Ohio's labor market remains incredibly tight, but Central Ohio organizations that are building strong cultures of belonging are attracting top talent from diverse backgrounds. Leading employers know from experience that cultivating a strong and authentic sense of belonging among employees can revolutionize recruitment, engagement, retention, productivity, and ROI, even with remote workers.

Recent criticism around DEI in the workplace has sparked concerns that diversity, equity, and inclusion progress could stall, but many employers are not only not abandoning DEI initiatives but deepening them with strategic efforts to build a sense of belonging among employees. They're also ensuring the definition of diversity remains broad and embraces neurodivergent and physically impaired employees, elevating every voice.

With a panel of passionate leaders, we'll explore the meaning and value of creating a culture of belonging in the contemporary workplace, and how it's helping key Central Ohio employees and employers to stay at the top of their games.

Featuring:

Daniel Juday, Founder + Facilitator, Space Creator LLC

Dr. Tina Pierce, Chief of Strategy and Belonging, The Ohio State University Alumni Association

Jennifer Robinson, Chief Human Resources Officer and Deputy Director, Ohio Department of Veterans Services

The moderator is Margaret Finley, Head of DEI and Corporate Affairs, ADS, and President, Board of Directors, Central Ohio Diversity Consortium.

This forum was sponsored by Advanced Drainage Systems, with additional support from Aspyr and The Central Ohio Workforce Development Network.

The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. Our livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. It was also supported by The Ellis.

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus' historic Italian Village on December 11, 2024.