Calendar of Events

The moderator for this event is Ashley Philippsen and presenters include:

• Dr. Nika White (President & CEO, Nika White Consulting)
• Michael Gonzales (Principal, NE&E Consulting)
• Justice Waidner Smith (Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager, ONEOK, Former TAHRA VP of Diversity)
• LaTricia Hill-Chandler (Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Arvest Bank)

Now, more than ever, there is a need for organizational trust, empathy and sense of belonging as employees of historically underrepresented communities are undoubtedly affected by recent world tragedies. Traditionally, they feel pressured to follow the unwritten rule that insists they “leave their personal lives at home.” Organizations can no longer afford to ignore the toll such expectations take on employee productivity, morale, behavior and overall wellbeing.  

Join us on June 25th as we explore strategic ways HR professionals can help their organizations support employees as they cope during these times of crisis. This event will highlight diversity, equity and inclusion efforts centered around accountability, authenticity, allyship and agility, as well as defining simple processes that companies should utilize to illustrate their commitment to inclusive and psychologically safe workplaces for all. 

Content warning: recent events which may been considered controversial will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn why and how accountability at the organizational leadership level is essential during times of crisis and requires courage, empathy and compassion.
• Demonstrate the importance of being an inclusive leader by exhibiting authenticity and transparency.
• Learn ways to show support and allyship for historically underrepresented people in their workplace, especially during times of difficult events.
• Gain knowledge of why it is critical to be nimble and important to be able to move and shift on a moment’s notice.

Thank you to the list below for their contributions to our virtual ROI Events:
OKHR State Council - Rachel Blue and Tom Vincent - Heidi Hartman Consulting - Denise Reid - Mercedes Millberry Fowler

Bios -

Dr. Nika White is a national authority and fearless advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. As an award-winning management and leadership consultant, keynote speaker, published author, and executive practitioner for DEI efforts across business, government, non-profit and education, Dr. White helps organizations break barriers and integrate diversity into their business frameworks. Her work has led to designation by Forbes as a Top10 D&I Trailblazer.

Michael Gonzales is the principal owner of NE&E consulting and travels the country as a consultant, executive coach, speaker, panelist and advisor on D&I topics impacting business and workforce imperatives. He was the former corporate leader of Hallmark Cards’ Diversity & Inclusion department. Michael is also the co-founder of the Diversity & Inclusion Consortium; whose mission is to share best practices and to provide insights and support regarding D&I opportunities and challenges. He also created and teaches the course “D&I in the Workplace” in the School of Business at Kansas University. And in his spare time serves on 10 national, regional and local boards and councils.

Justice Waidner Smith has worked in the field of human resources, organizational culture, diversity and inclusion for more than 20 years. She has experience implementing strategic diversity and inclusion initiatives; background in organizational development and change management; and has subject matter expertise related to numerous diversity issues.

Justice earned a B.A in Social Identity Theory and Writing from Hampshire College in Amherst, MA and a M.A. in Intercultural Leadership and Management from the School for International Training Graduate Institute in Vermont.

Named by Tulsa People and Tulsa Business Journal as a 40 Under 40 recipient, Justice has served on the boards of the Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS), Camp Fire, Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges, YWCA Tulsa and Teach for America. Last year, she was named one of Diversity MBA magazine’s Top 50 Emerging D&I Leaders.

LaTricia Hill-Chandler is the first Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Arvest Bank. In this role, LaTricia serves as the primary subject matter expert and architect of Arvest's diversity and inclusion and cross-cultural relations plans and programs. This position oversees the identification, development, implementation and evaluation of the initiative across the 4-state footprint of the organization. Prior to this role, LaTricia was a Senior Manager II for Diversity and Inclusion Development in the Global Culture Diversity and Inclusion Office at Walmart Stores Inc. located in Bentonville, Arkansas. 

LaTricia holds a Bachelors of Business Administration degree from HBCU, LeMoyne Owen College, and a Master’s of Science in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University.  LaTricia also has earned credentials as a Certified Diversity Executive from the Institute of Diversity Certification. LaTricia is a graduate of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series (Class XXXVI) and has won numerous awards including Champion of Diversity, presented by the Indianapolis Recorder and Indiana Minority Business Magazine, and the Indianapolis Choice-Avatar of the Year, presented by the National Association of Women Business Owners Indianapolis chapter. Most recently, LaTricia received the Leading with Excellence Corporate Trailblazer Award from Compassion Fayetteville.  In 2014, LaTricia served as a panelist at the 40th annual Essence Music Festival’s EmpowerU conference and workshops in New Orleans, LA. 

LaTricia serves on the Rogers Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and has served as a Board of Director for The Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation, Kids Voice of Indiana, St. Mary’s Child Center, Kaleidoscope Youth Center, The Indianapolis Black Chamber of Commerce, and WNBA and 4-time Gold Olympic winner Tamika Catchings’ Catch the Stars Foundation. She was also a member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council Certification Committee.  She currently serves on the Executive Inclusion Council of The Conference Board.  LaTricia and her husband, Derrick have one daughter, Dyllan, and one pet-son, a 9-lb morkie, Bentley.