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Panel Presentation Moderated by Nakisha Dixon with (3) panelist heavily involved in Diversity and Ethics

Many small businesses understand the significance and need for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging groups in their workforce, yet falter at how to get one started, maintain momentum, and truly ensure it is a safe space. In this panel presentation, we’ll discuss the true essence of a DEIB ERG, steps and measures to ensure it is a safe space for sharing, learning, and growing, define intersectionality, and talk about practical ways to incorporate safe spaces in a remote and hybrid world.

We will answer the following questions

• How does a company know it's time to create an ERG?
• What steps and measures do you enable to ensure ERGs are truly a safe space?
• What is intersectionality and why is it important to create safe spaces?
• What can people do to create safe spaces at their workplace and outside of work as well?
• How do you encourage and grow your groups - keep up momentum?
• What feedback would you give to employees and/or employers in creating these spaces in a remote world?

This has been approved for 1 SHRM Credit and (pending approval for) 1 HRCI General Credit

Celia García Pérez is a second generation Chicana activist, SHRM certified HR Consultant and Mother of three. She brings her full authentic self to her work, living DEIA in her professional and personal activities. With a master’s degree in Ethics, Peace and Global Affairs she is passionate about issues of justice, employee wellness, and family friendly workplace policies. Ms. García Pérez has primarily contributed to non-profit, education, and healthcare sectors. Prior to starting her own consulting business she also worked in FemTech, serving as Chief People Officer for Abulé, a digital platform for building community caregiving circles. Their vision is to help moms working in and outside of the home create inclusive villages of support to avoid burnout.

Michael Hathway SHRM Certified Professional | Sr HR Business Partner at ADP
Michael Hathway is a seasoned HR consultant with a passion for developing inclusive workplaces and optimizing employee engagement. He has a proven track record of driving impactful change and cultivating thriving cultures at startups and Fortune 500 companies in tech, government contracting, manufacturing, restaurants, financial services and more.

As a Senior HR Business Partner at ADP, Michael champions bold and innovative ideas. Recognizing the need for open dialogue, he established "Partners In Progress," a safe space for unpacking real-world DEI topics through crucial conversations.

With an authentic, practical, and inspirational speaking style, Michael is a strong advocate for employee resource groups. He hopes to leverage his platform to transform the world of work and strengthen the communities in which we live work and play. Outside of work Michael enjoys nature and making music with his husband and teenage son as a loving transracial family. 

Michele Greene is currently head of Customer Marketing at Vercara.  She has 25+ years of experience in Marketing from companies such as AOL, Verizon, and Verisign.  She has been involved in DEIB all throughout her career and is passionate about ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.

Michele received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.  She lives in Loudoun County and enjoys reading, traveling, blogging, and mentoring the next generation.

Moderator: Nakisha Dixon is the Vice President of Human Resources for Vercara and President of The Dixon HR Foundation. She is committed to and passionate about designing inclusive organizations. In her spare time, she coaches Girls on the Run and loves spending time with her family, especially in warm climates.