• Chanise Robinson, Out Of Office Founder & CEO

• Oona King, Chief Diversity Officer at Uber

A community check in and thoughtful conversation with executives on the evolving landscape of social inclusion. This panel will explore how leaders have historically navigated challenges, fostered resilience, and built strong communities during times of change.

Moderator:

• Shiju Kadree, Founder & Principal at Compass Strategies Consulting

Panelists:

• Oona King, Chief Diversity Officer at Uber

• Roz Francuz-Harris, VP of Talent Acquisition and Engagement, Belonging at Zillow

• Alphonso David, President & CEO of The Black Economic Forum

This Lightning Talk will delve into the latest polling data to examine current attitudes toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across various demographics and political spectrums. Join us as we highlight key trends and differences in perspectives to assist leaders in their decision making as they strive to create more inclusive environments.

Speaker:

• Edgar Burch, Principal at The Raben Institute

• Creating Culture Campaigns (Location: Hub One)

  Culture isn't a trend—it's the blueprint for authentic campaigns. In this workshop, learn how to honor culture while creating strategies that deliver results.
  Session Leads:

  • Karim Alammuri, Brand Marketer at Nike

  • Dominick Lewis, Marketing Manager, Cultural Content at Tinder

• Empowering Innovation Through ERGs: Bridging Business & Strategy (Location: Hall Two)

  This interactive session will explore how AI can be a powerful force for creative expression, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling in the music industry while championing diversity and inclusion.
  Session Leads:

  • Dianna Jones, Director of Compliance at Uber

  • Ime Ekanem, Director of Finance Transformation at Uber

• Black Representation in Gen AI (Location: Hub Two)

  This interactive session will explore how AI can be a powerful force for creative expression, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling in the music industry while championing diversity and inclusion.
  Session Lead:

  • Tesäen Chavis, Product Manager, Youtube Music Promotion and Gen AI Tools For Artists at YouTube Music

• NBA Foundation (Location: Hub Three)

  Since 2020, The NBA Foundation has invested $150M in economic opportunity programs for HBCU students, entrepreneurs and Black youth in NBA markets. Join the NBA Foundation Partnerships Lead for interactive discussion on ways ERGs can build impactful partnerships with nonprofits and communities.
  Session Lead:

  • Genisha Metcalf, Partnerships Lead at NBA Foundation

• Getting to Yes: The Art of Buy-In and Execution (Location: Hub Two)

  Turning great ideas into reality requires more than just a strong vision—it takes strategic influence, stakeholder alignment, and flawless execution. Sit down with Tarveen Forrester, VP of Pepople at Kickstarter and Obinna J. Keke Head Of Innovation at SheaMoisture as they explore Obinnas winning tactics and mindset, which have secured buy-in, navigated resistance, and drove meaningful action within organizations to create some of the most innovative product lines in our marketplace today.
  Session Leads:

  • Obinna Keke, Chief Brand Officer at SheaMoisture

  • Tarveen Forrester, VP of People at Kickstarter

• The Hidden Dimension of Diversity: Socio-Economic Status (Location: Hub Three)

  This case study explores the workplace impact of socioeconomic background and the formation of Uber's Equal ERG. Through personal stories, corporate initiatives, and data-driven insights, we highlight why SES diversity matters and its intersection with other DEI efforts. Learn how companies can break systemic barriers and foster greater socioeconomic mobility for a more inclusive future.
  Session Lead:

  • Jesus Medrano, Senior Staff Software Engineer at Uber

• Innovation and Community (Location: Hall Two)

  Join Maureen Ufomadu as she discusses how to leverage the power of Community to inspire empathy, spark creativity and unlock innovation.
  Session Lead:

  • Maureen Ufomadu, Global Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Snap Inc.

Leveraging Social Capital | Driving Impact and Building Meaningful Partnerships (Location: Hall Two)

This panel will highlight our experience serving on the Board of Directors for their ERGs and producing professional events that drove impact through strategic sponsorships and community engagement. We’ll share actionable insights on leveraging social capital, fostering partnerships, and aligning initiatives with business goals, including securing high-profile brand collaborations, raising over $500,000, solving challenges, and amplifying engagement for underrepresented groups.

Session Leads:

• Kourtney Hayes, Senior Cyber Security Program Owner at Amazon Web Services & The Founder of The Chic Tech Firm

• Omo Akintoye, IP Acquisition Specialist, Amazon Web Services & Lifestyle Curator, Grey Goose

• Marquis Thorpe, Senior Security Industry Specialist & Manager, Amazon Web Services

• Jessica Reyes, Global Event Marketing Manager at Amazon Web Services - Global Brand Partnerships

Are Algorithms Flattening the Culture? (Location: Hub Two)

This workshop explores the impact of algorithms on Black culture, examining how digital systems amplify, distort, or erase cultural expression. Join us to uncover actionable strategies for preserving authenticity, amplifying Black voices, and navigating the complexities of algorithm-driven platforms.
Session Lead:

• Ava Toro, Agency Lead, Research and Global Insights, Reddit

Goal Setting for ERG Leaders: A 5-Step Framework (Location: Hub Three)

In this presentation, Toby will walk us through his five-step framework to help ERG leaders set impactful goals.
Session Lead:

• Toby Egbuna, CEO & Co-Founder, Chezie

90 Days to Transformation: Turn Your ERG Into a Success Story (Location: Hub Two)

This session walks you through the exact steps to completely transform your program in just 90 days. From aligning purpose to building engagement, you’ll leave with a clear, actionable plan for driving results fast.
Session Lead:

• Maceo Owens, Chief ERG Operator, The ERG Movement

Fireside Chat:

Join Chanise Simms-Robinson & New York Knicks superstar Miles "Deuce" McBride for a conversation about leveraging your career to springboard your creative vision.

• Navigating ERG Challenges with Confidence (Location: Hub One)

  Keep your ERG on solid ground with this crash course in legal considerations. From private ERGs to conflicts of interest, we’ll cover 10 key areas every ERG leader should understand to safeguard their program and avoid common pitfalls.
  Session Lead:

  • Maceo Owens, Chief ERG Operator at The ERG Movement

• The ERG Engagement Map: How the Best Members, Allies & Leaders Maximize Impact (Location: Hub Two)

  In this session, the Verbate co-founders share actionable methods to maximize impact and engagement in your ERG (even, and especially, if you have limited bandwidth). With real-world case studies and repeatable frameworks, you’ll walk away from this session with the energy and tools to understand how you can most effectively support your ERG, whether you’re a member, lead, or ally.
  Session Leads:

  • Anisha Nandi, Founder & CEO at Verbate

  • Armen Nercesian Co-Founder & COO at Verbate

• Becoming the Connective Tissue between Brands & the Continent (Location: Hall Two)

  Join Tuma Basa and Abdul Karim Abdullah as they discuss the expansive economic and dynamic power that is found and generated when creatives collaborate across the continent and beyond.
  Session Leads:

  • Abdul Karim Abdullah, Founder of AfroFuture Fest

  • Tuma Basa, Director, Black Music & Culture at Google

• Crypto’s Time is Now: The Power of Advocacy and Opportunities for the Culture (Hub Three)

  We discuss the crypto landscape and how Black tech professionals can leverage these opportunities to drive innovation and economic progress. We will discuss the pivotal role of advocacy and lessons that you can leverage to drive community impact.
  Session Leads:

  • Darin Carter, Senior Manager, Grassroots Advocacy at Coinbase

  • Olivier Plummer, Technology & Operational Excellence Program Manager at Coinbase

A conversation on navigating wealth, ownership, and community impact in today’s changing landscape. Learn strategies to build financial resilience and create lasting legacies.

• Rashad Bilal, CEO of Co-Founder of Earn Your Leisure

• Troy Millings, Co-Founder of Earn Your Leisure

• Chanise Robinson, Out Of Office Founder & CEO

Join us for the official OOO Connect Summit Afterparty

• Featuring Musical Performances by Jim Jones

• Hosted by Charles Beloved

• See more details below