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Annual DEI Forum – Championing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Current Climate

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About this event

This year has been a whirlwind of change and challenges for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. The Minnesota PRSA 2025 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Forum will focus on how these forces are affecting organizations and how we, as communicators, can continue to champion diversity, equity and inclusion in the current environment.

According to PRSA’s position statement on diversity, equity and inclusion, these initiatives have become vastly criticized and often weaponized, leading to confusion among the general public. This has resulted in companies and organizations reconsidering, or even retreating, from their commitments due to shifting political and social pressures. Despite these challenges, PRSA remains steadfast in our belief that diversity, equity and inclusion is not a passing trend – it is fundamental to the future of public relations, business and society.

Research consistently shows that diverse teams drive better business outcomes. A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for ethnic and gender diversity are significantly more likely to outperform their peers financially. Similarly, research from Harvard Business Review highlights that inclusive organizations are more innovative, resilient and successful. Another more recent study from The Harris Poll shows that, despite the political backlash, 61% of Americans today recognize the positive impact of diverse teams on organizations, and 75% want to see more work on diversity to ensure everyone is advancing.

This year’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Forum will feature a panel discussion of experts from education, nonprofit and government as we explore how communities are adapting to the changing landscape and how communicators can support those most affected by actions at the federal, state and local levels. Following the panel discussion, attendees will break out into small group discussions to deepen their understanding and learn from their peers. Light refreshments will be served.

Please join us on Oct. 7, 2025, to learn more about championing diversity, equity and inclusion now and into the future!

Panelists:

Sherry Sanchez Tibbetts is vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Greater Twin Cities United Way, where she leads efforts to advance equity in uncertain times – developing strategies to integrate equity, assesses risk and strengthen resilience for the long-term. She helps organizations become what their missions demand: more connected, courageous and effective for the communities they serve. Sherry’s work reflects a deep commitment to shifting cultural narratives and rethinking how organizations connect with historically underrepresented communities.

Toni Newborn serves as the director of human resources (HR) for the City of St. Paul, Minnesota. In this role, she provides leadership and management to a 45-person team of HR professionals. Toni oversees nine divisions in HR: employee selection, labor relations, talent development, benefits, payroll, risk management, equity and inclusion and classification and compensation. She provides strategic leadership, management, planning, guidance and advice to the city enterprise including the Office of the Mayor, city council and department leadership.

Amelious N. Whyte, Jr., PhD, currently serves as the interim director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota and previously served as assistant dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Public Engagement. Amelious is a vocal advocate in his professional and personal life for issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion. He currently serves as co-chair of the university’s Equity Lens Policy Review Committee, and he also is a qualified administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory and a Certified Practitioner for Courageous Conversations About Race.

Moderator:

Toya Stewart Downey is the chief communications officer for Collaborative Student Transportation (CST). She began her career as a journalist, working for newspapers across the country before transitioning into the communications, marketing and public relations field for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Saint Paul Public Schools and Robbinsdale Area Schools. A natural storyteller, Toya has developed systems, processes and protocols to improve communications practices. She is an equity-focused leader dedicated to amplifying voices and perspectives of people from all cultures and backgrounds. Her work includes supporting social justice initiatives and working with organizations on their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Date & Time:

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Location & Parking:

Padilla
1100 West River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55415
There is a parking garage next door to Padilla, as well as street parking.
The parking ramp can be accessed by entering Padilla’s surface lot off of 11th Ave S. using the access road between Padilla and the Stonebridge Lofts building. Follow the road/alley heading east around the building. Look for “public parking” above the Eleven Parking Garage door. After parking, exit the ramp on the west side and walk through the courtyard to the Padilla building. Someone will be at the door to let you in.

Registration:

Members: $40
Non-member nonprofits: $45
Non-members: $60
Students and those in professional transition: FREE*
(*limited to the first 10 requests who register using the code DEI2025 – apply coupon code at checkout)

Accommodations:

ASL interpretation is available for this event by request. Please note your request in the accommodation section when registering. Accommodation requests must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 1.