3:00 pm Registration Opens

Begin by networking with attendees and exhibitors. Review the conference agenda and select the sessions you would like to attend.

Book List

Books will be available for pick-up after the event.

• The Diversity Factor: Igniting Superior Organizational Performance by James T. McKim, JR.

• How to Be an Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive by Jennifer Brown

• I want a Nickname! by Tradara McLaurine

• The Inclusion Dividend: Why Investing in Diversity & Inclusion Pays off by Mason Donovan and Mark Kaplan

• The Golden Apple: Redefining Work-life Balance for a Diverse Workforce by Mason Donovan 

3:50 pm Conference Welcome & Introduction to Sentio: Real-Time Translation for All Attendees

Conference attendees have access to Sentio, a web-based translation tool designed to make every session more accessible and inclusive. Attendees can access Sentio, Pocketalk’s web‑based real‑time translation tool, on their smartphone, tablet or laptop for free. By scanning the QR code, you’ll be able to select your preferred language and receive live captioning and translations throughout the event. We encourage you to try Sentio throughout the conference to enhance your experience and stay fully engaged—no matter what language you speak.

Event Host: Eisha Khan - Project Manager at MaineHealth

Speakers: 

Dick Dyer - Co-Founder at Destination Occupation

Giovanni Seigler - Channel Development Specialist at Pocketalk

Sid Degois - Employment Services Supervisor at Maine Refugees & Immigrant Services (MEIRS)

Rachel Knight - Founder and CEO at Destination Occupation

4:00 pm Opening Ceremony: Strategies for Resilience 

Defending Diversity Amid Fear in the Workplace and Community

In a time of uncertainty, shifting policies, and growing social tension, employers and HR leaders are being called to respond with clarity and courage. This opening session will explore how organizations can build resilience by supporting employees from all backgrounds, addressing fear and misinformation, and reinforcing inclusive practices that strengthen trust, retention, and team performance. Attendees will gain practical insights on leading with confidence, protecting workplace culture, and positioning inclusion as a stabilizing force for both employees and the broader community.

Speakers:

Dr. Dora Anne Mills, MD, MPH - Chief Health Improvement Officer at MaineHealth

Eisha Khan - Project Manager at MaineHealth

Location: Main Stage

4:45 pm Driving Success: How Businesses are Benefiting from Inclusive Hiring 

What are the Winning Strategies? Leaders across the employer, government, and nonprofit sectors share practical insights on navigating workforce challenges in a complex labor environment. The panel will address risk management, partnership development, and scalable hiring strategies that deliver measurable outcomes. Participants will gain a grounded view of how cross-sector collaboration can strengthen talent pipelines and support organizational growth.

Moderator: Stefanie Trice Gill, MBA - Founder, Principal, Diversity Recruiter at IntWork

Speakers:

Ben Conniff - Co-Founder and Impact Executive at Luke's Lobster

Wendy Hayes - Human Resources Manager at R.W. Gillespie & Associates

Susan Ruhlin - President + CEO at Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Mark Mclnerney - Director at Center for Workforce Research and Information

Location: Main Stage

5:30 pm Cultivating Certainty: Proactive Strategies for Legal Compliance and Employee Protection

Preparation during uncertainty is a strategic advantage. This session equips leaders with practical strategies to protect their organizations amid evolving federal enforcement and regulatory scrutiny. Participants will learn how to build a defensible compliance infrastructure that safeguards daily operations, mitigates legal risk, and strengthens organizational resilience. We will examine key elements, including policy alignment, documentation standards, leadership accountability, and risk response protocols.

Leaders will also explore how compliance and psychological safety intersect to reduce fear-driven decision-making and maintain operational stability during periods of regulatory or pressure. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to ensure business continuity while protecting both the organization and its people. 

Speakers: 

Peter A. Hale - Partner at Pierce Atwood LLP

Ralph Humiston, Associate (Federal Immigration & Nationality Law) at Fragomen

Location: Main Stage

6:00 pm Talent Reception

Networking event for professionals from diverse backgrounds to meet employers in Maine. Professionals are looking to grow their professional network and potentially find an employment opportunity.

8:00 am Registration Opens

8:30 AM Progyny: Inclusive Benefits That Strengthen Your Workforce

Progyny provides fertility, family‑building, and women’s health benefits designed to meet the needs of a diverse workforce, removing barriers to care and supporting the many paths to parenthood. Their approach ensures equitable access to comprehensive care and personalized support for employees of all genders, orientations, and family structures. By offering inclusive benefits like these, organizations can strengthen employee well‑being, advance diversity and inclusion goals, and expand their appeal to a broader talent pool.

Speaker:

Carole Noujaim, SVP - Leading Strategic Sales & Growth at Progyny, Inc.

Location: Main Stage

9:00 am Keynote: Leading Together with Resilience and Unity

In a time of rapid change and community challenges, strong leadership brings people together around shared values, mutual support, and collective action. This keynote explores how leaders can bring people together across differences, strengthen collaboration, and support community well‑being — especially in the face of adversity such as incidents of hate or social tension. Drawing on real‑world leadership insights and examples of Maine communities working to uphold inclusion and mutual respect, the session will highlight practical approaches for sustaining organizational stability, supporting those impacted by bias, and promoting cooperation across workplaces and communities. Attendees will gain strategies for leading with vision, advancing unity, and helping their teams and communities move forward stronger together.

Moderator: Lindsey M. Archila, MBA, CPCU, APA, WCP® - Director, Premium Audit at MEMIC

Speakers: Dr. Nirav Shah

Location: Main Stage

10:00 am Shifting Toward Anti‑Racism: Intentional Action for Greater Unity

In this special session, renowned scholar Ibram X. Kendi will guide participants beyond simply recognizing racial inequities toward intentional, collective action that strengthens unity and fosters inclusion. Kendi’s work reframes antiracism as a deliberate practice focused on supporting policies and ideas that produce equity and counter narratives that fuel fear or false division. 

Drawing on insights from Chain of Ideas — this session will explore how harmful ideas like have migrated from fringe conspiracy into mainstream political discourse. This session will examine how divisive narratives spread and why addressing them matters for community cohesion. Participants will explore frameworks for identifying and challenging inequitable structures, engaging in honest dialogue across diverse experiences, and building shared purpose that promotes mutual respect.

Moderator: Kate Stitham, President, Founder, & Principal at Integrative Inquiry Consulting

Speaker: Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Carter G. Woodson Endowed Chair in History at Howard University, Inaugural Director of the Howard University Institute for Advanced Study, and Leading Antiracist Scholar

Location: Main Stage

11:15 am Collaboration Session: Turning Ideas into Shared Action

This structured collaboration session invites participants to build on the energy and insights from the morning and move toward shared purpose and partnership. Facilitated small‑group discussions will focus on identifying common goals, surface areas of shared interest across organizations, and explore concrete opportunities to work together on issues such as inclusion, community resilience, and antiracist practice. Rather than passive conversation, this session is designed to produce collective insights and actionable next steps that can inform future partnerships and strengthen cross‑sector collaboration. Participants will have the chance to reflect, co‑create ideas, share experiences, and leave with tangible collaboration pathways to explore as they continue conversations over lunch.

Moderators: 

Pooja Kothari - Founder, Principal Facilitator at Boundless Awareness, LLC

Sacha Thompson - Founder & CEO at The Equity Equation

Kate Stitham - President, Founder, & Principal at Integrative Inquiry Consulting

Location: Main Stage

12:00 pm Lunch

Maine Office of New Americans Announcement

This quick update offers an overview of the Maine Office of New Americans (ONA) and its ongoing work to strengthen Maine’s economy and communities by supporting immigrant integration. Established within the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future in early 2025, the ONA is charged with making Maine a home of opportunity for all by enhancing workforce pathways, expanding English language opportunities, and improving coordination among employers, service providers, and community partners to better connect New Mainers with meaningful employment and support services. In this session, you’ll hear the latest on the office’s initiatives, partnerships, and progress toward these priorities as it continues to implement its mission across the state.

Speaker:

Julia Trujillo Luengo - Director, Strategic Planning Management at the Maine Community College System

1:00 pm State Leaders Panel: Better for Mainers - Strengthening Maine’s Workforce Ecosystem

Leaders across Maine will discuss current efforts and emerging opportunities shaping the state’s workforce and economic future. This conversation will highlight how strategic collaboration between government, employers, education, and training partners is expanding talent pipelines, connecting job seekers with meaningful work, and aligning with Maine’s evolving industry needs. 

Panelists will share insights on regulatory priorities, workforce funding streams (including recent investments supporting training and job growth), and practical resources that employers can leverage — from apprenticeship incentives to upskilling partnerships and workforce compacts that strengthen both talent access and employee development. 

The discussion will also explore how cross‑sector alignment is boosting workforce retention and expanding opportunities for inclusive growth. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of concrete pathways for collaboration with state leaders, community partners, and industry groups to a support workforce strategy that is better for all Mainers.

Moderator: Reginald Parson, J.D., MPA, - Deputy Director, Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program at Maine Department of Labor

Speakers: 

Shenna Bellows - Secretary of State of Maine

Eric Meyer - President and CEO at Spurwink

Dan Brennan - Director at MaineHousing

Sarah Lewis - Director, Maine Access Immigrant Network

Lisa Jones - Founder and CEO of Black Travel Maine

Location: Main Stage

2:00 pm Exhibitors Hall 

5:00 pm End of day

8:00 am Registration Opens

Check-in at the registration table to receive your badge, event pin, and a curated gift bag.

9:00 am Morning Breakout sessions

Breakout Session #1: Housing and Cost of Living as Workforce Barriers

Housing instability and rising living costs are increasingly limiting employers’ ability to attract and retain talent. This session examines employer-led strategies, cross-sector partnerships, and policy collaboration that address these barriers. Discussion will focus on practical models such as relocation support, housing partnerships, and regional coordination that stabilize workforce pipelines.

Moderator: Erica Watson – Senior Program Director Education & Workforce at MDF

Speakers:

Mahir Hasanov - Licensed Real Estate Sales Agent at Keller Williams

Claude Rwaganje - Executive Director at ProsperityME: The Center for Financial Education

Adrian Bojórquez Horn - Program Manager at State of Maine - Department of Labor

Laura Mitchell - Executive Director at Maine Affordable Housing Coalition

Location: Breakout Room 1

Breakout Session #2: Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity

Small business creation is a critical pathway to economic mobility and regional growth. This session explores how employers, lenders, and support organizations can foster entrepreneurial development through mentorship, procurement access, and resource alignment. Participants will examine strategies that expand opportunity while strengthening local economic ecosystems.

Moderator: David Sanchez-Aguilera, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant at Wipfli

Speakers:

James McKim, PMP, ITIL - Managing Partner at Organizational Ignition, LLC and President at The Manchester Branch of the NAACP

Kerem Durdag - Founder and Managing Partner at The Indus Fund

Lisa Jones, Founder and CEO of Black Travel Maine

Jay Brenchick - Director of Economic Development at City of Auburn, Maine

Location: Breakout Room 2

Breakout Session #3: LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion

 Organizations are navigating evolving expectations around inclusive workplace practices and employee well-being. This discussion highlights actionable approaches to fostering respectful environments, supporting retention, and aligning policies with organizational values and legal frameworks. Emphasis will be placed on balancing culture, compliance, and workforce engagement outcomes.

Moderator: Ella Mik'aella Bowman - Retired Maine Municipal Manager, Retired Law Enforcement, and a Founding Member of the Kennebec Region Diversity Initiative

Speakers:

Gia Drew, Executive Director at EqualityMaine

Soren Erwich - School Engagement Coordinator at OUT Maine

Dana Carver-Bialer, MPP/MA, PhD Candidate - Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Bangor School Department

Location: Breakout Room 3

– 15 minutes Break –

10:30 am Mid-Morning Breakout Sessions 

Breakout Session #1: Women’s Health Across Life Stages: Driving Retention, Productivity, and ROI

Retaining diverse, skilled professionals is more challenging than ever. As the state works to grow its workforce and foster inclusion across industries, organizations are seeking innovative strategies that demonstrate genuine care for employees’ well-being.

This session will explore why supporting women’s health—including fertility, family building, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause—is no longer a “nice to have” but a strategic imperative for talent attraction and retention. Attendees will learn how inclusive, equitable health benefits directly strengthen belonging, increase engagement, and reduce turnover—particularly for women, LGBTQ+ employees, caregivers, and workers navigating life transitions that disproportionately impact career stability.

We will also highlight how these benefits generate tangible business value. Employers who invest in women’s health programs consistently see measurable ROI through improved employee retention, reduced absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, and increased productivity. By addressing common gaps in traditional healthcare plans and supporting employees through complex health journeys, organizations can reduce costly turnover and enhance workforce continuity—critical outcomes as Maine works to build a stronger, more sustainable talent pipeline.

Speakers:

Russ Freyman - Group Vice President at Progyny, Inc.

Lianna DellaTorre - VP of Employee Benefits at Alliant Insurance Services

Lindsay Fitzgerald - CHRO at InterMed P.A.

Location: Breakout Room 1 

Breakout Session #2: Navigating Enforcement Actions Impacting Employees

Regulatory and legal enforcement actions can disrupt workforce stability and create organizational risk. This session brings together legal and HR perspectives to discuss preparedness, communication strategies, and ethical leadership during sensitive situations. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of balancing compliance obligations with workforce continuity.

Moderator: Ana Maria Allaire - Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist, Wage and Hour Division at U.S. Department of Labor

Speakers:

Peter A. Hale - Partner at Pierce Atwood LLP

Anne‑Marie Storey - Senior Counsel, Labor & Employment Law at Bernstein Shur

Paige Eggleston - Labor & Employment Attorney at Bernstein Shur

Location: Breakout Room 2

Breakout Session #3: Breaking Language Barriers - Leveraging Technology to Address Talent Gaps

Language barriers remain one of the most important challenges to workforce participation, productivity, and inclusion. This session introduces Pocketalk’s translation solutions, including Sentio, a browser-based platform delivering real-time translation across devices, and Pocketalk’s handheld technology designed for two-way conversations. Learn how instant, accurate translation can expand your talent pool, improve workplace accessibility, and ensure every employee can contribute and be understood—regardless of language. Participants will learn about Pocketalk, a solution designed for real-time, two-way voice translation across 92+ languages, enabling clear communication with privacy and security.

Speakers:

Dick Dyer - Co-Founder at Destination Occupation

Giovanni Seigler - Channel Development Specialist at Pocketalk

Sid Degois - Employment Services Supervisor at Maine Refugees & Immigrant Services (MEIRS)

Location: Breakout Room 3

12:00 pm Lunch break sponsored by Wipfli

1:00 pm Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session #1: Hiring Untapped Talent Pools: People with Disabilities and Adult Education Older Workers, and key diverse communities  

Employers face both opportunity and responsibility in expanding access for workers with disabilities. This session covers recruitment pathways, workplace accommodations, and performance support strategies that lead to sustainable employment outcomes. Attendees will gain practical insights into removing barriers while strengthening productivity and engagement.

Moderator: Ana Maria Allaire - Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist, Wage and Hour Division at U.S. Department of Labor

Speakers:

David Romero, Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Wipfli

Noël Bonam - Maine State Director at AARP

Lindsey Lopes, Director of Human Resources at Milestone Funeral Partners

Dustin Ward, President/Founder at It Is Time….LLC

Location: Breakout Room 1

Breakout Session #2: Resource Ecosystems for Young Professionals

Effective workforce inclusion relies on coordinated support systems beyond the workplace. This session highlights partnerships with training providers, community organizations, and support networks that help employees succeed and remain engaged. Attendees will explore how integrated resource ecosystems strengthen retention and performance outcomes.

Young professionals are key to Maine’s future, but retention depends on strong connections between education, employers, and community resources. This session explores how collaboration and an integrated ecosystem support career pathways, leadership development, and successful living and working in Maine.

Participants will examine the role of public schools in building this pipeline, including efforts to diversify the educator workforce and strengthen long-term talent development. They’ll leave with practical strategies to attract, develop, and retain young professionals across the state.

Moderator: Jan Kearce - Principal at Seawall Leadership

Speakers:

Rosa Torres, Director of Recruitment and PD at Portland Public Schools

Ashley Asselin, Marketing Manager at Live + Work in Maine

Jonathan Delorme - Program Manager at Educate Maine

Danielle Pierre - Senior Associate at Great Schools Partnership

Location: Breakout Room 2

Breakout Session #3: Discomfort and Joy: White Folks Working for Collective Thriving

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring white practitioners navigating the messy, essential balance of discomfort and joy. We’ll discuss the friction of unlearning oppression and the profound joy found in working toward a world where we all can thrive. Through a candid Q&A and shared stories, we’ll explore how white folks have been practicing moving towards collective thriving. We’ll learn the many ways this work can be explored, with a spotlight on two local and national White affinity groups, Tapestry and White Men for Racial Justice.

Moderator: Tara Jenkins, CEO & Founder at Conscious Revolution

Speakers:

Kate Knox - Shareholder at Bernstein Shur

Meadow Dibble - Executive Director at Atlantic Black Box

Fortunat Mueller - Co-Founder, CEO at ReVision Energy

Chris Lyon - SVP, Director of Corporate Impact at Androscoggin Bank

Location: Breakout Room 3

2:30 pm Closing with Networking Reception

As the breakout sessions conclude, attendees are invited to join a virtual networking reception on Zoom. This interactive session offers a chance to reflect on insights from the past three days, exchange ideas, and explore collaboration opportunities across organizations and communities. Engage in meaningful conversations, build new connections, and leave with actionable next steps to turn conference discussions into partnerships.

Moderators:

Pooja Kothari - Founder, Principal Facilitator at Boundless Awareness, LLC

Sacha Thompson - Founder & CEO at The Equity Equation

3:00 pm End of day