March 13, 2025
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Overton Hotel & Conference Center
The Business of Diversity, Awareness to Action, is an opportunity for professionals to learn about how diversity and inclusion impact the Lubbock business community.
This year's event will feature a keynote from Emily Jones, a Texas Rangers sports reporter, co-host of The Mom Game podcast, and author of two children's books. After breakfast, we will break out into informative seminars that cover a variety of topics.
Schedule of Events
Business of Diversity: Awareness to Action
Breakfast Keynote: Emily Jones, Texas Rangers Reporter
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
A gifted storyteller and industry trailblazer, Jones has built a career breaking barriers in sports media. From the sidelines to center stage, she will share her unique journey of resilience, advocacy, and impact, offering an inspiring perspective on why diversity and inclusion matter in every industry.Â
Morning Breakout Sessions
Time: 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Navigating DEI:
- Christy Martinez-Garcia, Mayor Pro-Tem, Editor of Latino Lubbock Magazine
- Dr. Miguel Levario, Director of Mexican American and Latino Studies at Texas Tech University
- Chris Chambers, Owner of Chambers Engineering, LLC
- Amy Wood, Owner of Flint Avenue Marketing
Engaging a Multigenerational Workforce
- Dr. Connie Clary, Assistant Professor of Marketing at Lubbock Christian University
- Josh Haynes, Director of People Development at ​Madera Companies
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Women at Work: Strategies for Success and Growth​
- Michelle Burgess, Director of Inclusion & Diversity at Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
Accessibility Matters:Â Building a Disability-Friendly Workplace
- Robin Raney, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas
- Jahnel McClain, Regional Manager of Workforce Development at Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas
- Nathan Bryant, Executive Director of High Point Village
- Mike May, Program Administrator at the Lubbock ISD Vocational Transition Center
- Donna Smith, Shelby's Bridge
- Jessi Edwards, Regional Talent Manager at United Supermarkets
- Bryan Medina, Recruiting Manager at United Supermarkets