Aspire to Inspire ERG Conference: Full Schedule

6:00pm CST

Welcome Reception

Thursday February 20, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST

Arriving to Des Moines the night before the conference? Kick off the Aspire to Inspire experience by mixing and mingling with fellow attendees at our welcome mixer! This lively evening sets the stage for the conference, offering you a prime opportunity to build connections and start networking early with like-minded professionals.

Thursday February 20, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Networking

3:00pm CST

Roundtable Discussion: ERGs as a Force for Community Engagement & Impact

Friday February 21, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm CST

Parents Hall South

This roundtable will explore how ERGs can extend their impact beyond company walls and into local communities. The conversation will center around best practices for building meaningful partnerships, advocating for underrepresented groups, and creating sustainable change.

What are some ways ERGs at your company have engaged with the local community?
What challenges have you faced when trying to secure corporate support for community-based initiatives?
How can ERGs balance internal employee support with external advocacy efforts?
What partnerships or organizations have you found valuable in expanding ERG impact?
How do you measure success when it comes to ERG-led community engagement?

Speakers

Vicente Rico

Senior Consultant, Product Development, Agribusiness Innovative Solutions, Nationwide

Vicente has over 25 years of customer support and insurance experience, with nearly 17 years of service with Nationwide. He has had the opportunity to lead within Property and Casualty insurance, including establishing strong skills in claim support and risk management, and is now... Read More →

Sponsors

GreenState Credit Union

Friday February 21, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm CST
Parents Hall South 2875 University Ave. Des Moines, IA 50311

Networking

3:00pm CST

Roundtable Discussion: Executive Orders & ERGs – What Policy Changes Mean for Workplace Inclusion

Friday February 21, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm CST

Room 112/113

This roundtable will focus on how executive orders at the state and federal levels impact corporate DEI efforts and ERG initiatives. The goal is to explore how policy changes shape the work of ERGs and what ERG leaders can do to remain effective in shifting political climates.

How have recent executive orders (or broader legislative changes) influenced your ERG’s work?
What challenges have you faced in maintaining momentum for DEI initiatives in times of policy uncertainty?
How can ERGs effectively communicate with leadership when external policies threaten internal DEI efforts?
What strategies have worked for sustaining ERG engagement when external forces create resistance or fear?
How can ERGs support employees who may be personally impacted by policy changes?

Speakers

Claudia Schabel

Founder and CEO, Schabel Solutions

Claudia Schabel, President of Schabel Solutions, combines over a decade of experience as a Diversity and Inclusion practitioner with Fortune 500 companies and her multicultural background to offer coaching and consulting services in the areas of Diversity and Inclusion to businesses... Read More →

Sponsors

Bishop White Insurance and Financial Services

Musco Lighting

Friday February 21, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm CST
Room 112/113 2875 University Ave. Des Moines, IA 50311

Networking

3:00pm CST

Roundtable Discussion: The Intersection of DEI & Compliance – Navigating Corporate Policies and Legal Risks

Friday February 21, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm CST

Room 110/111

This roundtable will examine how ERG leaders can balance advocacy with corporate policies and legal considerations. The conversation will explore the risks and opportunities ERGs face when pushing for meaningful DEI initiatives within the constraints of corporate structures and legal guidelines.

How do corporate policies shape the scope of ERG activities at your organization?
What are some common legal or compliance-related challenges ERGs face?
How can ERGs collaborate with HR or legal teams to ensure their initiatives align with company policies?
What strategies have been effective in pushing for change while maintaining positive relationships with leadership?
How can ERGs advocate for more inclusive policies within their organizations without overstepping compliance boundaries?

Speakers

Nola Cartmill

Chief Diversity Officer & Legal Counsel, Holmes Murphy

As the Chief Diversity Officer and a member of the Legal Department for Holmes Murphy, Nola Cartmill is responsible for leading the company's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy and making strategic recommendations to the Executive Committee. Nola also helps formulate client-facing... Read More →

Sponsors

Iron Horse Wealth Management

Friday February 21, 2025 3:00pm - 3:50pm CST
Room 110/111 2875 University Ave. Des Moines, IA 50311

Networking