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Inaugural Mid-Michigan Diversity Summit Draws Over 300+ Participants

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Mid-Michigan Diversity Business Summit is for

Michigan Premier Events proudly hosted the first annual Mid-Michigan Diversity Business Summit event presented by PNC Bank at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center on Tuesday, October 17th. The eventful day hosted 300+ attendees and featured a series of panel discussions featuring dynamic leaders and business owners who have shown commitment to promoting practices that advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in leadership. Addressing the growing need for a more inclusive business landscape, the Mid-Michigan Diversity Business Summit offered a platform for individuals and entities to connect, power and elevate. The summit served as a catalyst for inclusive community growth, opportunities and strong partnerships.

 

“It was great to see individuals across the state of Michigan attend this first inaugural event," said Ashlee R. Willis, CTA, Founder & CEO of Michigan Premier Events.

 

The Mid-Michigan Diversity Business Summit also included a Business Exhibitor Networking Reception, giving attendees an opportunity to network with organizations in Mid-Michigan to make strong connections and partnerships. Attendees were treated to a wealth of knowledge of insights and innovative ideas from the panel discussions.

 

Panel topics included:

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Developing & Supporting A Diverse Workforce

• Lori Simon, MPA, CDM, CTA, | President & Principal Consultant SimonSezConsulting, LLC (Moderator)

• Aileen Bovan | Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

• Tedi R. Parsons CCC, CEC, CPC, | President & CEO, 2b Inclusive LLC

• Carrie Rosingana | Chief Executive Officer | Capital Area Michigan Works!

• Jo Sinha | President & Chief Executive Officer, Peckham

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From Sports to Business

• Dr. Ashley Baker | VP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging , MSUFCU (Moderator)

• Lauren Aitch-Guerrant | Co-Owner & Managing Partner, Human Base Apparel

• Desmond Ferguson | Founder & CEO, Moneyball Sportswear

• Todd J. Duckett | The ReignMaker & Duckett Enterprises Small Business Panel

• Marcus Leslie | Owner & Cheesecake Specialist, Mr. Leslie Cheesecakes

• Lilian Werbin | President / Co-Owner, Elderly Instruments

• Justin Caine | Co-Founder & Visionary, Good Fruit Video

• Lorin Cumberbatch | CEO/Owner Lansing Region, Skin Studio 211 Inclusive

 

Communities for Economic Growth

• Bryan K. Kieler, DBA, | Senior Vice President, Market Manager, Community Development Banking, PNC Bank. (Moderator)

• Tony Willis | Chief Equity Officer, Lansing Economic Area Partnership

• LeTasha Peebles, EDFP | Entrepreneurial Technology Program Manager, Entrepreneurship & Innovation,Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

• Thaddeus Hammond | Deputy District Director, Michigan District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration

 

Michigan Premier Events is looking forward to hosting the 2nd Annual Mid-Michigan Diversity Business Summit in 2024.

For more information, please visit www.MichiganPremierEvents.com. 

AGENDA 

11:15 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.  Check In & Networking

12:00 P.M. - 12:15 P.M. Welcome Remarks

12:15 P.M. - 12:55 P.M.  Lunch 

12:55 P.M. - 1:40 P.M.    Developing & Supporting A Diverse Workforce Panel 

1:40 P.M. -  2:30 P.M.     Sports to Business Panel 

2:30 P.M.  - 2:40 P.M.     Break /Networking 

2:40 P.M.  - 3:20 P.M.     Small Business Panel 

3:20 P.M.  - 4:00 P.M.     Inclusive Communities

4:00 P.M.  - 6:00 P.M.     Business Exhibitor Network Reception 

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Presented by 

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MEET THE SPEAKERS

Leaders will share invaluable and innovative insights & growth opportunities for local, small, medium businesses, entrepreneurs and corporations. Attendees will leave the summit with NEW tools and a pattern for growth.

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Diverse Workforce Panel Discussion

Panel of leaders will discuss equity & diversity in the workforce and how to embody inclusivity. Panelist will also share how their organization helps entrepreneurs, business owners and job seekers excel in their industry. 

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Ashlee R. Willis, CTA 
Michigan Premier Events
Founder, CEO & Philanthropist
Founder & Visionary for Mid-Michigan Diversity Business Summit 

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Lori Adams Simon 
President & Principal Consultant of SimonSezConsulting, LLC. 
 

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Aileen Bovan
Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Officer 
Michigan Economic Development Corporation

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Tedi R. Parsons, CCC, CEC, CPC,
President & CEO, 2b Inclusive 

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Carrie Rosingana
Chief Executive Officer
Capital Area Michigan Works!  

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Jo Sinha
President & Chief Executive Officer
Peckham 

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Sports to Business Panel Discussion

Panel will share how they went from professional athletes to business leaders. Panelists will discuss their business journey and how they transferred their skills and mindsets to thrive in corporate world. 

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Dr. Ashley Baker 
Vice President of  Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging  
Michigan State Federal Credit Union

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Desmond Ferguson 
Founder & CEO 
Moneyball Sportswear

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Lauren Aitch-Guerrant 
Co-Owner& Managing Partner Human Base Apparel
Big Ten Advisory Commission MSU Representative

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Todd Duckett
The ReignMaker
Duckett Enterprises 

Small Business Panel Discussion

Panel of small business owners will share their insights and impactful story about their business journey. Panel will also share their top tips to succeed in today's business climate. 

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Larry Wallace
Fox 47 News 

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Marcus Leslie
Owner & Cheesecake Specialist
Mr. Leslie Cheesecakes

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Lilian Werbin
President / Co-Owner
Elderly Instruments 

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Justin Caine 
Co-Founder & Visionary
Good Fruit Video 

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Lorin Cumberbatch 
CEO/Owner Lansing Region
Skin Studio 211 

Inclusive Communities for Economic Growth

Panel of leaders will discuss economic inclusion for communities and the benefits of procurement diversification for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

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Bryan K. Kieler, DBA *Moderator* 

Senior Vice President, Market Manager

Community Development Banking

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LeTasha Peebles, EDFP 

Technology Program Manager
Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

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Tony Willis 
Chief Equity Development Officer
Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)

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Thaddeus Hammond Deputy District Director, Michigan District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration

Become An Exhibitor 

Are you a company with a procurement program looking to seek suppliers or a company hiring? This is the event for you to participate as an exhibitor. As an exhibitor, you will receive a customized space, complimentary tickets to the summit, brand visibility.

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Exhibitor Booth

  • 10’x10’ exhibit booth consisting of draping with 8' high backs and 3' high sides, 1-2’x6’ covered & skirted table with 2-folding chairs.

  • Standard one-line booth ID sign that includes company logo.

  • (2) Lunches.

  • Electricity - (1) 110v/20amp connection.

  • Opportunity to distribute out marketing materials to attendees. 

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Become A Sponsor 

Choose a package that will benefit you and to show appreciation for your brand and support. Event sponsorship provide a high level of exposure throughout the event. Position your company as an industry leader! 

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To view the sponsorship guide, please contact Ashlee Willis at Ashlee@MichiganPremierEvents.com

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