The Business Case: Why Diversity and Inclusion are Good for Business

HR Professionals frequently hear about Diversity and Inclusion, but what does it really mean?  What does it look like in an organization? Why is this good for business? 

Join Mid-Hudson Human Resources Association as we present a panel of experts, who will discuss their experiences in bringing Diversity and Inclusion to the forefront of their organizations.  During this panel discussion, you will discover: 

• How leveraging diversity contributes to an organization’s strategic goals and objectives
• Ways to use diversity as a catalyst for new ideas and initiatives
• The benefits and results of embracing Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace, including its effects on your customers and employees
• Best practices and forward-thinking strategies for implementing Diversity and Inclusion efforts within the organization and using metrics in measuring its effectiveness 
• How personal diversity experiences and individual awareness of differences can impact your professional perspectives and change your way of doing business.
• SHRM tools, strategies and resources that you can use to implement your own diversity programs.

Don’t miss this meeting!  HR Professionals, as well as managers and supervisors throughout your organization will benefit from this practical and insightful discussion!  

Panel Moderator:  

Maryellen Whittington-Couse, CCDP, MHHRA Diversity Director, Diversity Specialist, Research Foundation

Panelists:

Fannie Glover, Consultant Services Manager at Early Care & Learning Council and NYS SHRM Diversity Director.  Ms. Glover is responsible for developing and delivering programs designed for the customers’ educational, managerial and leadership needs. She has developed and facilitated management and leadership training, strategic planning retreats, keynote speaker, and presented at national, regional, and state meetings and conferences.  Ms. Glover has over 15 years in the area of Human Resources Management and holds a degree in Organizational Development. She is a trained facilitator for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL- an organization designed to build bridges of communication, understanding and respect among diverse groups).

Michael Silvestro, Vice President for Human Resources, Marist College.  Mike has more than 20 years of experience in human resources management in higher education. Mike was appointed Assistant Vice President for Human Resources at Marist College in April 2009. In this position, he is responsible for leading the College’s human resources program, including labor relations, employee relations, benefits, policy development, and affirmative action activities.  He is also a leader of the Diversity Council at Marist College.  Mike received a B.A. degree from SUNY Plattsburgh and a Master's of Public Administration degree from Long Island University. He has also completed the Management Development Program at Harvard University.

Debra Cartagena, PHR, Talent and Acquisitions Manager, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union.   Debra is an experienced business professional and HR leader with over 10 years of human resources and leadership experience. Since joining Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union in 2008, she has developed and executed diversity programs designed to enhance the Credit Union’s reputation as an Employer of Choice in the Hudson Valley. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University as well as her Certificate in Diversity Management from Cornell.

Gregory Dallari, Executive Certified Project Manager, IBM

Gregory Dallari has been with IBM for 13 years.  He started as a System Analyst and is currently an Executive Certified Project Manager delivering software solutions.  At IBM he has worked with multinational teams and has focused on Diversity. Gregory Dallari is currently the Co-Chair of the Poughkeepsie Site Diversity Council and he uses his PM skills to bring diversity awareness to the site.

A huge thanks to November's sponsor!

Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (HVFCU) is a full service, not-for-profit financial institution that offers solutions to 248,000 members throughout the Hudson Valley. With over $3.1 billion in assets, HVFCU is one of America’s largest credit unions and the largest local financial institution in the Hudson Valley.

 HVFCU provides members with a lifetime of benefits to meet their changing needs, offering real estate and consumer loans, and many deposit accounts options. Other services include expert investment assistance through HVFCU Financial Services as well as property and casualty insurance through the Insurance Agency of the Hudson Valley, an affiliate of HVFCU.

 HVFCU also offers a wide array of products and services for businesses. Some of those services include commercial real estate loans, lines of credit, deposit accounts, internet banking, payroll services, and a unique on-site program called HVFCU@Work where the credit union comes to your place of business to help your employees with their finances.

 HVFCU currently serves its members with 20 offices located in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster and Putnam Counties. Their 21st branch in Montgomery, NY will open in late October. Most branches are open until 7pm every weekday and from 9am to 5pm on Saturday. In addition to branch offices, members have round the clock access to their accounts through the telephone, a nationwide ATM network and Internet Banking.