2024 Diversity, Equity + Inclusion Symposium and Awards | EVENT RECAP

The Los Angeles Business Journal was proud to host our annual Diversity, Equity + Inclusion Symposium & Awards on March 21st at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown.

During the event, our morning of panel conversations featured industry experts discussing the many ways our Community of Business can advance diversity in the workplace while simultaneously creating an environment that enables equity and inclusion to thrive.

Panels included topics such as “Building a Case for Equity,” “Blending the Generations for Success,” and “Evolution of DEI: Where We Are & Where We Want to Be.”

The DE+I all-star lineup of speakers included:
• Kecia Alexander, Deputy Chief of Human Capital, Think Together
• Ken Billups, Vice President, Economic Inclusion & Social Impact, AECOM
• Shannon Bradley, MBA, Chief Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Keck Medicine of USC
• Rosario Bobadilla Farias, Audit Partner, HCVT
• Alice C. Juarez, Los Angeles Regional Executive, Wells Fargo Bank
• Andraéa LaVant, Founder & President, LaVant Consulting
• Kristina Martel, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Director, American Cancer Society
• Yossi Mintz, Co-Founder / Executive Director, The Friendship Foundation
• Teresa Maxwell, DBE Compliance Officer & Outreach Manager, Skanska USA Civil
• Laura Mitchel, District Senior Manager, Wells Fargo Bank
• Marcela Oliva, Professor of Architecture and Environmental Design, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
• Kunal Shah, President/CEO, Electrical Engineer, PBS Engineers, Inc.
• Fred Tan, Tax Principal, BDO USA
• Lillian Yan, Vice President – West Division Sales Officer, HNTB Corporation

After the thought-provoking panels concluded, the afternoon luncheon followed, honoring diversity, inclusion, and equity champions in the Los Angeles region for their ongoing efforts to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace and business leadership while simultaneously creating an equitable environment.

It was truly a privilege to shine the spotlight on these terrific leaders and organizations within the Los Angeles business community and unveil our honorees for this year’s awards.

This special section contains profiles of all the honorees and finalists, alongside articles and features about best practices and the tremendous benefits of diversity, inclusion and equity programs and efforts in the workplace.

Many thanks to our sponsors, including Diamond Sponsors HNTB and Wells Fargo, as well as our other supporting sponsor organizations, who together help make this event possible, and once again, congratulations to the honorees – Los Angeles based professionals and organizations who “lead by example,” successfully blending effective business vision with a passionate commitment to positively making a difference, furthering diversity, inclusion and equity both in the world of business and in the communities they serve.