All Ships Rise: The Role of County Leaders and Employees in DEI Practices at #MACoCon

A 2023 MACo Winter Conference panel will discuss the challenges facing diversity, equity, and inclusion specialists when implementing new policies and practices as well as how employment law can help guide the way. 

Research has shown conversations around identity, gender, race, culture, politics, and religion are difficult to have anywhere, and particularly at work. But as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officers and Directors have taken on new and expanded roles in private and public organizations across the country, challenges persist. These leaders have seen record turnover in the profession as they are routinely met with resistance from leadership and employees, when it comes to actually implementing new policies. This panel will discuss barriers to establishing more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces and offer some guidance from employment law specialists as to effective ways to move forward.

Title: All Ships Rise: The Role of County Leaders and Employees in DEI Practices

Description: The role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Directors has seen exponential growth in the last three years, but recently hit a stumbling block. Many organizations now find themselves with an enthusiasm for change that has not always translated into a willingness for action. As DEI leaders have faced opportunity, they have been met with resistance from peers and leaders alike, many struggling with their role in the process. Due to the very personal and sensitive nature of ideas around injustice and inequity, implementing best-practices into performance has proven to be a challenge across the state. Learn from leaders in this rapidly growing and evolving field about effective strategies for meeting a workforce where they are and bringing them along.

  • Speakers:
    • Anthony Ferguson – Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Prince George’s County
    • Dana P. Moore – Director and Chief Equity Officer, Baltimore City
    • Matthew D. Peter – Director of Human Resources, Local Government Insurance Trust
  • Moderator: Sharon Green Middleton – Vice President, Baltimore City Council
  • Date/Time: Thursday, December 7, 2023; 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Learn more about MACo’s Winter Conference: