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The mission of the African
American Leadership Council (AALC) of United Way of Greater
Toledo is to positively impact the African American
community by advocating effective initiatives through
strategic partnerships, leadership development, and
volunteerism.
So what better way to lead
our mission than by hosting a powerful statewide 2016
African American Leadership Conference scheduled next Oct.
12-14 in Toledo, to tackle issues that directly impact our
community. Connect * Cultivate * Impact, the overall
conference theme, is designed to set the tone for three days
of fellowship, advocacy, learning, diversity and inclusion
topics, leadership, professional development and calls to
action.
The idea for the AALC of
United Way Leadership Conference was born during a past AALC
Joint Council meeting where United Way of Greater Toledo
President & CEO Karen Mathison shared updates, concerns and
information on some of the other African American United Way
affinity groups across the state of Ohio.
Post-meeting, a few Joint
Council members spearheaded by Amelia Gibbon, chairman of
the group’s Leadership Development Committee and 2016
Leadership Conference Chairman, came up with the idea of
hosting a statewide conference for other United Way affinity
groups, and locals in northwest Ohio, to come together to
learn about getting involved, improving in their professions
and tapping into ways to impact their communities
After much discussion,
gathering sponsors, and scheduling local and national
speakers, the planning for the 2016 African American
Leadership Conference was born. Last year, the AALC of
United Way hosted a local conference of 75 attendees, which
served as a litmus test for planning on a slightly larger
scale. The 2016 statewide conference plans to host some 150
attendees from the local and state area.
Highlights of the
conference include highly noted keynote speaker Candi
Castleberry Singleton, founder and CEO of Dignity & Respect,
Inc., which provides individuals, organizations and
communities the tools to understand and practice dignity and
respect.
Singleton is an
experienced strategist and she is widely known for
implementing successful initiatives for major companies such
as Motorola, Xerox Corporation, and Sun Microsystems. Her
visit is being generously sponsored by AALC Conference major
Keynote Sponsor ProMedica. Conference Community Leader
Sponsors include Owens-Illinois, Toledo Lucas County Public
Library, and the Toledo Museum of Art. Loyal Supporter
Sponsor, Owens Corning, and Supporter Sponsor, The
Andersons.
Conference organizers are
also excited to host conference speaker Darlene Slaughter,
United Way Worldwide Chief Diversity Officer, who helped to
coordinate the planning of the statewide conference. One of
the important session conference topics includes Diversity
and Inclusion, along with Community Leadership, Work/Life
Balance, Social Justice Issues, and Public Policy.
Slaughter, who formerly
worked at Fannie Mae as the VP and Chief Diversity Officer,
is currently responsible for advancing the U.S. and
Worldwide diversity and inclusion strategy of United Way.
City of Toledo Mayor Paula
Hicks-Hudson, will give greetings to conference attendees
during an opening Kickoff from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12
at the Toledo Museum of Art. Also giving greetings and an
official proclamation will be Lucas County Commissioners
Carol Contrada and Pete Gerken.
A host of influential
local speakers are also planned. This is a conference that
you don’t want to miss.
Below are a few schedule
highlights:
·
Wednesday, October 12: Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St.
Conference Kickoff: 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Appetizers and cash bar will be available.
·
Thursday, October 13: Radisson Hotel at The University of
Toledo, 3100 Glendale Ave.
Breakfast and registration: 7:30 a.m.
Sessions: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Lunch will be provided.
Networking Reception: 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Appetizers and cash bar will be available.
·
Friday, October 14: Radisson Hotel at The University of
Toledo, 3100 Glendale Ave.
Sessions/wrap up: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Interested in attending?
It’s not too late! Conference registrations are still being
accepted, but space is limited! Many local companies and
organizations are underwriting employee and member
registration costs, which ranges from $50 to $125 for all
three days (includes food) --- (e.g. student/intern $50 *
AALC member $100 * Non-member $125). You can register online
on the AALC of United Way web page, or call 419.254.4777.
Visit the United Way webpage
www.untedwaytoledo.org for more details, or the AALC of
United Way Facebook page @AALCofUW.
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