7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.    Conference Registration

** 6 SHRM continuing education credits is available for attending the conference.

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​8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.    Corporate Exhibits

Please visit the exhibit booths and meet our sponsors.

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​8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.    Coach's Corner

Professional coaches from International Coach Federation – Houston Chapter  will be offering complimentary career and life coaching sessions. Sign-up at the Registration Desk to take advantage of this exciting opportunity!

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​8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.    Welcome Remarks  

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​​8:50 a.m. – 9:35 a.m.    Plenary Session 

 

"Love as a Change Strategy"

• Mohammad Anwar, President & CEO, Softway and Culture+

• Chris Pitre, VP, Softway and Culture+

• Frank Danna, Director, Softway and Culture+

• Jeff Ma, Director, Softway and Culture+

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Leo Tolstoy once said, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing themselves.” To change the world, we must start with ourselves. In today’s rapidly changing world, this has never been more relevant.

Inspiring leaders to become future-ready in an era of constant transformation. With economic shifts, AI, and evolving societal needs, leading effectively means not just adapting to change, but guiding it—both individually and organizationally. Successful change starts with the people side of strategy.

Drawing insights from Softway’s upcoming book LOVE AS A CHANGE STRATEGY, this keynote guides attendees through leading change with empathy, courage, and intentionality. It’s about applying human-centric strategies to every aspect of change management, making change personal and impactful.

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​​9:40 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.    Plenary Session 

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"Love as a Change Strategy"

• Moderator:      Dolly Brenneman

• Panelists:         Deborah Wilkins-Buford – Shell USA

​                              David Leebron – President and CEO, Texas 2036

                              Eduardo Nunez – Co-Founder and Co-President, Blue Wave Industries

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10:40 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.    Networking Break

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​11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.        Concurrent Sessions

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A. Gender Bias: Bridging the Gap in Women's Leadership

• Moderator:        

• Panelists:           Julie Ho, Partner, Deloitte

                                 Carlesia Wright, Chief Business Equity Officer, Port of Houston

                                 Paula Mendoza, CEO Mission Possible

                                 Dr. Christine Harrison, Executive Coach​

 

A discussion on where are we and what to do for ourselves and each other.

These powerful women are leading the way for others and breaking ground for new thought leadership.

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B. “Belonging and its Overall Impact on Wellness”

• Jim Lee, Founder and Coach, B-SPOKE

 

Regardless of your ethnic background, hometown, or personal identity, we all share common traits that have the power to unite us. Instead of focusing on the differences that often divide us, the "5 Voices" framework offers a way to strengthen connections and build bridges across identities.  The "5 Voices" system highlights key characteristics that we all possess, some more pronounced than others. By recognizing these shared traits, we can move beyond surface-level challenges and engage more deeply through common values. Understanding the strengths and potential growth areas of each "Voice" also allows us to appreciate differences while fostering personal growth to collaborate more effectively and support one another, especially during challenging times.

 

C. Enable Adaptive Leadership with Critical Thinking

• Austin Ruiz – President, Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus

 

Learn about policy advances and challenges facing the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or LGBTQ+ community in Texas today and on the horizon. Attendees will hear about some of the current needs and concerns of your LGBTQ+ employees and their families.

 

This interactive session will provide an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community in the Greater Houston region and beyond. 

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12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.        Luncheon

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Diversity Champions Recognition

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1:35 p.m. – 2:35 p.m.        Concurrent Session

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 A. DEI Fatigue: Unpacking this Moment and Moving Forward with Courage, Connection & Curiosity

• Pranika Uppal Sinha, Managing Director, DEI and Org Development, Greystone

 

DEI Fatigue is real! Explore the signs/symptoms, root causes, and how to move forward with courage, connection, and curiosity.

 

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 B. Empowering ERG Leaders: Navigating Business Structures for Inclusive Leadership

• Denise Hall, DEI Advisor, Shell USA

 

This session focuses on equipping Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders with the skills and strategies needed to effectively navigate corporate hierarchies and enhance their influence within the organization. The speech emphasizes the importance of building relationships, setting measurable goals, and overcoming challenges to create a more inclusive and impactful workplace.

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C. Employee Wellness in the Age of DEIB

• ​Arianne Dowdell – Chief DEI Officer, Houston Methodist

• Angela Johnson, VP Global Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, Oxy (tentative)

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 ​2:35 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.        Network Reception & Drawing for Door Prizes