The programming for the United Diversity Business Summit on Sept. 14 is set, with experts in diversity from throughout the Valley coming together for insightful keynotes and panel discussions.

The 2022 United Diversity Business Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts with the theme of “Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem through Diversity, Community and Innovation.” It is free for attendees.

The morning sessions will include:

• Keynote session No. 1: “Overcoming Barriers to Entry & Promoting Statewide Economic Growth Panel” Experts in economic development in Arizona tell us what Arizona is doing to attract new and diverse businesses to our state and what barriers are being overcome to create economic growth in key industries statewide.
  • Cameron Robb, senior economic development consultant, APS (moderator)
  • Robin Reed, president and CEO, Black Chamber of Commerce
  • Ricardo Carlo, president, Associated Minority Contractors of Arizona
  • Rob Millar, economic development director, city of Scottsdale
  • Daniel Seiden, president and CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Keynote session No. 2: “Moving from Transactional to Transformational”
  Jackie Johnson, city of Scottsdale diversity director, will provide a keynote discussion on moving your business environment from a transactional mindset to one of transformation where diversity and inclusion can be ingrained in the workforce culture.

The afternoon sessions will include:

• Keynote session No. 3: “Increasing Visibility in Underrepresented Demographics Panel” This panel discussion will focus on how Arizona businesses and corporations can increase visibility in underrepresented demographics, whether that means race, socioeconomic status or age.
  • Jacque Starks, diversity, equity and inclusion manager, Maricopa Community Colleges (moderator)
  • Veronica Aguilar, vice president, Teach for America
  • Keasha Beach, executive director, BASE Arizona
• Keynote session No. 4: “Diversity in Progress: Strides Made to Date and Work Moving Forward” Velma Trayham, Thinkzilla Consulting Group president and CEO, will show the audience some of the key metrics that corporations can measure to ensure that DEI initiatives are effective, as well as discussing how much of an impact DEI is having in the business environment across the country.

These keynote sessions will be complemented by breakout sessions on two tracks, one for corporate and one for entrepreneurs.

Attendees will learn from more than 25 speakers on innovative approaches and best practices to improve economic diversity outcomes for organizations and entrepreneurs. Track 1 is designed for public and private companies seeking to increase diversity outcomes. Track 2 incorporates business development programs to attract and grow the minority small business community. Workshop topics include using disruption to advance business strategy, entrepreneurship 101, supplier diversity, inclusive decision-making, recognizing and overcoming financial challenges and more.

“We are very excited about the program we’re putting together for the United Diversity Business Summit,” Trayham said. “This will spotlight some of the most respected business leaders in our community and help companies learn how to make great strides toward diversity and inclusion.”

The full program can be viewed at www.UnitedDiversityBusinessSummit.com.

The lineup of speakers for the 2022 summit includes:

• David Ortega, mayor of Scottsdale
• Velma Trayham, CEO of Thinkzilla
• Jackie Johnson, diversity director for the city of Scottsdale
• Nadia Rivera, chief impact officer and executive director, Arizona Coyotes Foundation
• Monica Villalabos, CEO of Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Rob Millar, economic development director for the city of Scottsdale
• Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group
• Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Cloves Campbell, co-publisher of the Arizona Informant
• Eric Standifer, president and CEO of Blaylock Van
• Ashlee Atkins, president of Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals
• Mark Stanton, president and CEO of Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce
• Mark Moeremans, senior vice president, Entrepreneurship & Venture Development
• Heather Guzman, financial representative with COUNTRY Financial
• Jacque Starks, diversity, equity and inclusion manager, Maricopa Community Colleges

“Scottsdale is dedicated to advancing talent, opportunity, and growth for all its citizens,” said Rob Millar, Scottsdale’s economic development director. “This event provides an incredible space to continue vital conversations about diversity and economic development.”

The United Diversity Business Summit will spearhead break-out sessions and training workshops covering various topics and industries to move 100 or more companies forward and expand fast-growing, diverse small businesses across the Valley.

The United Diversity Business Summit offers corporations and governmental entities the opportunity to reach more than 500 business owners during the event and through pre- and post-event marketing. Each year, as a part of Thinkzilla Consulting Group’s “Diversity Business Awareness” aimed at increasing patronage of inclusive organizations, the Diversity Business Summit co-chair committee salutes and highlights the accomplishments of five diverse businesses in Scottsdale.

Registration for the event has been brisk and has increased in the past couple of weeks, so potential attendees are encouraged to register now to ensure their attendance. Registration is now available at www.UnitedDiversityBusinessSummit.com.

The event’s organizers have announced a new presenting sponsor, Fry’s Food Stores, to accompany previously announced sponsors Salt River Project, Blaylock Van, Country Financial, Arizona Commerce Authority, and the Arizona State University Office of Economic Development. Community Partners Include the Black Chamber of Arizona, Base Arizona, Maricopa Community Colleges, Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals, and Associated Minority Contractors of Arizona.