Description

Topics Included In Program: 

• ALICE Demographics in Ottawa County 
• Privilege Walk Activity
• Foundations Of Allyship 
• How to Combat Implicit Bias

Featured Speakers

Brian Davis, Executive Board & Initiatives Leader

Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators

Dr. Brian Davis has dedicated 35 years to public education at the local, state, and national levels. Known for his 13-year tenure as Superintendent of Holland Public Schools, he led two capital campaigns, launched Holland Early College and Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Programs, and initiated the district's equity work in 2011. Post-retirement, he serves as an Executive Educational Consultant for the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators, co-leading curriculum and leadership development. Dr. Davis also supports new superintendents and has contributed to DEI strategic planning in over 30 districts. He is an adjunct faculty member at Western Michigan University and was named Michigan's Superintendent of the Year in 2011. 

Social Identity: Unlocking Who YOU Are to Better Understand Others

In this interactive presentation, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on what they were taught or learned through their interpersonal interactions with family, friends, culture and institutions regarding their social identities and what they believe to be right, normal, or true through a lens of intersectionality and privilege and how this understanding informs and impacts our connectedness with others. Participants will develop a working understanding of Social Identity, examine their lived experiences, and gain an understanding of the four levels of privilege, oppression, and change. 

Bridget Hurd, VP & Chief Diversity Officer, Inclusion, and Diversity

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan 

Bridget Hurd, Vice President of Inclusion and Diversity and Chief Diversity Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, brings over 27 years of experience in inclusion, health equity, and corporate social responsibility. She leads initiatives to foster an inclusive culture and advance health equity, including creating a framework for equitable healthcare access. Bridget has served on Michigan’s Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities and co-chairs national health equity efforts. Recognized as a Top 100 Diversity Officer and one of DiversityGlobal’s Top 15 Influential Women in Diversity, she holds an MBA from Wayne State University and various certifications in diversity leadership.

The Power of Empathy & Compassion: Foundations of Allyship

During this presentation, you will discover the power of empathy and compassion and why it is a fundamental aspect of inclusion and diversity. The presentation will provide a level set on the multi-faceted meaning of the terms diversity and inclusion, emphasize the importance of leaning in and listening to another person's story without projecting your beliefs, assumptions, or stereotypes onto that person and discuss the action of compassion. It will cover key principles of Allyship. 

Elizabeth DeLaLuz, VP of Community Impact

Heart of West Michigan United Way

Liz DeLaLuz is the Vice President of Community Impact at Heart of West Michigan United Way, where she has led the community investment process for 20 years, engaging over 1,000 volunteers who have contributed more than 15,000 hours and invested $19 million in local programs. She has spearheaded the Tri-annual Community Assessment for Ottawa County and serves on several committees, including the Ottawa County Youth Assessment Survey and Healthy Ottawa Advisory Council. A graduate of WMU, Liz was the first in her family to attend college. She is also a board member for Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital, Chair of the Lakeshore Latina group, and an active volunteer. Liz enjoys spending time with her six children, four grandchildren, and pursuing hobbies like planting succulents and crocheting baby blankets. 

What does ALICE look like in Ottawa County?

Learn more about ALICE, Asset Limited Income Constrained and Employed, and what are the characteristics of and challenges of ALICE - and ultimately how those makeup our demographics in Ottawa County.

Kenneth James, Chief Diversity Officer

Muskegon Community College

With nearly 30 years of experience across non-profit, healthcare, and higher education, Ken is passionate about fostering cross-cultural dialogue and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. As Chief Diversity Officer at Muskegon Community College, he leverages his knowledge and lived experiences to create impactful programs for students, faculty, community members, and businesses. Ken holds degrees from Kentucky State University and Grand Valley State University, and most recently earned Executive Certification in Diversity Coaching from the CoachDiversity Institute in partnership with Howard University School of Business

Implicit Bias & How To Combat It In Our Daily Lives

Full Program Description Soon. 

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Click "Register" to view sponsorship details and reserve an opportunity. 

Email jess@westcoastchamber.org with questions