It’s clear that diversity is good for business. Studies have shown that companies with diverse boards perform better and that teams comprised of people with different backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and skills, are more innovative and better problem solvers. Yet many organizations remain homogenous and those that hire diverse individuals often struggle to retain them.
In this virtual panel discussion, we’ll be joined by three women who are dedicated to creating more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. We’ll discuss strategies not only to recruit diverse talent, but ways to support their development within an organization and retain them as a valued part of the team long-term. This discussion is not just for leaders; shifting a company’s culture takes a commitment from everyone.
About the Panelists
Jill Bray, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for SoCalGas
Jill Bray has broad experience developing and executing employee programs to increase bench strength, develop successors for key positions, and develop diverse high potential talent along with creating and implementing strategy to create a culture of inclusion and belonging. Jill has worked with the Sempra family of companies since 2003 in positions within Human Resources, Labor Relations, Executive & Organizational Development, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Jill holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in organization psychology with an emphasis in alternative dispute resolution from the California School of Professional Psychology.
Liji Thomas, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Liji Thomas began her career lobbying on Capitol Hill for an increase in housing for low income women and children. In 2005, Liji joined Countrywide as a Project Manager and quickly rose through the ranks to become Assistant Vice President of Compliance and Risk Management. In 2008, Liji joined Southwest Airlines - first in Internal Audit, then as Manager of Business Strategy where she was responsible for implementing new business initiatives impacting over 3,600 individuals. As a testament to her leadership, Liji was shoulder-tapped to help build diversity and inclusion efforts for Southwest Airlines. In this role, she informed all aspects of diversity and inclusion for the nations' largest domestic airline and helped align Southwest Airlines culture with an award-winning diversity and inclusion strategy. Liji then led diversity and inclusion efforts for both Southern California Edison, as well as Beautycounter, a high growth clean beauty and cosmetics company, before being named the inaugural Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
In her current role, Liji oversees workforce development efforts, business outreach, community engagement and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, consisting of representation from ten employee resource groups and five labor unions, and seeks to strengthen the organization’s commitment to equity and inclusion across all stakeholder groups.
Rhonda Moret, Founder of Elevated Diversity
As a DEI consultant and strategist, Rhonda Moret helps organizations advance their DEI mission and objectives through the development of equitable practices and strategies designed to benefit the workplace as well as the communities in which they serve. A first-generation college graduate, Rhonda began her career working at a multicultural ad agency in Los Angeles on several accounts targeting traditionally marginalized populations.
Today, Rhonda is focused on elevating diversity within the workplace and beyond. As the founder of Elevated Diversity, she helps organizations chart their unique DEI ethos by developing practices and strategies designed for real organizational impact while also supporting a healthy bottom line. Clients include organizations within healthcare, tech, manufacturing, and non-profits.
Thank you to our 2022 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Sponsor, Southern California Gas Company
Registration
This event is free for AWWEE members plus up to two guests. Non-member registration is $20.