2023 Statewide DEI Summit

Presented by:

April 6th, 2023
7:30 AM - 4:15 PM

7 out of 10 Americans are one paycheck away from being homeless; even scarier, this affects underrepresented minority communities at a much higher rate. This is important not only to the work we do but how we do it. Psychological safety is the workforce's #1 most desired trait and an indicator of a high-performing team.  Our DEI Summit will educate attendees on applications for equity in their work and how to implement a safe and productive workplace culture in our organizations. This will ultimately lead to more inclusive work environments that foster change and create higher-performing teams. A positive outlook in the workplace leads to a 31% increase in performance. 

In our summit agenda, you will see conversations and presentations on various important and relevant topics to DEI implementation and overall workplace culture. This includes hearing from Hattie McCarter on Racial Battle Fatigue, highlighting the impact of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic on the mortality rate increases among Brown and Black women. She will speak to the lack of access to adequate healthcare and housing; the uncovering of the true narrative of American History turned into the 1980s Critical Race Theory framework; the injustices of Black and Brown individuals who continued to lose their life to an oath upheld to protect and serve, and how the wave of performative allyship began to swarm the corporate and government ladder. One must ask- “How are they still standing?” but the real question is, “Am I?” 

By examining the social determinants of health, it is clear the neighborhoods people live in significantly impact their health and well-being. This includes the energy services in a communities-built environment. Attendees will hear from a panel of experts about energy equity to grow awareness of how communities have been historically marginalized and overburdened by pollution, underinvestment in clean energy infrastructure, and lack of access to energy-efficient housing and transportation. 

What’s in store for attendees?

Registration Details

Registration and attendance is FREE for all staff and board members working in a CAAP Member organization (not sure if you’re a member? click here). For all other participants the cost is just $25.00. All Summit attendees can expect a mailed “swag box” to be sent to the identified shipping address they provide during registration.

CAAP Members should have received a PROMO Code needed to input on the registration payment screen. If you have not received this PROMO code please email info@thecaap.org.

Register Now

Summit at a Glance & Session Info

Our program runs from 7:30 am to 4:15 pm with an opening and keynote, three workshop sessions, and afternoon panel discussion. All attendees have choice of 1- 3 workshop choices for each session time. Workshop choices can be made live during the summit.

  • Log in early to enjoy networking with other attendees, grab a coffee and jump into your swag box to kick off our day.

  • Opening Remarks from CAAP Team

    Keynote

    ”Intersectionality- You and I are more than the checking of one box” by Deborah Vereen


    Intersectionality is a theoretical framework for understanding how aspects of a person's social and political identities might combine to create unique modes of discrimination and privilege. We are all more than the “One Focused Assumption” of who we are. We are unknowingly and knowingly traumatized during the varied stages of our Lived Experiences.

  • Because sometimes a built in bathroom break is a blessing 😹

  • Cultural Awareness and Implicit Bias by Amer Al Fayadh

    • Learn about the obstacles facing educated immigrants, acquisition, development and retention of immigrant and refugee talents while utilizing our diversity to strengthen our organizations.

    Do Better. Be Better. Together. by Emel Rasim

    • With main ideas surrounding humility, empathy, and competence, this workshop delves into how our words and actions matter. If we focus within ourselves, we can alleviate the relational issues that happen externally. This means knowing more about our own biases, intentions, and impacts. In this workshop, not only do we "talk the talk, " but we also "walk the walk"; Actionable steps and processes are given to encourage inclusion, and lessen prejudices. Most of all, this presentation reminds us that we are all HUMAN. So, humanity- let's do better, be better, together.

    Building Affirming Workplaces: Creating Allyship Skills for Supporting Trans & Non-Binary Peers by Arc Telos Saint Amour (they/them/theirs)

    • This presentation is targeted towards HR folks and the main objectives of the training would be for folks to leave being able to describe three examples of how transgender and non-binary people’s experiences in the workplace may differ from their cisgender peers. Attendees also will be able to name two actions that they can take to be a more affirming ally to peers who are transgender or non-binary.

  • Relax and enjoy your lunch, feel free to hop on and mingle and network as available.

    Don’t worry, we have emails to get caught up on too! 😉

  • “Am I Surviving?" The Epidemic of Racial Battle Fatigue in the BIPOC Community by Hattie B. McCarter

    • During the year 2020, the rose-colored glasses began to fade as the wave of racial tension immensely resonated with the dominant culture. While the pandemic continued to move throughout the world, it provided an opportunity for America to see, feel and openly hear the compassion and heartache of those who have been anxiously surviving in a country built on institutional and systemic racism. As the BIPOC and other marginalized communities’ patience grew thin and hearts were weary; the mortality rates of Black and Brown women increased; the lack of access to adequate healthcare and housing folded; the uncovering of the true narrative of American History turned into the 1980s Critical Race Theory framework; the injustices of Black and Brown individuals continued to lose their life to an oath upheld to protect and serve and the wave of performative allyship began to swarm the corporate and government ladder. One must ask- “How are they still standing?” but the real question is, “Am I?”

    The ME in WE – Culture, Belonging, and Employee Resource Groups, A Culture of WE and Belonging by Amanda Price and Sara Kennedy

    • Members who attend this workshop will explore how implementing employee resource groups can help promote a culture of belonging through achievable small initiatives. We all want to retain our employees and cultivate a culture that is inclusive, diverse, and equitable. To remain as an employer of choice and enhance recruitment and retention efforts, it is critical to cultivate a culture where employees can be authentic. Belonging is the end goal, diversity and inclusion are the results. Members will engage in a series of breakout sessions to discuss achievable initiatives that can promote belonging in the workplace. Attendees will also learn how Members 1st created employee resource groups to champion a culture of belonging. Additional resources and contact information for local DE&I experts will be provided.  Share the Members 1st experience and steps taken to tie in DEI into our workplace culture. 

  • You are a unicorn, take this time to spread some glitter ✨ (or use the bathroom 🚽)

  • Energy Equity Panel Discussion

    Details and Panelists to be announced.

  • “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another”

    Take 10 to meditate

  • Importance of Spoons by Mel Kesler

    • Spoon Theory helps healthy people understand what it is like to live with invisible chronic illnesses, be they physical or mental, by using "spoons" as a unit of measure. As one goes through daily activities, they use up spoons. Healthy people have an unlimited number of spoons, but those with chronic illnesses have a finite amount of spoons. Those who use Spoon Theory to help their friends and families understand their illnesses are referred to as "Spoonies." As a Spoonie herself, Mel will share her authentic story about how Spoon Theory has enhanced her life. She will also share the story of Spoon Theory, explain its importance in the workplace, and lead an interactive discussion on supporting other Spoonies. Even if you don't have anyone in your life living with chronic illness, Spoon Theory can provide a new way to think about the energy, both physical and mental, we expend daily and provide a common language to communicate an often overlooked need.

    Nothing About Us Without Us by Pam Auer, Ceena Jenkins, and Ginny Rogers

    • In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. It granted equal access to public facilities and transportation to people with disabilities. There have been great improvements in the last 30 years, and people with disabilities initiated the law and have worked from the ground up to advance the law’s intent and build on it. Nothing About Us is an interactive presentation that provides a discussion about how important it is to include the people for whom services are for with any proposed initiative. It’s always better to include constituents as equal participants. The session introduces conference attendees to the disability movement and presents ideas to ensure PWD are included from the beginning of any initiative. The session will include a discussion of resources available throughout PA to benefit people with disabilities. Pam Auer from the CILCP and Ceena Jenkins from the Disability Integration Taskforce (DITF) work closely with a consortium of disability stakeholders including subject matter experts, emergency managers, state agency, federal partners, and community disability agency representatives convened by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The DITF aims to improve statewide capabilities to support individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs during emergency planning, response, recovery, and mitigation operations. This Taskforce, established in 2017, seeks to address the needs of the whole community including individuals with disabilities as well as other with Access and Functional Needs. CILCP is a community partner of the DITF and provide information and technical assistance as needed.

  • Closing Remarks
    by Vanessa Philbert

    Executive Director of Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County (CAPLanc), 1st Vice Chair CAAP Board of Directors, and Chair of CAAP Equity Committee.

  • Looking to help spread the word about attending our Summit?

    Grab our downloadable flyer here to hang in your office!

    We are also looking for Community Action Agencies help to highlight the DEI work within your organization.As community leaders and leading organizations, in DEI and whole community approach, we want to take the opportunity to showcase you at our upcoming DEI Summit! We will be showing short video clips of our agencies throughout the summit, and it’s a great opportunity to highlight your agency! We are asking for submissions sharing your name, your organization, and work being done that relates to this year’s theme Beyond Understanding Accelerating Growth. More details are below: 

    • Please share who you are and your organization. 

    • Share what counties in PA you cover 

    • Tell us how you are going Beyond Understanding and Accelerating Growth in your work organization. 

    • Tell us how DEI is important to you and others within your agency 

    • Videos will be anywhere from 30 – 60 seconds

    • Great opportunity to get your board involved! Consider recruiting a board member to complete

    Please find video guidelines and submission details here ⮕

Download Digital Event Program

Thank you to our Generous Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor:

McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC exists to provide professional services of superior value designed to enhance our clients’ success.  We do this with creativity and integrity while anticipating problems and understanding our clients’ needs.

Since 1935, McNees has led the community and legal profession.  We foster a firm culture that attracts and retains the best people and enables us to use our unique talents to better serve our clients enthusiastically and with unity of purpose.

Partnering Sponsors:

We will provide you with a comprehensive review of all current P&C policies and provide you with an overview of your operations and insurance program to determine your current coverage is adequate and appropriate. Additionally we will review the contracts you have in place with your clients, vendors, and any other agreements to ensure your insurance program will respond accordingly. We will assist you with the development of employee communications, handbooks, policies and procedures. We will provide you with loss control services to help you manage and control your risk including site inspections and training. We are a full service Commercial Insurance brokerage firm that specializes in offering Non Profits clients Property and Casualty, Healthcare, Dental, Vision and Medicare coverages.

Offers a unique “high-tech”, “high-touch” business model that powerfully combines a unique field-based underwriting and insurance claims model with leading edge agency automation technology

  • Works through a network of distribution partners to market insurance products and services

  • A super-regional insurance carrier with the following mix of business:

    • 81% Standard Commercial Lines in 30 states

    • 9% Standard Personal Lines in 15 states

    • 10% Excess & Surplus Lines in 50 states

  • Selective is also the 4th largest “Write Your Own” insurance carrier in the National Flood Insurance Program

  • Focused on delivering an omni-channel customer experience

Presenters & Speakers

  • Deborah D. Vereen is recognized as a strategic thinker with twenty-five years of experience in designing and implementing inclusionary Diversity initiatives and processes in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Her company THE VEREEN GROUP, is committed to assisting organizations and executives in formulating systemic change strategies in the areas of Diversity and Equitable Inclusion to enable an Environment of Belonging. Deborah is a certified master trainer and facilitator whose areas of expertise comprise DEI Strategic Planning, Leadership Coaching, Training & Development, and Inclusion Metrics, Reporting & Analytics. She is one of a select few in the nation who has earned the unique double credential of CCDP/AP (Cornell Certified Diversity Professional/Advanced Practitioner) from Cornell University. She was recognized as one of the most “Influential Inclusion Leaders” of Central Pennsylvania.Deborah was invited to offer testimony before the bi-partisan Labor & Industry Committee of the Pennsylvania Legislature regarding Pay Equity for Women. Deborah is co-founder of the Diversity & Inclusion Professionals of Central PA (DIPCPA). She served on the Tri-County Community ActionBoard of Directors for 16 years.

  • Amanda Price is an innovative and driven HR professional who connects teams to collaborate on companywide initiatives and programs that promote a culture of belonging. In 2020, Amanda began her career at Members 1st Federal Credit Union as a Talent Acquisition Specialist, coming with experience as a Technical Recruiter. Currently, her role is an Associate Engagement Advisor at Members 1st, supporting cultural initiatives and facilitating programs for the Women in Leadership and Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Associate Resource Groups. She has successfully organized and facilitated 24 Associate Resource Group meetings to date for over 70 members. Amanda completed her Bachelors degree in Psychology at Millersville University in 2014 and her Masters degree in Human Resource Management at Saint Francis University in 2019. She also obtained her SHRM-CP certification in 2021. Amanda is currently a member of the Harrisburg Young Professionals group as well as their Toastmasters group and the Diversity Professionals of Central PA group. In 2023, she will be serving on the Human Resource Professionals of Central Pennsylvania board as the Diversity Chair. She resides in Middletown with her husband Todd and their dog Cocoa and she enjoys spending time in her creative space filming home décor videos and tips or designing personalized gifts with her Cricut machine for family and friends.

  • Amer Al Fayadh is a Certified Healthcare Interpreter with over 15 years of experience in interpretation and translation. He is the founder and CEO of Communication Essentials LLC. Amer migrated to the US in 2010 and, in 2011, joined his family in Lancaster. He has experience working in multicultural work environments. Amer volunteered and worked in refugee resettlement in Lancaster for nearly a decade. During that time, he established a better understanding of new arrivals' service accessibility challenges in Lancaster and the surrounding areas. Amer is a board member of USAHello.

  • With over 20 years of Human Resources experience, Sara Kennedy currently serves as the SVP of Associate Experience for Members 1st Federal Credit Union, based in Enola, PA. In this role Sara safeguards our Delivering Unparalleled Experiences culture for our Members, Community and Associates. While also advancing HR and Learning & Development initiatives. Prior to this she spent time in a variety of industries; manufacturing, chemical engineered services, life insurance & logistics. Sara holds a Master of Education in Training and Development and a Bachelor of Communications both from The Pennsylvania State University – WE ARE! Sara proudly maintains PHR, CEBS and SHRM-CP designations. And holds professional certifications in: Caliper, DiSC, Birkman, The Oz Principle and Change the Culture, Change the Game. Sara is an active member of the Human Resources community through SHRM and Human Resource Professionals of Central PA. Sara and her family reside in Mechanicsburg. Her daughter Sadie is an alumnus of Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School & MASH Field Hockey, and is currently enrolled at American University. Her son Seth is Senior at MASH and a proud member of the Marching Band Maroon Machine. In her spare time, Sara & her wife, Kathy, can be found corralling their rescue animals, watching football or in the backyard enjoying a campfire. A self-described HR nerd & Training junkie, Sara hopes to connect with you in-person or through social media!

  • Arc Telos Saint Amour (or Tay for short), is a demi-pansexual, queer and trans (non-binary, genderfluid), neurodivergent, victim/survivor, person of Mexican Indigenous descent. Arc Telos spent over ten years in the national for-profit industry as an upper-level manager/director and business developer working both with entrepreneurs developing and opening start-ups and with established companies looking to expand into new territories, always bringing a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion while using justice oriented frameworks. Following this Telos spent another ten plus years active in the non-profit and higher education field, working with organizations through-out Chicago, Vermont, New York, and Michigan. They are actively completing dual Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Social Work, while holding a BBA in Entrepreneurship and General Management with a minor in Criminal Justice (Magna Cum Laude). In addition to being a Core Trainer with TTI they also serve as the Executive Director of Youth MOVE National.

  • Ceena Jenkins is the current Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Disaster Disability Integration Coordinator, and has been an employee of the department since 2007. Her goal is to promote whole community inclusive disaster emergency planning to allow persons with disabilities to maintain their independence during and after a disaster. Ceena is a graduate of Albright College and her career in the human services field began in 2005. She is passionate about reducing stigma toward persons with disabilities, mental health challenges, substance use disorder and other access and functional needs through education and training programs and resource sharing.

  • Hattie B. McCarter (she/her) is a Certified DEI Professional, with 14+ years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging; 20 years of public speaking; and 7+ years in Human Resources/Recruitment. Hattie is from Enterprise, Alabama, a small town that is surrounded by farmland, good soul food, and strong family values. In 2011, she obtained her master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL. Hattie, and her family moved to Pennsylvania (PA) with uncertainty, hopes and determination in making a new home, new career, and different perspective on life.

    Although her passion for DEI blossomed before moving to PA, Hattie started her career at the Department of Labor & Industry’s: Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) where she worked for 10 years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor while promoted to a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Specialist. As the VR Specialist (Human Resource, Diversity and Communication), she redeveloped and led the agency’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program as well as their recruitment program for hiring diverse and qualified master’s level students for OVR’s employment and internship opportunities. In 2022, Hattie transitioned to the Department of General Services: Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities to oversee and implement their Equity Management Program as the Equity Management Program Coordinator. Hattie was charged with promoting and fostering a workforce that was diverse and inclusive through equity training(s), steering committees, employee resource groups (ERGs), assessments and metrics.

    As Hattie’s career and expertise began to soar in the field of DEIB, she decided to launch her consulting business, McCarter’s Equitable and Distinctive (MEND) Solutions to be consistent, impactful, and purposeful in making sure that all individuals have the heart-capacity in walking in this journey of DEIB.

    MEND is a consulting agency that equips businesses and organizations with tools in framing and integrating an equitable lens through practices, policies, and procedures. MEND’s goal is to be the “plug that ignites BRAVE spaces for change”; and build-in a human-centered approach that values, embraces, and empowers an evolving demographic and culture-shift. MEND prides itself on nurturing spaces where leaders can demonstrate active listening; being open; commit to vulnerability; and educate those who are ready to be a VOICE. Our proprietary methods focus on DEI Strategic Planning; Trainings/Workshops; Employee Resource Groups (ERG) Development and Implementation; Inclusive Recruitment; and BRAVE Conversations.

    Amid growing her brand and business, Hattie has her own YouTube Channel, The Tea With Hattie B Show, a platform where people can show up authentically and have humble, open, and transparent conversations about their own lived experience.

  • With a Leadership Communications degree from Bloomsburg University, Emel has found her home in advocacy and public speaking on important issues within DEI and Mental Health. She has worked with several universities and colleges, and organizations like To Write Love On Her Arms. Her work is centralized on the idea that we are all connected; taking care of each other also means taking care of oneself. Having lived experiences with several topics she discusses, thus feeling so passionate about them, she feels honored to speak on it all for CAAP. When she is not working, Emel enjoys the performing arts, cooking, and working hard at the gym. You can find her on Youtube, LinkedIn, and Instagram, @basicallyemy.

  • Ginny Rogers began her career working in the disability field at the Center for Independent Living in Pittsburgh and moved into roles administering grants for rural transportation advocacy, and policy initiatives at the state government level. Following several roles within state government promoting programs and services for people with disabilities, Ms. Rogers returned to the Center for Independent Living of Central PA with a role in policy and compliance.

  • Mel Kesler serves as the Director of Transformation for the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). In this role, she is championing the Healthy Government Framework with a keen eye toward continuous process improvement and creating a human-centered workplace ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

    Mel is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and has obtained a Lean Green Belt through the commonwealth’s Lean certification program. She is the founder of the PA Commonwealth Employees’ Anti-Racism Book Club, a leader in the PA Interagency Funding Equity Workgroup, and an active participant in a variety of human-centered work groups.

    Mel started her professional career as a high school social studies teacher in rural North Carolina for twelve years. When she decided to return home to central PA in 2014, she brought her knowledge of economics, government, and best practices in teaching to work for DCED in the Business Financing and Workforce Development – Grants Office. While working in the Grants Office, Mel started leading large-scale lean continuous improvement projects as a front-line staffer. In 2020, she was given the role of Lean Lead – the only front-line staffer in the commonwealth to take on this role. 

    Mel resides in Olde Uptown Harrisburg with her partner, Travis and her adorable and incredibly spoiled dog, Mae Belle. In her free time, you will find her crafting, singing with a local women’s chorus, reading, or preparing for her next 5k.

  • Pam Auer is a disability rights advocate. In her current role, Ms. Auer represents the Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) as its Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement. Ms. Auer is an experienced Independent Living Specialist, working with people with disabilities to identify their goals and determine how they can address barriers to independent living. Ms. Auer is committed to the rights of people with disabilities to live with equality and her advocacy has led to positive outcomes throughout Central PA, including transitions of PWD from nursing facilities into homes of their own and changes within local government to ensure physical and sensory accessibility is available so all people can participate. Ms. Auer is a person with disabilities.

Energy Equity Panel

  • Elizabeth is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP), a statewide specialty legal services project within the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network. Elizabeth leads PULP's litigation, policy, training, technical assistance, and specialized projects in furtherance of its mission to secure just and equitable access to safe and affordable utility services for Pennsylvanians experiencing poverty. She is the current Chairperson of the Department of Human Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Advisory Committee and the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Weatherization Assistance Program Policy Advisory Council. She also serves as an appointed member of the Public Utility Commission’s Consumer Advisory Council and the Department of Environmental Protection’s Climate Change Advisory Committee. Elizabeth previously served as PULP’s Supervising Attorney, where she led PULP’s litigation in a range of utility justice matters before the Public Utility Commission and oversaw implementation of special projects. Before joining PULP, Elizabeth worked an attorney at the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She holds a BS in Political Science, cum laude, from Temple University, and a JD, magna cum laude, from Widener University School of Law.

  • Diana Dick started her career in the CETA (Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, JTPA (Jobs Training Partnership Act and WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)  world with job placement and job training.  After that she was a Community Engagement Coordinator in a multiple county area working with Early Childhood Education providers and Pre-K programs to enhance learning experiences for children and promoting the Keystone Stars program for daycare providers.  With the introduction of the ARRA (American Recover and Reinvestment Act) she joined the Weatherization Program.  In 2017 she became the Director of Weatherization/Housing.  This involves managing the various state Weatherization Programs, Utility Weatherization Programs through Penelec and West Penn Power, HOME Rehabilitation Grants, and home repair programs.  Through these programs her agency has goals set to address energy education and lowering energy usage, addressing health and safety issues in the home, and providing handicapped accessibility to low income individuals and their families within the communities they serve.

  • NaTisha Washington is currently the Environmental Justice Organizer at 412 Justice where she works to advocate for environmental injustices in disinvested communities in Allegheny County with some efforts state-wide. Formerly she worked as a Green Initiative coordinator at Operation Better Block with the Junior Green Corp youth program she lead in urban farming, vacant lot restoration, and community engagement work in Homewood. Her ultimate goal is to ensure that disinvested communities are provided with the resources and investment needed to create equitable, safe, and healthy communities. As a community advocate, she works with community leaders and organizations around the county to improve the health of their environment and the people in it.

    In addition to her organizing work, she also owns an environmental consulting business named Washington Green Solutions and also co-owns a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) consulting business named Just by Nature. In these businesses, she strives to improve the work environment through capacity support, facilitation, training and education.

    She is currently on her way to be a Wilkinsburg Borough Council member where she hopes to make a direct change in her hometown.

  • Patrick M. Cicero, Esquire was appointed the Acting Consumer Advocate by Attorney General Josh Shapiro on December 13, 2021 and nominated for the position on March 30, 2022. Patrick was confirmed as Consumer Advocate by the Pennsylvania Senate on June 7, 2022. Patrick has spent his legal career representing the interests of consumers in Pennsylvania in the areas of utility, consumer, and housing law. Immediately prior to his tenure as Consumer Advocate, Patrick served as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc., where he provided strategic leadership and oversaw the advocacy, fundraising, and management of Pennsylvania’s coordinated network of legal aid organizations serving low-income households and victims of domestic violence. Prior to his position at PLAN, Inc., Patrick served as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project, a legal aid office whose mission is to assist Pennsylvania’s low-income residential utility and energy consumers connect to and maintain affordable utility and energy services within their homes. You can learn more about Patrick’s professional experience by viewing his resume. Patrick is a life-long Pennsylvanian. He attended college and law school in the state and currently lives in Mechanicsburg with his family.

Thank you for the support of our generous sponsors!

Justice Supporters:

Belonging Supporters:

Accessibility Supporters:

Support Through Sponsorship

We are asking for your help to support this year’s 2023 DEI Summit, Beyond Understanding and Accelerating Growth, through the sponsorship opportunities shared. With your support, we can bring awareness to what poverty really is and how to make a difference in your workplace.

“[My] favorite experience was being in a positive environment with what we want for the direction of our future; among all the negative I see on tv in politics these moments make me strong again.”

— 2022 DEI Summit Attendee

Become a Sponsor

If additional information is required for your sponsorship please find our W9 and 990 linked. For sponsorship payment details please click here.