Guest Speaker: Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a critical topic for HR professionals, as it involves creating a workplace culture that values differences and fosters an environment of fairness, respect, and belonging for all employees. DEI initiatives aim to promote diversity in all forms, including but not limited to race, gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, and religion.

The goal is to ensure that all employees feel included, heard, and valued, and have equal opportunities to succeed and advance within the organization. HR professionals play a key role in creating and implementing DEI strategies, such as hiring practices that attract diverse talent, developing inclusive policies and programs, and providing training and support to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. By prioritizing DEI, HR professionals can help create a more equitable and productive workplace for everyone.

Bio: Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts is the vice president for community relations and chief diversity officer at Southeastern University (SEU). As a part of the executive leadership team, Blackmon-Roberts works to ensure that the values of diversity, equity and inclusion are upheld in the university’s culture, policies and practices. She is also responsible for advancing SEU’s vision, mission and brand through community engagement, outreach, awareness, and the building of corporate relationships that create partnerships, talent pipelines, experiential learning opportunities and support funding. 

Blackmon-Roberts, a former CEO, has over 35 years of executive leadership experience serving as a consultant to government, not-for-profit and corporate industries. She has been a panelist on Black Enterprise Television and CNBC.  Additionally, she is a highly sought-after speaker regarding women in leadership. She has earned a master’s degree in human resources administration from Southeastern University and is currently a doctoral student in Organizational Leadership.