Leaders Discuss the Future of Belonging at Inaugural Event in Washington, D.C.

The SHRM Executive Network and the Aspen Institute will host an executive forum to create organizational cultures where individuals aren’t just included, but fully accepted with the opportunity to thrive. The inaugural Visionaries Summit, held at The Conrad in Washington, D.C., on October 17-October 19, 2021, features a fireside chat between SHRM President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., and the Aspen Institute President and CEO Dan Porterfield.

Research shows that the need to belong at work is only second to needing to belong at home—but traditional DE&I training doesn’t address this prerequisite in the workplace or in society. As a result, many workers feel isolated and marginalized. That robs workers and companies of growth opportunities and leads to increased levels of employee turnover and decreased levels of production.

“If we want to create workplaces where truly everyone belongs, we must start at the top,” said Taylor. “The SHRM Executive Network and the Aspen Institute are devoted to creating equity for all. Through the inaugural Visionaries Summit, we are able to bring together esteemed leaders of both business and HR to lend their expertise and ultimately shape the discourse that will help create workplaces that work for all.”

The summit comes at a time when a national reckoning on racism and other forms of injustice has generated a renewed focus on the importance of inclusion, equity, and diversity. Many organizations are evaluating their priorities and practices through this lens while making the necessary commitments across their organizations—yet research shows that two-thirds (67%) admit their organization is, at best, only somewhat successful in its attempts to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.

The summit will focus on leadership that impacts belonging in six critical areas: education, workplace, economics, philanthropy, governance and culture, and will feature speakers and a documentary that explore the concept of belonging.

For more information on the Visionaries Summit or the SHRM Executive Network, please contact Mallory Flynn at Mallory.flynn@shrm.org.

About SHRM Executive Network

As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today's evolving workplaces. With 300,000+ HR and business executive members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally. More than 95% of the Fortune 500 rely on SHRM members to drive their people and strategy. The SHRM Executive Network is a vetted, private collective of CHROs and VPs at mid-market and large enterprises who influence human capital. Learn more at shrm.org/executive & linkedin.com/company/shrmexecutivenetwork/

About the Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org

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