From Classroom to Boardroom
March 29— April 9, 2021
Exploring the Intersection of Workplace & Community
A place where many people spend as much—if not more time—than home, the workplace is a litmus test for the group behavior and institutional policy we accept as the norm. In a time when many are reevaluating their choices when it comes to equity and inclusion as both individuals and organizations, we see an incredible opportunity to encourage workplace environments that uplift and empower all members of our community.
What’s more, the thoughtful implementation of equitable hiring and retention practices by employers has deep, intersectional roots in the community. Consideration of these factors opens up opportunities for robust, multi-sector conversation about employment pipelines, systems of education, and financial empowerment.


How do we create equitable workplaces?
Uplift & Empower
We see an opportunity to encourage environments and pipelines for work that uplift and empower all members of our community.
Community Conversations
We can do this by hosting community conversations around key issues that elevate coalition-building efforts and reinforce sustainable ideas.
Topics of Conversation
01
Creating pipelines to employment through higher education
04
Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as an organizational culture
02
Authentic cultivation of diverse talent pools
05
The changing tide in required experience and degrees in today’s workforce
03
Fighting the “brain drain”—keeping college graduates in college towns
06
Charlottesville focused fields: Clean Energy, Data Science, Health Sciences
Audience

TOP EMPLOYERS
UNIVERSITIES

ENGAGED CITIZENS



COMMUNITY LEADERS
& EDUCATORS

HUMAN RESOURCES

ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS


Goals
Educate
community leaders and impact makers on key issues around hiring, retention, and workplace practices around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Elevate
employers, education leaders, and human resource professionals driving change and creating impact.
Connect
and build relationships between stakeholders across sectors in the Commonwealth and nationally.

Create
a tool-kit focused on the unique challenges faced by today's employers.
Position
Charlottesville as a leader in conversations of national relevance in a critical moment for the state and country.
Facilitate
hiring during the conference with virtual hiring fairs and one-on-one networking breakouts.
