Individuals
TeamsNothing more clearly illustrates the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion than the lived experiences of those directly impacted by oppression, biases and marginalization. During this opening session, we invite four professionals to share their stories of how their identity has shaped their careers and experiences in the workplace. Their stories shed light on why businesses of the future must commit to diversity, equity and inclusion or risk being perceived as irrelevant or obsolete. Join us and gain a deeper understanding of their struggles and a first-hand perspective on what communicators need to be doing today to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in organizations.
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Pamela Morris
Senior manager of corporate social responsibility communications
Walgreens
Pamela Morris is senior manager of corporate social responsibility communications for Walgreens. A results-driven communications professional with 20 years of experience across agency, nonprofit and corporate environments, Morris has worked with internal and external communications, CSR, strategy development and execution, reputation building, executive communications, traditional and social media, event planning and program management. Prior to Walgreens, Morris held two roles at Allstate, as the communications manager of CEO strategic and stakeholder communications and as communications manager for Allstate's national media team supporting the company's national CSR programs. She has also worked for PR agency Public Communications and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Troy Thompson
Personal Development and Leadership Consultant
#BetterWithTroy
Troy P. Thompson is a Personal Development and Leadership Consultant, where he partners with direct-service organizations, trade associations and universities to provide professional development program consulting and training. He is also the Chair of the Professional Development Committee at Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, a Workshop Facilitator at Baruch College, and a Transformative Leadership Advisory Board Member at Pace University. Troy also provides self-leadership coaching to millennial and Gen Z professionals to help them conquer limiting beliefs and take action in pursuit of their calling — cataloging those best practices via his #BetterWithTroy video series. A Harlem native and first-generation college graduate, his passion is rooted in a first-hand understanding of how a lack of positive guidance can negatively affect one's likelihood for success. A noted advocate for diversity, inclusion, and mental health, Troy's commentary has been featured in various publications including Black Enterprise. Previously, he served as the Digital Communications Associate at the Public Relations Society of America, where he spearheaded the association's digital marketing efforts before being tapped by Havas PR to drive social media strategy and global community management for client brands and partner agencies. He remains a Strategic Advisor to the Museum of Public Relations.
Esther-Mireya Tejeda
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
SoundExchange
Esther Mireya-Tejeda, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, SoundExchange
Liz Travis Allen
Speaker and Activist
Liz Travis Allen
Liz Travis Allen is an attorney, speaker, and writer living in Oakland, CA. She speaks to audiences big and small on how to build an inclusive workplace, particularly for those with disabilities. As a disability rights activist, she also blogs, runs workshops, hosts storyslams, and gives keynote presentations to managers and human resources groups, such as AmeriCorps, Grace Hopper, and tech companies across the country. She spends her working hours as a lawyer, thinking about public policy and creating a more equitable future for all. She loves to sail, travel, and read. Learn more at: liztravisallen.com
