Hosted by CareFirst

Tickets

Greater Baltimore’s most successful and influential companies are those that demonstrate how today’s workforce can be inclusive to all. 

Join the BBJ in honoring the influential executives and business owners who promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Greater Baltimore business community. Attendees will enjoy a full event with a special Keynote Address from Calvin Butler President and Chief Executive Officer of Exelon Corporation, a fireside chat with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, a panel discussion with local business leaders, and the 2023 Leaders in Diversity Awards Presentation.

PANEL DISCUSSION
Before handing out the awards, we will have an informative panel discussion with a local group of business leaders with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Panelists: (Scroll down to see photos and bios)
Moderated by Rhonda Pringle, BBJ Market President and Publisher

• Michael Gosse, President, Blind industries & Services of Maryland
• Kraig Long, Managing Partner, Nelson Mullins
• Michael Powell, Director of Community, Equity, and Inclusion, The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland
• Chrissy Thornton, President & CEO, Associated Black Charities 

What we’ll discuss:

• Strategies for creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace or community
• Addressing issues of bias and discrimination in hiring, promotion, and other aspects of professional life
• Navigating cultural differences and promoting cross-cultural understanding
• Building allyship and promoting solidarity across different groups

AWARDS
The Leaders in Diversity Awards honor influential executives and business owners who promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Greater Baltimore business community. 

2023 Honorees 
See official announcement here.

• Sonia Alcántara-Antoine, CEO, Baltimore County Public Library
• Patricia Bradley, Vice President, Office of Inclusion and Institutional Equity, Towson University
• Bill Buckner, Director, Learning and Capacity Building, The Annie E. Casey Foundation
• Tracey Durant, Executive Director of Equity, Baltimore City Public Schools
• N. Gordon Knox, Partner, Duane Morris LLP
• Joshua Morris, Director of Training, Equity and Inclusion, HealthCare Access Maryland
• Dr. Sybil Pentsil, Chief Diversity Officer, LifeBridge Health, and Associate Program Director of the Pediatrics Residency Program at Sinai Hospital
• James Peterson Jr., Vice President, Small Business Ambassador, M&T Bank
• Francesco Porcarelli, Accountant, Seawall
• Daymanuel Sampson, Community and Citizenship Leader, Turner Construction Co.
• Lisa Walker, Chief Diversity and Learning Officer, GBMC HealthCare
• Vonda Wright, Vice President, Personnel Operations, L2  Defense Inc.

AGENDA 

8:30-9:00 Check-in/Networking
9:00-9:03 Welcome
9:03-9:13 Keynote Address
9:13-9:20 Fireside Chat
9:20-9:50 Panel Discussion
9:50-10:30 Awards Program
10:30 Event Concludes

---

**This event is being photographed. By entering, you agree to the use of images of you in connection with editorial, promotional, and/or advertising materials relating to this event or our other events in any media. Please inform our photographer if you do not want your image used in this manner.

---

Questions, comments or suggestions?
Contact April House, [email protected]

---

For Advertising or Sponsorship of this discussion:
Contact Annie Payne, [email protected]

---

Market your win with a reprint or purchase a gift for an Honoree!
For Reprints, please contact Dawn Lewis, [email protected]
** Please be aware that third-party organizations will attempt to contact you with reprint offers. Baltimore Business Journal and American City Business Journals are the only authorized producers of official BBJ material. Get Tickets