2:00 pm Exhibitor Booth Check-In Begins

Companies exhibiting in the Cascobay Ballroom may begin booth check-in starting at 2:00 PM.

3:00 pm Registration Opens

Start the event with networking. Check in at the registration table to pick up your badge, conference agenda, and a gift bag, which includes a notebook, pen, HOPEFUL Bumper Sticker, a copy of one of the books listed below, and two surprise snacks.

Book List:

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

• The Power of Employee Resource Groups: How People Create Authentic Change by Farzana Nayani

• 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 

Menu:

• Assorted Fresh Baked Cookies

• Chocolate Fudge Brownies

• Truffle Mac and Cheese Tarts

• Jalapeno Poppers

• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

• Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaf Coffee, and Tea

• Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Bottled Water, and Iced Tea.

4:00 pm Opening Ceremony - Proactive Workplace Inclusion

Navigating uncertain times while continuing to improve workforce inclusion is a challenge faced by many organizations. Proactively create opportunities within existing workplace programs— such as employee discussions, team meetings, company retreats, employee onboarding, performance management, employee policies, benefits, and training initiatives — to improve inclusion in the workplace and external events affecting working relationships between team members. By aligning inclusion with core employee programs, companies can cultivate a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to an inclusive workplace.

• Employee Discussions on Inclusion

• Important connection between HR and DEI

• Prioritize Hiring Diverse Talent

• Individual Employees’ Role in Workplace Inclusion

• Performance Management, Benefits, and Incentives  

• Employee relationships and discussions

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

Location: Grand Ballroom

4:30 pm Every Workplace a Refuge - Navigating hiring and retention of diverse talent in the workplace.

Maine’s workforce needs 75,000 new skilled professionals by 2029 and over 400,000 people in Maine’s labor force are expected to retire in the next two decades. To meet this demand, we need to attract and retain talent in Maine. What role do employers, non-profits, municipalities, and educational and healthcare partners play in the ecosystem of welcoming and integrating people from diverse backgrounds in Maine? How can we welcome people and humanize the resettlement process? Stories include what hosting/supporting people from diverse backgrounds has done for workforce development and communities in the US.

• Welcome people from diverse backgrounds as integral members of the Maine community.

• Navigate changing federal policies, including I-9, immigration policies, and how to support employees with different immigration statuses. 

• Meet the diverse needs of community members from immigrant, refugee, or asylum seeker backgrounds, especially around gender, LGBTQIA, age/elders. 

• Focusing on refugee resettlement offers benefits for the entire state and employers, enriching the community and workforce.

Speakers: 

Dr. Diya Abdo - Lincoln Financial Professor of English at Guilford College and Director of Every Campus A Refuge

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

Lindsey Lopes - Director of Human Resources at Milestone Funeral Partners

Kit Thomson Crossman (they/them/theirs) - Executive Director at Maine Human Rights Commission

Location: Grand Ballroom

5:30 pm Best Practices for Talent Management from Healthcare Leaders

Healthcare Institutions have worked to attract and retain talent while facing a significant shortage of the workforce. This session will highlight best practices on attracting talent and what healthcare institutions have done to meet their workforce needs. We will learn about the programs and initiatives with the most impact and what employers can do to meet the talent shortage. We will also discuss Workforce Development efforts, upskilling programs, Internships, and creating attractive and inclusive Employment Opportunities.

Speakers:

Monique Roy - Vice President - Learning, Culture and Workforce Development at Central Maine Healthcare

Melissa McManus - Director of Workforce Development at MaineHealth

Joanna Morrison, AVP Talent Acquisition and Career Development at Northern Light Health

Location: Grand Ballroom

6:00 pm Talent Reception

Check-in opens for professionals from diverse backgrounds registered to meet employers at the Conference.

Exhibitors will begin staffing their booths in the Cascobay Ballroom to engage with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

6:05 pm Androscoggin Bank Program dedicated to Improving Equity

Androscoggin Bank offers a new mortgage plan that is compliant with muslim beliefs and with the beliefs of people who may avoid interest. Androscoggin Bank launched the program to help address the challenges faced by many people, especially people from muslim backgrounds who move to Maine or stay here. There will be a short documentary played about the program and a discussion about the program's development and impact.

Speakers:

Neil Kiely, Chief Executive Officer at Androscoggin Bank

Reza Jalali, Author of Dear Maine

6:30 pm Network with Employers and Performance by VIVA The Sensation

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. The Talent Reception is sponsored by Unity Environmental University.

Performance by “VIVA The Sensation” - Viva L'Ouverture in the Grand Ballroom sponsored by UNUM.

Menu:

• Tomato Bruschetta Crostini (veg)

• BBQ Chorizo Meatballs

• Jalapeno Poppers

• Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewer (gf)

• Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Bottled Water, and Iced Tea.

Location: Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor Function Room, and Casco Bay Exhibit Hall - G3 Level

Wednesday, August 13th - Community and Workplace Inclusion

8:00 am Registration Opens 

Check-in at the registration table to receive your badge, event pin, and a curated gift bag filled with a notebook, pen, and surprise snack.

Menu: 

• Assorted Bagels with Butter and Cream Cheese (veg)

• Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaf Coffee, and Tea

• Assorted Muffins

8:30 am Movie Screening: Ali Lewiston and the Phantom Punch

The film "Ali, Lewiston, and the Phantom Punch" is about the journey of former Lewiston resident and artist Charlie Hewitt as he raises a statue of Muhammad Ali at the site of the original fight. The film will not only delve into the events of the fight on May 25, 1965, but will also explore personal memories, civic and cultural identity, and the inevitable changes that come with time.

There will be a special screening of the movie at the Conference. 

Speaker: Charlie Hewitt, Founder and Artist, The HOPEFUL Project

Location: Grand Ballroom

9:00 am Keynote: Meeting Exponential Demand - Transformation in a Small and Rural Town in Maine 

Keynote sponsored by MEMIC

Join us for a keynote delivered by Dr. Melik Peter Khoury, President and CEO of Unity Environmental University, as he talks about the extraordinary transformation into America’s Environmental University. How did Unity Environmental University transform into a vibrant institution that addresses the workforce needs of Maine? Dr. Khoury will discuss the challenges, strategies, and cultural shifts essential for fostering rapid growth and sustainable change across Maine, especially in a small-town environment.

• Building a talent acquisition model aligned with business growth and workforce needs

• Experience as a BIPOC CEO in Maine.

• Attracting diverse talent to rural Maine.

• Leading through cultural and organizational transformation—especially during the past 6 months of accelerated change

• Actionable strategies businesses can learn from Unity Environmental University to scale rapidly and meet workforce demands.

Introducing Speaker: Michelle Allen, SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer at MEMIC

Keynote Speaker:  Dr. Melik Peter Khoury, President & Chief Executive Officer at Unity Environment University

Location: Grand Ballroom

10:00 am State Leaders Panel: Foundations for Employers to Attract Diverse Talent?

Join a panel of state leaders and industry experts as we explore best practices for navigating uncertainty, upskilling Talent Partnerships, and actionable strategies for Maine employers to attract and retain diverse talent. This discussion will highlight the critical role of leadership in fostering inclusion and building workplaces where individuals can authentically thrive.

• Upskilling diverse talent and partnerships..

• Creating workplaces where people from all backgrounds belong, feel valued, and part of the Maine community.

• The connection of Economic Development and Inclusion.

• Offering career development opportunities such as education, certifications, and pathways for advancement.

• Internal team training and improving belonging in the Workplace and Community

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

Speakers:   

Katie Brown, PhD, Founder & Chief Education Officer (CEO) at EnGen

Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director at Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition

Ayesha Hall, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Maine Department of Education

Marpheen Chann, Executive Director at Khmer Maine

Lisa Jones, Founder and CEO of Black Travel Maine

Location: Grand Ballroom

11:30 am Maine’s Moment: A Vision for Inclusive Growth and Unity

The State of Maine stands at a pivotal moment. With an aging population and an evolving workforce landscape, we face both significant challenges and powerful opportunities. As over 400,000 professionals are projected to retire in the coming decades, Maine must prepare for a workforce shortfall exceeding 100,000 jobs—including an urgent need for 75,000 skilled workers by 2029. To grow the State’s economy and meet this critical need, it is important to attract talent to Maine and ensure people from any background feel safe, have access to fair opportunities, and can make the State a home for themselves and their families. This approach ensures the needs of Mainers and the State are met, especially women, racially diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, older workers, and other key populations can contribute to the State.

• Maine's approach to counteracting harmful or exclusionary acts in public and actions from the federal administration.

• Attracting talent and encouraging Mainers to rejoin the workforce.

• Fostering unity and welcoming newcomers.

• Tackling issues of affordability, housing, and access to fair employment.

Speaker: Shenna Bellows, Secretary of State of Maine and Gubernatorial Candidate

Location: Grand Ballroom

12:00 pm Lunch

Menu: Mediterranean Buffet

• Greek Salad

• Cous-Cous w/Veggies

• Briam

• Halal Greek Lemon Chicken Breast

• Falafel w/Tzatziki Sauce w/ cold tomato wedges, sliced cucumber, pickle red onion, olives.

• Mediterranean Shrimp

• Lentil Soup

• Warm Pita Bread or Rolls

• Baklava

• Lemonade or Iced Tea

1:00 pm Strategies from DEI Consultants for Organizational Leaders Navigating Uncertainty and Leading Inclusion Efforts

This session is tailored for organizational leaders who are dedicated to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within their organizations. In times of uncertainty, companies face both internal and external pressures and resistance. How can leaders effectively navigate these challenges while enhancing inclusion for individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially people from racial backgrounds and members of the LGBTQIA+ community?  Join experienced DEI consultants to discover how to accelerate your DEI initiatives, identify allies, and develop a tailored strategy that aligns with your industry, employee size, and organizational culture.

• Identify areas for enhancement in current DEI initiatives and establish actionable business objectives.

• Work with industry peers to learning together and navigate uncertainty.

• Continue to lead the organization in improving equity and drive transformative change.

• Utilize practical tools to align DEI efforts with business goals and measure their impact over time.

Moderator: Marwa Hassanien, Ph.D. (she/her) - Associate Vice President, Community Engagement and Belonging at Northern Light Health

Speakers:

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

Tae Chong, Director of Multicultural Markets & Strategies at Maine State Chamber of Commerce

Kari Heistad, CEO at Culture Coach International

Deo Mwano, CEO, Founder and Managing Principal at Deo Mwano Consultancy

Location: Grand Ballroom

2:00 pm Exhibitors Hall 

Menu:

• Desserts

• Maine Wicked Whoopie Pies

• Assorted Novelty Ice Cream Bars

• Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaf Coffee, and Tea

Location: Casco Bay Exhibit Hall - G3 Level

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 filled with a notebook, pen, and surprise snack.

Menu:

• Assorted Bagels with Butter and Cream Cheese (veg)

• Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaf Coffee, and Tea

• Assorted Breakfast Pastries

9:00 am Morning Breakout sessions 

Breakout Session #1: LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion: Summit on Personal Freedoms and Successfully Transitioning in an Inclusive Organization

In this session, participants will identify key disparities that exist across multiple systems for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and will explore some of the essential leadership competencies required for organizations to better serve and support this community.  Participants will learn the core skills necessary to create more inclusive and affirming environments for LGBTQIA+ clients and customers, as well as for LGBTQIA+ staff members employed by the organization, and develop action plans for next steps in elevating their own leadership skills in this area. 

Speakers:

Chris McLaughlin, Owner & Lead Consultant at Inspired Consulting Group

Gia Drew, Executive Director at EqualityMaine

Michele Weinzetl, Senior Manager at BerryDunn

Location: Connecticut Room/Rhode Island Room

Breakout Session #2: Advancing Inclusion and Accessibility for People with Disabilities - Solutions for education, communication, and challenges in the workplace.

Maine’s workforce is facing challenges in addressing labor shortages. According to a CWRI Report, “Disability is a significant factor in many working-age people not in the labor force. Close to 1/3 have a disability” (Source). y actively advancing Inclusion and accessibility for People with Disabilities, businesses can tap into an underutilized talent pool that contributes innovation, adaptability, and increased workplace diversity.

• Learn how to effectively support employees and applicants with disabilities.

• Enhanced communication and learn best practices for providing accommodations.

• Mental and Behavioral Health support for people from all backgrounds.

• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in hiring process.

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

Speakers:

Georges Budagu Makoko, Founder of Ladder to the Moon Network and Residential Director at Serenity Residential Care

Eric Campbell - Vice President of Education Services at Spurwink

Darren Smart - Program Manager of All Tech at Spurwink

Location: Vermont Room

Breakout Session #3: Employee Benefits and Mental Health - Addressing the Holistic Needs of Individuals: health and wellness 

Business leaders must recognize the link between employee benefits, mental health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Employee benefits reflect an organization's DEI commitment, with well-structured retirement plans essential for attracting a diverse workforce. Significant gaps in retirement savings exist across racial and gender lines. Data from the National Institute on Retirement Security reveals significant gaps in retirement savings across racial and gender lines. This gap underscores the need for retirement plans that are accessible, equitable, and inclusive.  This session offers insights on designing benefits that promote DEI and address disparities while supporting mental health and wellness. Key points include:

• Equitable Benefits Design: Linking inclusive benefits to workplace DEI.

• Retirement Plans and connection to the organizational DEI Strategy: Importance of equitable retirement plans for workforce diversity.

• Addressing Savings Gaps: Strategies to close racial and gender disparities in retirement savings.

• Mental Health and Wellness: Comprehensive benefits that support employees' holistic needs.

Speakers:

Nate Moody, Retirement Plan Advisor, Partner at Lebel & Harriman Retirement Advisors

Nathan Davis, Director of Programs at Gateway Community Services Maine (GCSM)

Brittany Reichmann, Statewide Business Advisor at Recovery Friendly Workplace - Maine

Kerem Durdag, Chief Executive Officer at GWI

Location: New Hampshire Room/Massachusetts Room

10:30 am Mid-Morning Breakout Sessions 

Breakout Session #1: Outreach and Recruitment Best Practices to Diverse Communities

Discover effective strategies for diversifying your workforce and building meaningful connections with underrepresented communities. This session offers practical insights into outreach and recruitment best practices tailored to BIPOC talent, immigrant communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, first-generation college students, and migrant workers.

• Engaging Diverse Talent: Proven techniques for connecting with BIPOC communities, immigrant talent, and LGBTQ+ individuals in meaningful and culturally sensitive ways.

• Supporting First-Generation College Students: Crafting recruitment strategies that empower these students to transition successfully into professional roles, recognizing their unique strengths and challenges.

• Fostering Inclusivity for Migrant Workers: Understanding the distinct hurdles faced by migrant workers and creating equitable hiring practices to address their needs.

• Building Partnerships for Success: Collaborating with community organizations and local agencies to create pipelines for diverse talent.

Moderator: Barb Stoddard - Statewide Senior Program Coordinator at New Mainers Resource Center

Speakers:

Jacqueline Mugwaneza - Multicultural Relations Lead at Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition

Reza Jalali - Author of Dear Maine

David Delmar Sentíes - Lead Consultant for "Pathways into Software Engineering" at Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition
Rosa Torres, Director of Recruitment and PD at Portland Public Schools

Angela Okafor, MBA, Esq. - Founder and Managing Attorney at Okafor Law Practice

Location: Connecticut Room/Rhode Island Room

Breakout Session #2: Equity-Focused Workforce Partnerships

Internships and apprenticeships are powerful workforce development tools that address systemic barriers, foster equity, and develop talent for Maine’s future.his session explores the Equity in Internships Program (EQUIP), a targeted initiative supporting first-generation students, the Working Communities Challenge, which advances local collaborative efforts that build strong, healthy economies and communities, and the Maine Apprenticeship Program, which opens pathways for individuals from all backgrounds to gain in-demand skills through hands-on learning.

• Internships for Equity: Understand how EQUIP supports first-generation students in gaining professional skills, experience, and confidence, leveling the playing field for workforce entry.

• Apprenticeships for Broad Talent Development: Explore how apprenticeship programs create learning opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds, addressing labor shortages while promoting inclusivity.

• Collaborative Success: Learn how partnerships between educational institutions, employers, and workforce organizations drive impactful outcomes for participants and industries.

• Actionable Implementation: Leave with concrete strategies to launch or improve internship and apprenticeship programs that cater to both targeted and broader talent pools.
  

Moderator: Andy Osheroff, PhD, MBA,  Director, Career & Employment Hub at the University of  Southern Maine

Speakers: 

Joan Dolan, Director of Apprenticeship & Strategic Partnerships at Maine Department of Labor

Patrick Woodcock, President & CEO at Maine State Chamber of Commerce

Fatuma Hussein, Founder and Executive Director of Immigrants Resource Center of Maine

Matt Dana II, Working Communities Challenge Partnership Director at Sunrise Community Economic Council

Lindsey Freeman, Student at University of Southern Maine

Location: Vermont Room

Breakout Session #3: Improving Access to Housing: Resources and Initiatives to Meet the Housing Needs of Maine’s Workforce

Maine needs 84,000 new homes by 2030 in order to meet demand. Explore the current efforts to improve access to housing, develop new housing in Maine to keep up with demand, and ensure people in Maine have the resources they need to find accommodations. Meeting the housing needs of Maine’s people and workforce is critical for employers to attract and retain talent. Learn about the housing resources employers and partners can provide to improve attraction and retention of talent.    

• Launching a Housing Development Initiative: Developing affordable, accessible, and community-oriented housing options.

• Attracting Diverse Populations: Strategies to attract BIPOC individuals and families to Maine’s rural and urban communities.

• Building Inclusive Communities: Training and policies to ensure the safety and inclusion of people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

• Fostering Economic Growth: Leveraging diversity to drive economic development and enrich Maine’s communities.

Moderator: Nasir Shir, Property Portfolio Manager

Speakers:

Mai Elzahwy - Associate Broker at Portside Real Estate Group

Amy Torrey, Mortgage Loan Officer at Androscoggin Bank

Ryan Fecteau - Speaker of the Maine House of Representative at the State of Maine

Dan Brennan - Director at MaineHousing

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

Location: New Hampshire Room/Massachusetts Room

12:00 pm Lunch

Menu: Southwest Buffet

• Cheese Enchiladas with Green Chilies in Flour Tortillas 

• Choice of Proteins: 

  • Margarita Chicken (gf) 

  • Oat-based Chorizo (v)(gf)(veg) 

• Fajita Style Peppers and Onions (v)(gf)(veg) 

• Roasted Corn and Avocado Salad (v)(gf)(veg) 

• Cilantro Lime Rice (veg) 

• Cornbread (veg)

1:00 pm Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session #1: Empowering Youth Populations through Experiential Learning Programs

This session highlights how experiential learning programs—from internships and apprenticeship roles to mentorship and community-based projects—can be powerful tools for empowering youth populations, especially those from underrepresented or under-resourced backgrounds. Panelists will share effective strategies and real-world examples of how programs are helping young people build career readiness, develop soft skills, and connect with supportive networks. The conversation will explore the role of employers, educators, and community organizations in creating inclusive pathways that foster confidence, identity, and a sense of belonging. Designed for those working at the intersection of education, workforce, and youth development, this session will provide actionable insights into how experiential learning can be leveraged to expand opportunity and drive impact.

Moderator: Katie Shorey, Director of Engagement at Live + Work in Maine

Speakers:

Pious Ali, City Councilor at City of Portland

Meg Kreiger, Workforce Development Specialist at Educate Maine

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

Mohamed Khalid, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer at Community Organizing Alliance

Location: Connecticut Room/Rhode Island Room

Breakout Session #2: Executive Career Planning for Women Leaders – Building Pathways to C-suite Roles

51%  of Maine’s population is women (source) , while it is estimated that the share of women in top executive roles is 37.8% (source). This session is designed to empower women with actionable strategies and resources to navigate the journey toward executive leadership roles. Whether currently in management or aspiring to reach C-suite positions, participants will explore tools and techniques for advancing careers and increasing access to leadership roles.

• Executive Career Planning: Develop personalized, strategic plans to achieve leadership aspirations and break through barriers to advancement.

• Refining Leadership Communication: Strengthen skills for clear, impactful communication essential for high-level decision-making.

• Navigating Negotiations and Conflict: Master techniques for effective negotiation and conflict resolution in leadership contexts.

• Skill-Building for Advancement: Learn critical leadership competencies, including decision-making, team management, and organizational vision.

• Leadership in Action: Explore real-world scenarios and strategies for thriving in executive roles across diverse industries.

Speakers:

Ellen Miller - CEO at MPowered, LLC

Elinor Higgins - Executive Director at the Maine Permanent Commission on the Status of Women

Location: Vermont Room

Breakout Session #3: Solutions for Employers — Implementing the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFML) or a Private Plan

In 2023, Maine became the 13th state to establish a paid family and medical leave program. Beginning in 2026, eligible workers in the private and public sector will have up to 12 weeks of paid time off available to:

• Care for a family member with a serious health condition

• Bond with a child after birth, fostering or adoption

• Care for their own medical needs

• Deal with the transition of a family member’s impending military deployment

• Stay safe after abuse or violence. 

Join us in learning about the implementation of the PFML program and answer important questions asked by employers and participants. 

Topics Include:

• Implement the PFML Act or Private Plan (Substantially Equivalent)

• Updates: Final rules, new changes, and beginning in 2026.

• Role of all parties involved: Employers, State/PFML Program, and Participants

• Support or resources for help

• Best Practices for implementation and benefits for the employees and employer. 

Speaker:

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

Safiya Khalid - Policy & Outreach Specialist at Maine Department of Labor

Location: New Hampshire Room/Massachusetts Room

2:30 pm Closing Ceremony - Confessions of a Former Chief Diversity Officer: Meeting the Business Imperative for Growth through Inclusion

Maine’s ability to grow or maintain its workforce over the next decade depends almost entirely in-migration. Improving inclusion is important for sustainable growth in population and labor force, especially as more Mainers retire and we need more people in the workforce. By strategically attracting diverse talent and improving sustainability, we can continue to grow and strengthen our position during uncertain times. This closing ceremony will highlight practical strategies for building diverse talent pipelines, eliminating screening bias, and improving inclusion in the workplace.

• Collaborating with HR and management to draw in a diverse pool of top talent, enhancing business growth and sustainability.

• Equity-driven business partner to leadership, focusing on adaptability and future-readiness organizationally.

• Recognizing insider /outsider group dynamics and improving employee engagement. 

• Moving from performative acts to systemic transformation strategically.  

Speaker:

Randy Martinez, Management Consultant

Location: Grand Ballroom

3:00 pm End of day