because they are new and different.
Those attending "Lessons From the Diversity Leadership Academy® (DLA)” should be interested in learning from West Virginia DLA graduates, representing a variety of industries and community sectors, about the diversity management principles they learned during the Academy and how they have embedded them into their home, work and community practices.
3. - 2:15 PM
Monday 10/19
Monday 10/19
The Creative Economy and Tolerance: Race and Sexual Orientation in West Virginia
West Virginia citizens come from a range of backgrounds--from different races, cultures, and sexual orientations. In this session we will examine how views of our state's diversity impact life for the residents of our state and West Virginia's pursuit of a creative economy.
4. - 3:30 PM
Monday 10/19
Monday 10/19
Cultural ROI: How do niche cultural events and festivals create a positive economic impact in West Virginia?
Fairs and Festivals are a valuable asset for creating cultural diversity and education in local communities. If so, why do many of these events suffer from poor funding and low community support? How can cultural events create a cultural "return on investment" and drive the development of a creative economy within their host communities? This session will include an insightful discussion of the solutions as well as sharing what makes West Virginia festivals special and how they can be preserved for future generations.
Can non-traditional groups like niche artist’s collectives, fairs and festivals like Culturefest, Multifest, String Band, and International Film Festival or Hip- Hop help develop valuable socioeconomic power and economic development in West Virginia?
5. - 10:00 AM
Tuesday 10/20
Tuesday 10/20
Creating Opportunities for Young Adults in West Virginia
Using a framework developed by the West Virginia Center for Civic Life in conjunction with young adults throughout the state, join us as we discuss how West Virginia can create an environment where young adults can thrive by promoting and capitalizing on its unique qualities, and increasing its economic, social, and civic opportunities.
6. - 11:15 AM
Tuesday 10/20
Tuesday 10/20
Overcoming the Barriers to Diversity in West Virginia - A Conversation with West Virginia Marketing and Public Relations Professionals.
We all know that a diverse workforce is good for business. It guarantees a constant influx of new ideas that in turn, can improve processes and enhance productivity. But, how do we get there? How do marketing and public relations campaigns influence perceptions of West Virginia? Can these professionals help shape a broader and more diverse image of West Virginia that will attract, employ, and retain a diverse West Virginia workforce?
This session will dive in to the tough questions and shed new light on how we can create cross-cultural work environments. Whether you’re ready to launch your own diversity initiative, or just looking to understand why diversity is so critical to West Virginia’s future, this session is a must-attend.
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