THANK YOU
As we reflect on 2024, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support of this year’s DEI Community Conversations. Together, we created spaces where over 330 community leaders came together to connect, engage, and take meaningful steps toward advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Your participation, encouragement, and shared commitment to this work have been instrumental in amplifying our collective impact to ensure we all can thrive.
Last year’s conversations were thoughtfully planned and executed by an incredible team of community volunteers, many of whom have been with us since the very first DEI Symposium in 2022. Thanks to their dedication and vision, we’ve had the privilege of exploring important topics ranging from leadership and equity to the power of data and collective action. Each gathering has been an opportunity to listen, learn, and grow together, and we are so inspired by the ways you are taking action in your organizations and communities.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce that the 2025 DEI Symposium will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Altria Theater. Please save the date and join us as we continue to deepen this essential work, celebrating progress while charting new pathways for change.
WHEN 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Lunch will be served
WHERE Altria Theater
Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Your energy, insights, and support fuel the momentum we need to create a more equitable and inclusive future for all to thrive.
With gratitude,
Sidney R. Edwards, VP of DEI, YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND
DEI COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ONE: DEI AND THE EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE
Date: March 2024 | Location: United Network for Organ Sharing
Over breakfas,t catered by Nikki Thomas of The Earnest Chef, Jonathan Zur (Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities) explored how history shapes the present and shared best practices for managing change. Shanza Isom (BeWell: Self-Care and Holistic Life Balance) introduced mindfulness techniques for navigating DEI work. Attendees also shared ideas for topics at the 2025 DEI Symposium.
DEI COMMUNITY CONVERSATION TWO: ADVANCING DEI THROUGH LEADERSHIP
Date: July 2024 | Location: Village Green RVA
This lunch session, catered by Village Green RVA, focused on the role of board members, executive directors, and CEOs in advancing DEI. Lea Whitehurst-Gibson (Virginia Community Voice) spoke on equitable board practices, followed by a panel discussion with Ann Rhode Payes, Rasheeda Creighton, and Charlie Whitaker, moderated by Karen Wilson. Panelists shared experiences navigating DEI within their leadership roles.
DEI COMMUNITY CONVERSATION THREE: DEI AND HR DATA
Date: September 2024 | Location: The Faison Center
Over a vegan soul food dinner, catered by Raegan Gibson (Sweets and Soirées, LLC), Katerina Rodriguez (ADP) led a session on using HR data to drive DEI action plans. The presentation emphasized - The Future of Work - including leveraging AI to enhance employee experiences.
DEI COMMUNITY CONVERSATION FOUR: COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
Date: November 2024 | Location: Little Hands
Virginia
For the year’s final conversation, attendees joined a group service project in partnership with Little Hands Virginia, bundling over 10,000 diapers for families in need. This collaborative effort supported young families by ensuring access to basic necessities and highlighted the power of collective action.
ADVANCING DEI
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
2024 IMPACT REPORT
This year’s DEI Community Conversations brought together 330 community leaders, fostering dialogue, connection, and action. With an overall satisfaction rating of 4.5/5 and an average Net Promoter Score of 70. These conversations reinforced our shared commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in our community.
330 Community Leaders
4.5/5
Overall Satisfaction Rating 70 Net Promoter Score
These gatherings were carefully curated by a Planning Committee of dedicated community volunteers, many of whom have been engaged since the inaugural DEI Symposium in 2022. Together, we continue to grow this movement and look ahead to the 2025 DEI Symposium at the Altria Theater on Friday, September 26, 2025.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS HAD TO SAY
“Wonderful job! Everything was very organized, the presentation was informative and engaging, and the meal was delicious!”
“I didn’t know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised at how fun the event was. I got to know my teammates better and gained practical tools to bring back to my organization.”
“Great food, loved the energy, and the greeters did a great job setting the tone.”
After attending, participants reported feeling: Connected, Engaged, Informed, Fulfilled, Equipped, Excited, and Aware of the importance of DEI visibility.
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS | LEARNINGS IN ACTION
Advocating for DEI within their organizations and communities.
Sharing learnings with governing boards, company leaders, friends, and family.
Applying new perspectives to professional roles and daily work.
Building strategies to integrate DEI into organizational culture and operations.
ADVANCING DEI
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
2024 COMMITTEE
DEI COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS PLANNING COMMITTEE
Karen Wells VPM
Mary Arritt VPM
Andi Weissbart First Citizens Bank
Jamie Isley Leadership Metro Richmond
Jana Smith Chesterfield County Health Department
Sue Kindred SK Consulting, LLC
Esther Nand Warren Whitney
Kristin Hott PlanRVA
Alyssa Johnson PBS
Eric Lin YGR Board Member
Katie Ferguson VCU
Brittany Seward Chamber RVA
Margaret Dodson-Cordrey Girl Scouts
Robin Slater D.A. Davidson Companies
Kim Conley Chesterfield County Government
Tiara Whitfield United Network of Organ Sharing
Sarah Douglas Altria Private Events
Bonita Patton Piedmont Family YMCA
Angela Roisten VACU
Rashi Branche YMCA of Greater Richmond
Lisa Ramirez YMCA of Greater Richmond
Patricia Green YMCA of Greater Richmond
Matt McCollester YMCA of Greater Richmond
Jess Jones YMCA of Greater Richmond
Elaina Brennan YMCA of Greater Richmond
Liz Hansbury YMCA of Greater Richmond