Description

Join us for our August Membership Luncheon that will feature a panel of local and regional DEI leaders. During this luncheon we will discuss ways to recruit and retain diverse talent as employers, steps to take to create a more inclusive business environment and more.

PANELISTS INCLUDE:

ADRIAN SULLIVAN: Adrian serves as a talent expert with a specialization in DEI, supplier diversity, EEO and multiple Human Resources disciplines. Currently serving as Director of DEI for a global manufacturing firm his key responsibilities include the advancement of inclusion-based business practices and shifting culture to ingrain a sense of belonging for every employee, company supplier and stakeholder. 

Recognized by Columbus Business First as an Outstanding DEI Champion and Columbus CEO magazine as one of the faces of The New DE&I… Adrian has worked tirelessly to simplify the conversations on each aspect of the work. He challenges organizations to include all voices in the discussion and to clearly define the roles each individual has based on their access to power and privilege to move collectively forward. 

With a background in operations, product development, learning and organizational development, and analytics Adrian has become a strategic leader able to coach, guide and develop individuals at all levels in multiple aspects of the employee lifecycle. 

Engaging with his community he currently serves as President Emeritus of the Central Ohio Diversity Consortium (CODC). CODC is the oldest DEI-centric nonprofit in Central Ohio. Members include Fortune 500 organizations, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations and individual supporters from Ohio and Indiana. Additionally, Adrian serves as a founding board member of the National Association of Black Legal Assistants and Paralegals and formerly served as a member of the Impact Academy Advisory Council, founded by Columbus Young Professionals. 

Adrian resides in Westerville Ohio, is an avid cook and blogger highlighting businesses owned and operated by women and historically excluded community members. He enjoys his ministry, his dogs and time with his family and close circle of friends in a variety of activities. 

RAM RAJADHYAKSHA, P.E.: Ram is responsible for corporate operations including human resources and information technology.  He leads DLZ’s efforts in mergers and acquisitions for new markets. 

His technical background specializes in the development of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) applications. His project experience includes leading DLZ’s participation in the O’Hare Airfield Modernization at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Oakland County, Michigan Water Resources Commission’s storm water asset management programs.

Ram also serves as Corporate Secretary and is a member of the Board of Directors.

ROBBIE BANKS: Robbie is the program director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at the Columbus Partnership. Her role is focused on the development and execution of strategic programming and projects that impact the Columbus Partnership's ability to advance the vision for Columbus to become the most prosperous region in the U.S. As manager of the planning and advancement specific to DEI-focused workstreams, Robbie establishes and maintains relationships with DEI practitioners, C-suite and senior leaders to develop, align and execute the Region’s equity and inclusion strategy. She also co-chairs the staff Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Previously, Robbie served as the program director and interim executive director at Leadership Columbus where she managed and directed programs that embrace a 21st century vision for community leadership development while embedding opportunities for participants to develop their leadership skills. 

As director of visitor experience for Experience Columbus, she launched and led the Experience Dedicated® Destination program, which worked across hospitality industry sectors to enhance the city’s visitor experience. Robbie also was responsible for the Greater Columbus Tourism Ambassador Program, part of a national certification program for front-line workers and volunteers. 

She led efforts directed at young professionals to attract and retain talent at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce where she served as a point person for community issues related to young professionals.

Robbie is a two-time graduate of Franklin University. She serves on the Board of Trustees for I Know I Can and resides in Northwest Columbus with her partner Justin and their dogs.

TOYA SPENCER: Toya is the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for Worthington City School District in Worthington, Ohio.  In 2020, Toya joined Worthington City Schools as its first-ever DEI Director. As such, she is a member of the Superintendent’s cabinet and works closely with the Board of Education, district and building administrators to ensure the DEI strategic plan and goals are achievable, measurable,  and sustainable.

Prior to Worthington Schools, Toya worked at the corporate headquarters for Huntington National Bank and Abercrombie & Fitch.  During her 16 year tenure at Abercrombie & Fitch, she skillfully balanced promoting and building a culture of inclusion while continuously facing contradictions from leadership focused on exclusion.  She speaks of those experiences in the 2022 Netflix documentary White Hot: The Rise and Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch .

Toya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Kent State University and a Master’s degree in Corporate Communication  from Duquesne University. 

Facilitated by CHELSEA AKERS: Chelsea is a community connector passionate about finding innovative solutions to challenges, championing DE&I efforts, and improving workplace culture and employee wellbeing. She is the Co-Founder and current President of Level D&I Solutions, a diversity and inclusion firm headquartered in Columbus, OH. She also currently serves on the Leadership Council for the National Small Business Association.

Chelsea started her career with Fast Switch as an IT Recruiter in 2014 after earning her bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from The Ohio State University. Prior to co-founding Level, Chelsea served as a National Advisor and Board Member for Women in Technology International (WITI) and was a founding member of the Columbus, OH. WITI network.

She was a Comspark 30 under 30 recipient in 2019, is a former guest lecturer for The Ohio State University’s Career Development Academy, and served as the TechLife Live host on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion during the series' run in 2021. Outside of work Chelsea enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their 3 dogs.