DEI Leadership Exchange

Introducing the DEI Leadership Exchange

Introduced in January 2023, the virtual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Exchange program carves out an exclusive haven for leading diversity advocates within the Greater Rochester community. Here, they convene to exchange ideas, hone skills, and forge strategies that mold business practices and usher in impactful change within their organizations and the wider community. This distinctive program fosters a robust discourse on DEI in the contemporary workforce, engaging prominent leaders well positioned to translate these discussions into actionable initiatives.

The genesis of this program was inspired by the influential framework established by Buffalo Niagara Partnership, which has effectively orchestrated a thriving DEI Leadership Exchange program over the past four years.

What the DEI Leadership Exchange offers:

Confidentiality

This exclusive program is operated with complete confidentiality.

Exceptional Value

This 10-month virtual DEI Leadership Exchange program is offered for only $1,000 is a fraction of the cost of other leadership development programs. This program also allows opportunities to connect in person at social gatherings to foster relationships with other fellow DEI Leadership Exchange program members.

Convenience

This program is designed to fit your busy schedule, meeting once a month, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in a virtual format. No travel needed, except for some quarterly in-person social gatherings to further relationships among your peers within the DEI Leadership Exchange program members.

Personalized Approach

Professional facilitation and industry exclusivity allow for confidential, sensitive discussions around challenges and initiatives in a safe space to openly discuss new ideas.

Meet our exclusive expert facilitator for Greater Rochester Chamber's DEI Leadership Exchange program

This program was created based off the framework provided by Buffalo Niagara Partnership and in collaboration with Sesha Yalamanchili, a proven successful facilitator who has been running a thriving, sold out, DEI Leadership Exchange program for four years in the Buffalo region.

Focused on driving results, Sesha leverages her extensive background in sales, marketing, operations, and innovation to influence organizations of every size and scope. From entrepreneurial startups to large corporations, Sesha’s vast real-world experience spans careers in consumer goods, technology, banking, healthcare, and insurance.

Sesha has an inherent ability to comprehend the many issues and challenges that face organizations in today’s world of constant change, disruption, and uncertainty. Passionate about empowering others with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to make an immediate impact, Sesha works with business professionals to sustain long-term results at their organizations.

A seasoned leadership consultant and trainer with nearly two decades of business experience, Sesha specializes in equipping leaders with the knowledge, tools, and resources to make an immediate impact in their organization. “Understanding real world challenges from the human perspective is key to helping professionals accelerate their growth as leaders,” she says.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DEI Leadership Exchange program?

Presenting a distinctive executive-level initiative designed exclusively for leaders spearheading Diversity, Equity & Inclusion endeavors within their organizations.

The DEI Leadership Exchange orchestrates a deliberate blend of discerningly chosen professionals hailing from diverse corners of our region. This assembly serves as a platform for sharing ideas, tackling challenges, and showcasing triumphant methodologies aimed at propelling DEI initiatives forward.

With an emphasis on uniting the collective expertise of the region's foremost leaders, irrespective of organizational scale or sector, this program engenders an array of perspectives on DEI.

How will it benefit you?

The program extends a range of benefits tailored to leaders who find themselves immersed in the ongoing and occasionally daunting endeavor of advancing DEI initiatives:

Collective Wisdom and Support: Experience candid and confidential discussions and feedback sessions with seasoned peers drawn from the entire region.
Exchange of Best Practices: A proficient facilitator takes the reins of each session, guiding the group toward fortifying dedication, resilience, and overall effectiveness in their pursuits.
Cultivating a Cultural Shift: Acquire tools and inventive strategies for instilling and nurturing DEI efforts, ensuring they thrive as a cornerstone of your organization's ethos.
Strategic Visioning: Collaborate with fellow leaders in your vicinity to magnify the impact of DEI endeavors within your organization.
Added Advantages: Enjoy premium access with exclusive discounts to our annual Colors of Success DEI Leadership Awards ceremony, partake in two engaging social events designed for mingling and networking with fellow program participants, experience dedicated promotion of DEI Leadership Exchange program cohorts across our extensive social media channels, and relish a spectrum of other invaluable benefits.

What makes this program different?

Exclusively available to Greater Rochester Chamber members, the DEI Leadership Exchange Program offers a confidential and professionally facilitated forum. This exclusive community gathers DEI professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds in monthly group sessions, fostering discussions on ideas, challenges, accomplishments, and avenues for growth.

Our seasoned facilitator tailors the program to empower diversity and inclusion leaders with the essential tools for sustained goal attainment, addressing specific obstacles inherent to their roles and responsibilities.

How is the program structured?

The DEI Leadership Exchange is designed for an intimate community of up to 16 participants, who will convene virtually on a monthly basis from January through December. These sessions, which exclude July and August, are slated for weekday mornings, spanning from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Each group is meticulously curated for its attending leaders, and the customization is meticulously guided by the group facilitator, who tailors the experience to cater to specific needs.

What are the dates/times for the 2023 DEI Leadership Exchange program?

Participants will virtually meet monthly from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the following dates:

The zoom link will be added to each participant's calendar.

Who should join the DEI Leadership Exchange program?

Eligible participants for this program should hold positions as key DEI decision-makers within organizations located in the Greater Rochester nine-county region. This program is specifically designed for leaders whose job titles explicitly encompass diversity, equity, and inclusion. It's also intended for professionals in fields like Human Resources or talent management who are tasked with spearheading DEI initiatives within their organizations.

It's important to note that only one representative per organization is eligible to participate in this program.

In order to maintain a fair and balanced program, we do not extend invitations to DEI consultants and trainers whose primary role predominantly involves conducting DEI training in addition to their DEI responsibilities within the organization.

What is the program cost?

What if I am not a Greater Rochester Chamber member?

The DEI Leadership Exchange Program is tailor-made for Greater Rochester Chamber members. Should you be interested in becoming a part of this transformative experience, we invite you to connect with our Membership Director, Kevin Donahue, at Kevin.Donahue@GreaterRochesterChamber.com who will give detailed information regarding pricing, availability, and the myriad advantages that come with being a member, extending far beyond the realms of this program.

Meet the 2023 DEI Leadership Exchange Cohort

We are SOLD out for 2023! Reserve your spot for the 2024 DEI Leadership Exchange program!

Contact Director of Events, Training & Affiliates Susan George to learn more or reserve your spot.

Email Susan

Greater Rochester Chamber's DEI Leadership Exchange program is supported in part by the Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation.