Our Multicultural Community Conference

The conference included ethnically diverse associates and their managers, along with Executive Committee members and associate leaders from the firm’s Advisory & Implementation Councils and Associate Resource Groups. The conference theme – “Think. Act. Impact.” – inspired open dialogue about Baird’s evolving and advancing efforts around inclusion & diversity.

The conference was born out of the strategic goal to visibly acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Baird’s associates of color and reinforce our commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that also allows us to deliver the best outcomes for clients and support Baird’s Associate Promise.

The event is planned by and for Baird associates. Planning efforts for the 2023 conference were chaired by Scott Cross, HR Business Partner; Ashley Price, PWM Diversity and Recruiting Manager; and Virginia Sunu-Davis, Graphic Design Manager, who worked closely with Corporate Events and other areas of the firm to create an intentional, memorable and inspiring experience.

As Scott shared, the goal of the conference is three-fold, striving “to connect, celebrate and inform associates of color and allies so that they can thrive at Baird and deliver the best service to our clients. We work toward this by providing a place for them to meet, see, and get to know one another while also reflecting on our accomplishments.”

The conference kicked off with an exciting performance by Atlanta’s own Morehouse College marching band. Attendees participated in intentionally crafted sessions, including content created for Baird associates, by Baird associates. Breakout sessions focused on topics including mentorship, sponsorship and the power of networking. “The breakout sessions provided associates with insightful takeaways they could easily apply and in return make an impact not only in their lives and careers but the lives of others,” said Ashley. “Having the opportunity to hear and learn from peers was very meaningful and provided opportunities to connect with panelists to keep the conversation going.” Virginia added, “Baird’s culture is one of a kind and we felt that shining a spotlight on our own associates was more impactful than outside consultants for our breakout sessions. More than 30 associates from across the firm shared their stories and advice at the sessions over two days.”

In addition to breakout sessions, attendees had the opportunity to hear from two keynote speakers, actor and author Kal Penn as well as Sylvia Acevedo, an accomplished business leader and rocket scientist who served in senior executive roles at Girl Scouts of the USA, Apple, Dell, IBM and other U.S. technology leaders. Both spoke about disrupting stereotypes and challenging implicit biases on their roads to successful careers.

The selection of Atlanta as the site of our 2023 conference was also significant. In addition to conference sessions, attendees visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park as well as other historic sites in the city. “Atlanta is rich with historically significant sites deeply connected to racial justice such as the birth and final resting place of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) like Morehouse and Spellman Colleges, and the National Civil Rights Museum,” said Virginia. “Corporate Events did a truly remarkable job incorporating this into the conference. It was incredibly moving.”

^{Ashley Price, PWM Diversity and Recruiting Manager, Scott Cross, HR Business Partner,  and Virginia Sunu-Davis, Graphic Design Manager}