“Equity is not something that magically happens – it starts with leadership and accountability.”

So noted Patrice Blakemore, Senior Vice President of Equity and Inclusion of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, as she launched the discussion at the 2023 GCP Equity and Inclusion Conference at Cleveland Marriott East on Tuesday. The theme of the day was “Next Level Thinking: Achieving Sustainable Progress.”

More than 300 E&I leaders, HR professionals and others gathered to find out how to get to that next level. The event was bookended by two artistic performances that gave emotional heft to the proceedings. Poets Siaara Freeman and Rachel Wiley opened the morning with personal reflections on discrimination, connection and transformation. The afternoon featured a performance from internationally renowned Karamu House. “Black Coffee” explored how a monocultural mindset creates barriers for diversity and understanding through the interaction of two co-workers.

The conference was highlighted by keynote address from Michael Moore, the President/CEO of Black Achievers. Moore began with a bold statement addressing the current political climate: “DEI is not dead – we’re not going anywhere.”  Ignore politics, he noted, and focus on the data.  Demographics are changing, and it’s time to invest more in DEI.

Moore used numbers to emphasize his points, noting: “Companies that foster diversity are 33% more profitable.  He added: “Diverse teams make better decisions” – 87% achieve better results.

The day included workshops, panels and presentations.

“Change happens at all levels of the organization regardless of title,” said Christian Ward, GCP’s Director, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, on the impetus for the gathering. She delivered a report on regional progress. “Our Equity & Inclusion Conference is for leaders at all levels who are looking to influence change and inclusive work cultures.”

There is progress being made locally, noted Ward. As a region we are collectively moving forward and we can see that in middle and high wage jobs, she explained. But we are not done – sustainable changes takes five to seven years to achieve.

“When we can mirror the composition of our workforce demographics in these middle and high wage roles, then we know we are achieving inclusive opportunity for everyone,” said Ward.

The day also included the Best in Class Awards honoring companies for their equity and inclusion efforts.  The award is a commitment to equity and Inclusion in action. Organizations that win this award have committed to continual progress in Leadership and Accountability, DEI Structure and Implementation, Recruitment, and Advancement and Retention, which directly impact workplace equity and inclusion. This year’s “Best” are:

• Best in Class Large: Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
• Best in Class Medium: Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority
• Best in Class Small: Talan Products
• Best in Class Most Improved: Gilbane Building Company

“We are really serious about DEI,” says Mark Cunningham, Director of Economic Inclusion at Gilbane. “In 2022, our CEO made a commitment to spend $4B over the next five years with small, diverse businesses. We are on track to achieve it.

“We’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do – but it’s also good business. Our clients also have a desire to have diverse partners – and we know how to do that. We can build your buildings and build your DEI, too.”

Other topics addressed thought the day included building diverse future workforces and inclusive hiring strategies.

Dr. Paul Spradley leads Dollar Bank’s diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts. He and colleagues made the drive from Pittsburgh for the conference. It was more than worth it, he said.

“This is fresh content and perspectives. By 9:30, I had already taken lots of notes and written down two action steps. I’m inspired.”

Greater Cleveland Partnership’s All In vision for a Great Region on a Great Lake has five key priorities: Dynamic Business, Abundant Talent, Inclusive Opportunity, Appealing Community and Business Confidence. All of our work ties back to these values. This story relates to Inclusive Opportunity.