Differing backgrounds, perspectives, values, cultures, norms... diversity is all around us and has far reaching impacts as we embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in the business setting.
Join us as we welcome our panelists to speak on their perspectives of DEI in the workplace and how their differing backgrounds have shaped their experiences throughout their careers.
Stephanie Peete will also be able to share some general information on Racial Segregation in Buffalo, and WNY Workforce Disparities.
Asantewa Holley will provide an overview on the initiatives happening at Northland Workforce Training Center, and the opportunities that are being afforded to the diverse population of the City of Buffalo, and WNY.
This program has been approved by SHRM and HRCI for 1.5 recertification credit hours toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) or SHRM.
Our Panelists:
Asantewa Holley, Director of Operations, Northland Workforce Training Center
Ms. Holley is responsible for the day to day Operations at Northland which includes all Grant and State reporting requirements, management of the procurement process for all goods & services, accounts payables, audits and monthly financial reporting. Asantewa Holley has worked in the financial industry for eighteen years holding multiple operational management roles. In addition, Ms. Holley serves as an Adjunct instructor at The University of Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center. Asantewa holds an MBA from The University of Buffalo, B.S. in Accounting from Empire State College and is a 2020 Graduate of Leadership Buffalo and 2023 Graduate of the New York Association of Training and Employment( NYATEP )Workforce Academy.Ms. Holley currently serves as a Board Member for House Opportunities Made Equal (HOME), the Michigan Street Preservation Corporation – Nash House and Trustee at True Bethel Baptist Church. Asantewa is a member of the National Black MBA Association, WNY Chapter. Asantewa has won several awards including Business First 40 Under 40 and the Buffalo Black Achiever Award.
Stephanie Peete, Director of of Workforce Development, Say Yes Buffalo
Stephanie Peete is the Director of Workforce Development at Say Yes Buffalo, where she cultivates employer relationships, creates antiracism and racial equity learning opportunities, and contributes to strengthening the youth employment ecosystem in the Buffalo region. Stephanie earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Hilbert College, and graduated from Canisius College with a dual Bachelor’s in Urban Studies and Sociology. Stephanie is passionate about racial equity, inclusion, and supporting young people in her community. She currently volunteers as a Say Yes Buffalo Mentor; serves on the Board of Directors for Theatre of Youth as Vice President; is an advisory board member of Women United through the United Way for Buffalo & Erie County; a co-chair for the Women of Color Summit; a 2021 recipient of the Bar Association of Erie County’s Liberty Bell Award, a 2022 Buffalo Business First IDEA Award recipient and a 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Finalist.
Artrell Williams, Manager of Learning and Development, Sumitomo Rubber
Artrell Williams is a Training Leader, a visionary and a servant of the people. He is currently the Manager of Learning and Development for Sumitomo Rubber USA and has held leadership roles with Spectrum Cable, and Sprint PCS. Hailing from Sumter, SC, Artrell has made his way up the East Coast to Buffalo, NY where he resides with his wife and two youngest children. Artrell has earned several Training Industry certifications and has delivered leadership development content to his organizations and to organizations with which he is affiliated for over 10 years. One of the highlights of his speaking career being when he spoke to a congregation at Apostolic Church in Ndola, Zambia.Artrell volunteers his time to the community, working with the YMCA, Buffalo's Community Music School and with First Shiloh Baptist Church. He is also a member of The Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance (BNMA), Leadership Buffalo and the Buffalo Niagara Chapter of the Association for Talent Development.
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Program Sponsor
Strategic Sponsors
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