Quarter in Review & Forecasting for Q1 of 2025
Happy New Year!
The end of 2024 was filled with insightful events and impactful initiatives in the Triangle community. From discussions on the importance of community dialogue to discussions about how Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are the Triangle’s key to unlocking diverse talent in the workforce, we have seen a remarkable commitment to progress and positive change.
Let's take a closer look at some of the key moments that shaped Triangle DEI Alliance’s journey last quarter, from community discussions to the exploration of economic mobility and racial equity. This newsletter highlights key moments that ensure the Triangle business community is the most inclusive business community it can be. We will also offer a glimpse into our upcoming events, inviting you to participate in fostering inclusive leadership, racial healing, and community dialogue.
Quarter in Review (October - December 2024)
The following highlights showcase our impactful events and initiatives from the last quarter of 2024.
October 3 - Wake Technical Community College Staff Development Conference
Torri Staton, Ph.D., was the keynote speaker for the Wake Technical Community College Staff Development Conference.
Her keynote was entitled Thriving in a Multi-Generational Ecosystem, where she identified generational differences, similarities, and opportunities to establish partnerships, collaborate and celebrate to acknowledge cultural differences, and unite around common goals and values.
October 23 - Wake Invests in Women Collective Conversation: From Data to Possibilities
Names listed in order from left to right: Carrie Bartek, Ph.D., Executive Director, Institutional Effectiveness and Research at Wake Tech Community College; Torri Staton, Ph.D., Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Greater Raleigh Chamber; Jessica MacDonald, Sociology Professor, Wake Technical Community College; Jacqueline Terry Hughes, Partner, HWG LLP; Saundra Wall Williams, CEO, WMS Corporation; Marie Mitchell, Ph.D., Professor of Organizational Behavior, UNC Chapel Hill; Shinica Thomas, Wake County Board of Commissioners; Rachel Madsen, PhD, Senior Director of Assessment, Research, and Evaluation, Wake Technical Community College
Torri Staton, Ph.D., presented at the Wake Invests in Women Collective Conversation: From Data to Possibilities. She and Jessica MacDonald, a Sociology Professor at Wake Technical Community College, partnered to present on Bridging the Gaps: Women's Earnings and Representation in Wake County & the Triangle. Torri’s section focused on labor market data from the Economic Mobility Index for Wake County and the Triangle Region. Together, they provided an in-depth look at the challenges faced by women in the Triangle region’s workforce and highlighted meaningful changes over the years.
November 1 - Amplify Conference
Torri Staton, Ph.D., was invited to participate as a panelist in the C-Suite and Support of Accessibility panel at the inaugural Amplify Conference hosted by the hosted by the Office of Strategic Partnerships and Accessibility (SPA) division of the North Carolina Department of Revenue. The panel emphasized the critical role of C-suite leaders in advancing accessibility, fostering inclusive environments, and embedding diversity and inclusion into organizational cultures.
November 8 - Community Dialogue on Advancing Racial Equity
The Triangle DEI Alliance partnered with the YMCA of the Triangle to host a Community Dialogue on Advancing Racial Equity, a gathering of community members, thought leaders and individuals committed to racial equity and the health and wellness of the Triangle region. At this gathering, Torri Staton, Ph.D. presented on the A Better Wake Initiative and the work the Greater Raleigh Chamber and Wake County Government has done to advance racial equity in Wake County.
November 12 - Inclusive Workplace Strategies Series: HBCUs: The Triangle's Key to Unlocking Diverse Talent in the Workforce
Names listed in order from left to right: Bryle Henderson Hatch, Ph.D., Director, Office of People, Culture, and Belonging, NC Department of Health and Human Services; Anthony Nelson, Dean. School of Business at North Carolina Central University; Tarkisha Poole, CUDE, Manager - Community Impact Team, Coastal Credit Union; Carla Staton, Benefits Analyst, Millennium Print Group; Demetrius Edwards, MPA, Chief Diversity Officer, Legal Aid of North Carolina
The Triangle DEI Alliance hosted its inaugural Inclusive Workforce Strategies session in which panelists discussed how the business community can maximize the Triangle’s incredible access to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) students, alumni, and campuses. Attendees had an incredible turnout with over one hundred attendees in person and virtually. Panelists provided insights on the importance of long-term collaboration with HBCUs and how businesses and organizations can foster an inclusive culture.
November 25 - International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Visits
The Triangle DEI Alliance hosted six international visitors from Germany as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a three-week U.S. Department of State-sponsored exchange. The program focused on subnational diplomacy and countering racially and ethnically motivated extremism in rural communities.
Names are listed in order from left to right:Mr. Daniel Brade Mayor, Hohnstein; Ms. Rima Hanano, Director, CLAIM Alliance Against Anti-Muslim Racism and Anti-Muslim Hate; Mr. Prof Dr Matthias Quent, Co-Founder, Institute for Democratic Culture (IdK); Serenia Parsons, MA, DEI Program Coordinator, Greater Raleigh Chamber; Torri Staton, Ph.D., VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity, Greater Raleigh Chamber, Director of Equitable Economic Development, Wake County Economic Development; Mr. Benjamin Winkler-Saalfeld, Director, Amadeu Antonio Foundation Saxony; Mr. Justus Moor, Member of Parliament, State Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia; Mr. Daniel Knischourek, Advisor and Research Assistant for Northern Saxony, Office of Member of the German Bundestag, Dr. Christiane Schenderlein.
December 10 - Joint Board of Advisors and Triangle DEI Meeting
During this meeting, the Triangle DEI Alliance rolled out the Economic Mobility Index. The rollout included an interview moderated by Torri Staton, Ph.D., with Ted Abernathy and Skylar Casey of Economic Leadership LLC about its creation. There was also a review of the data and a prioritization activity and discussion to see which subsections were a higher priority for the attendees. The meeting closed with a review of the website, a Prezi on the findings, an Economic Mobility pamphlet, and blog posts from community partners on its implications in their work.
View the Economic Mobility Index here: https://raleigh-wake.org/business-advantages/equitable-economic-development/economic-mobility-index
January 16 - Inclusive Workforce Strategies- Cultivating Inclusive Leadership
Attendees will heard from Kimberly McNeil, Founding CEO and Facilitator of Root Causes Consulting and Maureen Stewart, Learning And Development Specialist at Root Causes Consulting, as they provide a safe and open space to explore how bias and microaggressions undermine psychologically safe leadership and how addressing these issues makes leaders more inclusive, fostering belonging and equity.
January 18 - National Day of Racial healing
Triangle DEI Alliance is partnering with the YMCA of the Triangle, Encouraging Place, Triangle MLK Committee, Wake County, and Wake Together, to co-host a local interactive gathering open to community members, sponsored by Wells Fargo. This event is an opportunity for all people to engage in a shared dialogue and inspire action for a more equitable and just world.
January 20 - Triangle Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast
The Greater Raleigh Chamber and Triangle DEI Alliance are honored to sponsor the 45th Annual Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast. This year the theme is Mission Possible: The Power of Justice and Radical Love. The program begins at 7:15 a.m. and will feature keynote speaker Dr. Donna Coletrane Battle.
Closing Thoughts
As we reflect on the impactful initiatives and insightful discussions that have shaped our community in the past quarter, we are grateful for the unwavering support from our investors, partners, and stakeholders. Your dedication and commitment have been instrumental in driving positive change and fostering a culture of inclusivity. As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to build on the progress made in 2024. We encourage you to join us in advancing equity and inclusion in our community by participating in these upcoming events and initiatives.
Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all. Thank you for being a part of our shared mission.
Thank you again to all our investors, partners, and supporters!