In a world as diverse as ours, it is critical that we build organizations that value diversity and create an inclusive work environment where all people feel welcome, respected, and valued. Diversity takes many forms – age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, national origin and more! Ultimately, these and other characteristics that make each of us unique help to foster diversity of thought across the workplace. This often leads to higher employee engagement, innovation, productivity and business results.
In this session, we look forward to hearing from D&I leaders in varying industries as they share insight on their own personal and organizational D&I journeys. Our intent is to give insight into actionable steps that you and your organization may take to move the needle forward in your own efforts to embrace diversity and drive an inclusive work environment.
Our panel members include:
Chip Murdock - Director of Multicultural Affairs; Wilmington College (Facilitator)
With 25 years of higher education experience, Chip serves as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Wilmington College. Diversity was in his DNA from a young age. Being the son of an anthropologist, Chip learned to appreciate the various aspects of human differences and has been able to apply those principles throughout his life. At Wilmington, Chip facilitates a wide array of diverse programming that benefits the entire campus. The focus of many of his programs are promoting dialogue and understanding, which are the pillars of inclusion excellence. Chip has extensive community and professional organizational involvement and a passion for personal empowerment and development, corporate responsibility. Chip holds a BA from Oral Roberts University in Music Composition and Business and received his post graduate education from both Miami University and Tennessee State University, where he earned both his master’s degree and teaching certification respectively.
Sigrid Solomon - VP for Student Affairs; Wilmington College
Sigrid Solomon was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY until she was fortunate enough to attend boarding school at the age of 15. She holds a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and her M.Ed. from East Carolina University and currently working on her Doctorate with Ashland University. Sigrid has been working in higher education since 1993 at various colleges and universities; North Carolina State University, North Carolina Wesleyan University, Emory and Henry College, Southern Vermont College and now at Wilmington College where she has served as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students/ Title IX Coordinator over the past thirteen years.
Priya Klocek - President/CEO; Consultant On The Go, LLC
Priya Dhingra Klocek is a business consultant, executive coach, mentor and facilitator. She is the President & CEO of Consultant On The Go LLC, a consulting firm that focuses on diagnosing and improving the fundamental human interactions upon which all successful business are built. Priya works with her clients collaboratively to identify and implement strategic customized solutions for their business and cultural needs.
Priya has more than 20 years of experience working in the areas of Talent Management, Leadership Development, Change Management and Diversity & Inclusion. Her corporate experience includes working for companies like Ashland Inc, Convergys, Great American Insurance and Fifth Third Bank. She has experience working globally on various initiatives in countries like Canada, Europe, Indian and the Philippines.
Melinda White - Human Resources - North America; Tate & Lyle
Melinda White often referred to as Mimi, is the HR Manager for Tate & Lyles Dayton plant and has recently been appointed the Inclusion and Diversity Manager of Global Operations. In her current role, she has helped to develop the Black Employee Network (BEN), she serves as a presenter in the organization’s Ally ship training program and is a member of the I & D council. As an active community member in Dayton, she serves on executive board member of National Conference for Community & Justice of Greater Dayton (NCCJ) since 2017. And remains an active member and contributor of the Ohio Diversity Council and National Diversity Council since 2008.Melinda has been Certified Diversity Professional since 2015.
She is skilled and passionate about bringing people of different backgrounds together to create and achieve shared goals.
She has a bachelor’s degree in Management/Project Management from Antioch University McGregor, a Master’s degree in Management and Leading Change (HR) (MLCHR) from Antioch University Midwest, and a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP).
Mitch Morgan - VP, Manager, Inclusion and Diversity; Fifth Third Bank
Mr. Morgan was named Vice President, Senior Diversity and Inclusion Manager in 2016. In this role, he drives inclusion and diversity strategies for the Bank through leveraging leadership, benchmarking, determining measures, and driving transparency and accountability. He is also responsible for the strategic development, continued enhancement and execution of the Bank’s 8 Enterprise Business Resource Groups as well as supporting the Bank’s 10 regional Business Resources Groups across the Bank’s footprint. He also directly leads the effort for the Bank around the inclusion and representation of individuals with disabilities for across the Bank. The scope of support crosses all Regions of the Bank as well as Bancorp, LOB and specific geography. In addition, he is responsible for the operations of two Project SEARCH programs at Fifth Third Bank located in Madisonville, Ohio and Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is also a certified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory. Mr. Morgan was named the 2017 Partner Champion Award from Michigan Rehabilitation Services and the 2014 Vernooy Service Excellence Award winner from Wright State University.
He joined Fifth Third Bank in 2005 as a leadership and development manager in the Central Operations division of the Bancorp and has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry
Amy Thompson – Senior Director, Leadership Programs; Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
Amy Thompson has been bringing groups of people together since she was 12 years old. She has a passion for helping people reach their full potential and making this community a great place for everyone. She spent 20 years in leadership roles at Camp Joy and the last 6 as Executive Director. She joined the Chamber four years ago and oversees the leadership programs. Inclusion is a key pillar in all of the leadership programs and the Chamber has been leading work in this space through Diverse by Design for many years. Amy loves partnering with regional DEI experts to help leaders become more culturally competent and inclusive. Diverse by Design | Building Cultural Competence Program
