2015 Full Conference Agenda
USBLN® 18th Annual National Conference & Biz2Biz Expo
From Compliance to Competitive Advantage:
The Legacy of the ADA and the Next 25 Years
September 28 - October 1, 2015
Renaissance Austin Hotel
The 2015 USBLN® 18h Annual National Conference & Biz2Biz Expo is pleased to present four (4) separate educational
tracks: Marketplace, Workplace, Supply Chain, and Professional Development. These tracks will best accommodate
the varied professional and educational needs of our attendees. Feel free to mix and match.
Saturday, September 26, 2015: Pre-Conference Student Activities
Start
End
Description
8:30 AM
5:00 PM
Student Advisory Council Meeting – by Invitation
6:30 PM
9:00 PM
Student Welcome Dinner at the Westin Hotel – by Invitation
Hosted by: Booz Allen Hamilton – Ruby Partner
Room
Westin
Hotel
(Private
Wine Room)
Westin
Hotel –
(Private
Dinning
Room)
Sunday, September 27, 2015: Pre-Conference Student Activities
Start
8:00 AM
End
5:00 PM
Description
USBLN Pre-Conference Student Development Session – by Invitation
Hosted by: KPMG – Ruby Partner
6:00 PM
8:00 PM
Student Networking Dinner – by Invitation
Room
Westin
Hotel
Primrose C
Westin
Hotel
(Off-Site)
1
© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
Monday, September 28, 2015: USBLN Pre-conference Meetings
Start
End
Description
7:30 AM
6:00 PM
Registration Desk Open to Pick up Badge & Materials
8:15 AM
5:30 PM
Going for the Gold Meetings – Private
8:00 AM
4:00PM
USBLN Affiliates Leadership Summit - by Attendee Request
8:00 AM
11:30 PM
USBLN Pre-Conference Student Development Session – by Invitation
Room
Lobby
Registration
Rio Grande B
Trinity
Wedgwood
Hosted by: JPMorgan Chase – Ruby Partner
9:00 AM
12:00 PM
JAN Academy: Navigating the Disability Employment Process – Pre-Registration
Required
San Antonio
Description: The JAN Academy will offer participants the opportunity to learn from JAN’s
experience as the leading source of expert and confidential guidance on workplace
accommodations and disability employment issues. The JAN Academy is designed for
professionals who are either new to the field of disability and employment or who desire to
refresh their knowledge about reasonable accommodation issues and the interactive
process. By actively engaging participants in a three-part training session that will chart the
course of employing individuals with disabilities, the JAN Academy will enable participants
to: learn about disability etiquette; successfully navigate the hiring process, including onboarding; recognize and respond to accommodation requests and engage in the interactive
process; understand the fundamental legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities
Act Amendments Act (ADAAA); and walk-away with practical disability employment
strategies for advancing beyond compliance and towards a more competitive advantage.
Participants will receive HRCI CEU Credits and Certificate of Completion.
After participating in the JAN Academy, attendees will be able to:
1. Apply etiquette strategies that foster inclusion of people with disabilities in the
workplace
2. Implement best recruiting, hiring, and onboarding practices for people with
disabilities
3. Successfully navigate each step of the interactive process by employing practical
guidance on reasonable accommodation and the requirements of the ADAAA
9:30 AM
11:45 AM
Circle Meeting - by Invitation
Sabine
9:00 AM
12:00 PM
USBLN Disability Supplier Diversity Program® (DSDP) National Certification
Committee Private Meeting - by Invitation
Nueces
11:45 AM
4:30 PM
EY Steering Committee Meeting & Luncheon – Private
12:00 PM
1:30 PM
Pecos
USBLN Affiliate/Business Networking Luncheon – by Attendee Request
Trinity
Hosted by: UPS – Ruby Supporter
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© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
Glass Oaks
12:00 PM
4:00 PM
Future Leaders Luncheon & Networking Session – by Invitation
Hosted by: Comcast & HP – Ruby Partners
12:15 PM
1:45 PM
USBLN Procurement Council Meeting & Luncheon – by Invitation
Wedgwood
Hosted by: Anthem – Ruby Partner
1:30 PM
2:45 PM
USBLN Corporate Advisory Board Meeting - by Invitation
Nueces
12:00 PM
2:45 PM
Disability Equality IndexSM (DEISM) Advisory Committee Meeting — by Invitation
Concho
2:00 PM
5:00 PM
JAN Academy: Navigating the Disability Employment Process – Pre-Registration
Required
San Antonio
Description: The JAN Academy will offer participants the opportunity to learn from JAN’s
experience as the leading source of expert and confidential guidance on workplace
accommodations and disability employment issues. The JAN Academy is designed for
professionals who are either new to the field of disability and employment or who desire to
refresh their knowledge about reasonable accommodation issues and the interactive
process. By actively engaging participants in a three-part training session that will chart the
course of employing individuals with disabilities, the JAN Academy will enable participants
to: learn about disability etiquette; successfully navigate the hiring process, including onboarding; recognize and respond to accommodation requests and engage in the interactive
process; understand the fundamental legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities
Act Amendments Act (ADAAA); and walk-away with practical disability employment
strategies for advancing beyond compliance and towards a more competitive advantage.
Participants will receive HRCI CEU Credits and Certificate of Completion.
After participating in the JAN Academy, attendees will be able to:
1. Apply etiquette strategies that foster inclusion of people with disabilities in the
workplace
2. Implement best recruiting, hiring, and onboarding practices for people with
disabilities
3. Successfully navigate each step of the interactive process by employing practical
guidance on reasonable accommodation and the requirements of the ADAAA
2:45 PM
3:00 PM
Break
3:00 PM
5:00 PM
USBLN Board of Directors Meeting - by Invitation
Nueces
3:30 PM
4:30 PM
ERG/BRG Meeting – by Invitation
Sabine
4:30 PM
5:30 PM
Mobile Museum Tour for Students
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
Veterans Community Service Project & Opening Reception
Trinity Patio
Rio Grande A
Hosted by: McKesson – Sapphire Partner
Description: Join us for an exciting opening event that combines a local service
project with a mixer that enables you to network with other conference attendees. We
are preparing non-perishable care packages that will be distributed to returning and
homeless veterans and their families at Green Doors, an Austin based non-profit.
Thank you to CVS Health, GlaxoSmithKline, Lowes, McDonalds, Procter & Gamble,
Southwest Airlines, TJX Companies, and Walmart for donating items.
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© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
7:00 PM
8:30 PM
Disability Rights Museum on Wheels Ribbon Cutting
7:30 PM
9:00 PM
DOBE® Host Committee Dinner – by Invitation
7:15 PM
9:00 PM
Students/Leaders Networking Dinner & ADA 25th Anniversary Celebration Dinner – by
Invitation
Trinity Patio
Bosque
Wedgwood
Hosted by: GlaxoSmithKline – Sapphire Partner
Tuesday, September 29, 2015: Opening Day
Start
End
Description
7:30 AM
5:00 PM
Registration Desk Open to Pick up Badge & Materials
8:00 AM
5:00 PM
Speaker & Press Room
7:30 AM
8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast
8:30 AM
10:00 AM
Grand Opening Plenary
ADA 25: From Compliance to Competitive Advantage
Room
Guadalupe
The Arbor
Grand
Ballroom
Hosted by: IBM – Emerald Partner
Presenters:

Steve Pemberton, Chief Diversity Officer and Divisional Vice-President,
Walgreens, Chair, US Business Leadership Network

Jill Houghton, Executive Director, USBLN

Keith P. Wiedenkeller, SPHR, Chief Strategy Officer, Disability Equality Index,
USBLN

Lex Frieden, MA, LLD (hon), Professor of Biomedical Informatics and Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas

Rebecca Cokley, Executive Director, National Council on Disability

Mike O'Malley, Vice- President, Supply Chain and Procurement, CSX

Ken Barrett, Chief Diversity Officer, General Motors

Cynthia DiCastelnuovo, Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion, TD Bank

Janice Little, VP, Diversity and Inclusion, McKesson

Jacqueline Robertson, Senior Director Inclusion & Diversity, W.W. Grainger

Lisa Welker-Finney, Vice-President, Human Resources, Neuromodulation and
Latin America/Canada, Boston Scientific

Phil Gilbert, General Manager IBM Design, IBM
Description: The USBLN 18th Annual Conference opens with a an outstanding slate of
business, government and disability leaders who reflect on the impact of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) in terms of the past, present and future. We will first hear from the
policy leaders who were instrumental in the development and passage of the ADA. Next
representation from the six companies participating in the innovative Going for the Gold
(GFG) project will share their vision and experience. GFG is funded by the Poses Family
Foundation and the May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust and led by the US Business
Leadership Network. The future will be dominated by technological innovations and we will
hear from IBM’s lead designer on how everyone will be included in the technology
revolution.
*PRIZE DRAWING - Entry: Attendee business cards collected at Monday’s Veterans
Community Service Project & Opening Reception. Must be present to win.
4
© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
10:00 AM
5:30 PM
Disability Rights Museum on Wheels Open for Tours
10:00 AM
10:15 AM
Break
10:00 AM
11:30 AM
1:15 PM
10:15 AM
11:45 AM
3:15 PM
Student Lounge & Resume Review Center – by Invitation
10:15 AM
11:30 AM
Breakout Sessions
10:15 AM
11:30 AM
Breakout Session: Marketplace
Understanding the Disability Market Value
Trinity Patio
Rio Grande
A
Hosted by: Verizon – Ruby Partner
Room
Pecos
Moderators:

Alok Doshi, Senior Program Analyst, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Presenters:

Deb Dagit, CEO, Deb Dagit Diversity

*Colleen Fukui-Sketchley, Corporate Center Diversity Affairs Director, Nordstrom,
Inc.

David Fazio, Founder/President, Helix Opportunity

Jay Cardinali, Worldwide Accessibility Manager, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
Description: Baby Boomers and Millennials are the two leading consumer markets and
both segments have a growing number of individuals with disabilities. Adding to those
numbers are the over 1 million service-connected disabled veterans with disabilities and the
purchasing power of those individuals who are family and friends. During this session you
will receive not only updated facts and figures on the value of the disability market, but
strategies to leverage this information to elevate your company’s focus on this market.
Learning Objectives:
1. The size and characteristics of the disability market to substantiate a company’s
business case
2. Result-based examples of successful marketing campaigns that include disability
references or images
3. Successful techniques for internally elevating the importance of the disability
market
10:15 AM
11:30 AM
Breakout Session: Workplace
Innovative Recruiting Practices for Highly Specialized Positions
Trinity
Moderator:

Yvonne Webb, Vice President HR Compliance & Enterprise Risk Management,
Kaiser Permanente
Presenters:

Roderick E. Bradley, Diversity Recruitment Program Manager, IBM

Jayson Mamaclay, National Diversity Recruiting Manager, PWC

Kelly Walling, Partner Resources Associate Senior, Starbucks Coffee Company

Kathleen West-Evans, MPA, CRC, Director of Business Relations, The NET; The
National Employment Team, Council of State Administrators of Vocational
Rehabilitation
Description: Recruiting diverse talent for positions in your company that are niche specific
or high volume/high turnover is a challenge for even those companies that have
successfully recruited and hired a large number of individuals with disabilities. Join this
dynamic discussion session with representatives from three different industries who will
briefly share their experiences and then engage you in a lively and enlightening
brainstorming conversation that includes strategies for leveraging partnership models,
5
© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
engaging with colleges and universities and on-boarding employees with disabilities for
highly skilled and high turnover positions.
Learning Objectives:
1. Gain knowledge of standard practices that work for hiring employees with
disabilities for entry level positions and what companies have learned along the
way.
2.
3.
10:15 AM
11:30 AM
Understand the specific challenges of recruiting employees with disabilities for
highly skilled and high turnover positions.
Learn about strategies your colleagues are using to increase the applicant pool for
these difficult to fill positions.
Breakout Session: Supply Chain - Corporate and DOBEs/SDVOBs
The Business Case for Disability Suppliers—Utilization and Development
San Marcos
Moderator:

Lamont Robinson, Vice President, Supplier Diversity, Nielsen
Presenters:

Joyce Bender, Chair, President, Bender Consulting Services LLC, Chair, DOBE®
Host Committee

Gwen Tillman, Corporate Procurement SBLO, Northrop Grumman Corp

Keith Hines, Director Procurement, PwC
Description: Should disability inclusion extend into the supply chain? Many corporations
have made the critical decision that it should and are expending significant resources to
ensure inclusion is built into the supply chain process. Supporting these efforts are supplier
diversity, supply chain, D&I and Employee Resource Groups, Social Responsibility and
others. Find out how top corporations view their search for the top workplace and supplier
talent, and how the business case for disability inclusion is influencing and improving their
competitive advantage in today’s marketplace.
Learning Objectives:
1. What are the drivers for supply chain performance and how do they intersect with
goal of finding and utilizing best talent
2. Strengthen your business case and define messages that resonate with multiple
internal audiences
3. Identify internal and external champions and utilize effective tools
10:15 AM
11:30 AM
Breakout Session: Professional Development
Enhancing Your Personal Brand for Career Success
San Antonio
Hosted By: TD Bank & Nordstrom – Ruby Partners
Moderator:

Kathy Martinez, Senior Vice President, Disability Market Segment & Strategy,
Enterprise Marketing, Wells Fargo & Company
Presenters:

Kathy Dixon, Senior Product Planner, Microsoft

Thomas Means, Manager Assurance Services, Ernst & Young

Russell Shaffer, Senior Manager - Corporate Affairs, Constituent Relations,
Walmart Stores Inc.
Description: This session will focus on what is a personal brand and why it is so important
to have one. Developing your personal brand is essential for your professional development
and the advancement of your career. Personal branding takes into consideration the assets
you are known for, what people seek you out for, how you market yourself to others and the
value you are able to consistently deliver to those whom you are serving. Every business
interaction offers opportunities for you to be evaluated. Living and managing your personal
brand can help you garner respect in any situation, whether you are on a job hunt or
gainfully employed.
6
© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
Learning Objectives:
1. Defining your personal brand
2. Effectively leveraging disability as a component of your personal brand
3. Consistently living your personal brand and managing it on a daily basis
10:15 AM
11:30 AM
Breakout Session: Affiliates
Business Leadership Network (BLN) Primer
Sabine
Moderators:

Lynn Kirkbride, Director of Affiliate Relations, USBLN

Linda Denny, Consultant for the USBLN
Presenters:
 Rob Hoffman, Greater Kansas City BLN
 Wanda Rogers, Wyoming's Uinta County BLN
 Donna Custard, New Jersey BLN
 Nancy Nauheimer, Chicagoland BLN
Description: All employment is local and a proven tool for both employers and employment
placement organizations is active participation in a business-led Business Leadership
Network (BLN). If you are interested in starting a BLN or are a new BLN, this session will be
filled with information on how to get started or how to move your BLN forward. It will include
basic information on the USBLN process of Affiliation, and information on several successful
BLN models with effective practices.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understanding the process of Affiliation
2. Gaining a network of people to call upon in the future
3. Having an understanding of models that are currently in place and working
10:15 AM
11:30 AM
Industry Sectors Roundtable – by Invitation
Wedgwood
Facilitator:

Cynthia H. Collver, Director Enterprise HR Compliance, Raytheon
Hosted by: Raytheon – Ruby Partner
11:30 AM
11:45 AM
Break
11:45 AM
1:15 PM
Plenary Session: Marketplace - Plated luncheon
The Disability Market: A Smart Business Focus
Grand
Ballroom
Welcome remarks by Apoorva N. Gandhi, Vice President, Multicultural Affairs, Marriott
International, Inc., Marketplace Track Chair
Motivational Keynote:

Greg Smith, Speaker, Media Personality, DOBE®, The Strength Coach
Business Keynote:

Thomas Wlodkowski, Vice President, Accessibility and Multicultural Technology
and Product, Comcast Cable
Panel Interview
Panel Host:

*Apoorva Gandhi, Vice President, Multicultural Affairs, Marriott International, Inc.;
Marketplace Track Chair
Panel Guests:

Stephen Bennett, President & Chief Executive Officer, United Cerebral Palsy

Sherri Davis, Senior Director Brand Strategy & Communications, Comcast

Kathy Martinez, Senior Vice President, Disability Market Segment & Strategy,
Enterprise Marketing, Wells Fargo & Company
7
© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
Special Event: FashionAbility Runway Show
Description: Join us for lunch and insight into the vision from leaders of companies that are
raising the bar on recognizing the disability market, leveraging disability creativity in product
development and including disability in their marketing. The Plenary concludes with the
exclusive FashionAbility show during which models with disabilities will walk the catwalk.
FashionAbility Emcees:
Meg O’Connell, PHR, Managing Partner, Global Disability Inclusion
Deb Russell, Managing Partner, Global Disability Inclusion
*PRIZE DRAWING - Entry: Attendee business cards collected at Monday’s Veterans
Community Service Project & Opening Reception. Must be present to win.
1:15 PM
1:30 PM
Break
1:30 PM
2:45 PM
Breakout Sessions
Room
1:30 PM
2:45 PM
Breakout Session: Marketplace
How Disability Leads to Innovation for All Markets
Pecos
Moderator: Elizabeth Daly-Torres, Vice-President, Global Diversity Manager, JPMorgan
Chase
Presenters:

Matt Quinn, Managing Director for Healthcare and Life Sciences, Intel

Scott Hoesman, CEO & Founder, inQUEST Consulting LLC

*Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Senior Director, Trusted Experience Team (TExT), Microsoft

Phill Jenkins, Senior Engineer & Business Development Executive, IBM
Accessibility
Description: Innovation and cutting edge work happens in a culture and environment
where employees are valued for creativity. People with disabilities need to be personally
innovative and creative every day. This is a transferable skill that serves as an incubator for
marketplace innovation resulting in a competitive advantage for a business. During this
session companies will share how their disability niche products moved to broader markets,
and will present strategies for replicating a creative environment that fosters innovation.
Learning Objectives:
1. Strategies for creating a culture that fosters creativity
2. Creative thinking in moving disability products and services to the broader market
3. Initiatives for developing an environment that enables employees to bring their
whole selves to work
1:30 PM
2:45 PM
Breakout Session – Workplace
Addressing Unspoken Fears and Raising the Comfort Level of Hiring Managers
Trinity
Moderator:

Tomas Leal, R&D Inclusion Strategy Lead, GlaxoSmithKline
Presenters:

Merrill Friedman, Senior Director, Disability Policy Engagement, Anthem

Greg Rutherford, Military & Disability Affairs, Diversity & Inclusion, McKesson
Corporation

Eric D Ahlness, North American Lead for Diversity and Business Impact, Cargill
Description: The hiring manager’s job is complex and critical to the success of your
business. He or she needs to hire team members that have the right job skills and soft skills
8
© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
and will creatively contribute to the success of the entire team. It is normal human behavior
to be comfortable with others who are similar to you. Join this session for a frank and honest
discussion on strategies and techniques to address fears, biases, barriers and myths,
including those that are not expressed, and alleviate discomfort to enable your hiring
managers to effectively interview and hire talented team members with disabilities, including
veterans with disabilities.
Learning Objectives:
1. Effective tools for uncovering unconscious biases
2. Gaining tools to dispel barriers, biases, discomfort, and myths
3. Learning practical strategies that result in reframing thinking around disabilities
1:30 PM
2:45 PM
Breakout Session: Supply Chain - Corporate
Roadmap for Success-Improving Program Performance in Disability Supplier
Inclusion
San Marcos
Moderator:

Linda Denny, USBLN Consultant and President, Linda Denny Consultants
Presenters:

Debi Grossman, VP, Manager, Procurement Corporate Responsibility Strategic
Sourcing Group, TD Bank

Rola Meunxayakham, Sr. Manager, Supplier Diversity, Walmart Stores

Derek B. Cantey, Senior Vice President Corporate Supplier Diversity, Wells Fargo
Description: What are the key performance indicators to ensure inclusion of disability
entrepreneurs in your supplier diversity program and supply chain? Are you aware that
there is a “Roadmap” to guide your efforts that is available to all corporate members? Learn
about the best practices of others—challenges and opportunities.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the types of metrics currently utilized by leading corporations and their
best practices
2. Learn how to identify those metrics that will work in your business environment
3. Define success beyond spend and how accountability drives better results
1:30 PM
2:45 PM
Breakout Session: Supply Chain – DOBEs/SDVOBs
Understanding the Supply Chain Bidding Process
Wedgwood
Moderator:

Raul Suarez-Rodriguez, Manager, Supplier Diversity Manager, CVS Health
Presenters:

Patricia K. Graves, President, Caption First, DOBE® Host Committee member

Paul Gittemeier, President, Tic Toc

Willie Brake, President, All About Technology
Description: Whether a one-time buy via credit card or a formal bid resulting in a contract,
the entrepreneur is in a never-ending search for the next order, contract, and business
opportunity. How can the diverse supplier get recognized and selected when vying for
business? We suggest that having a basic knowledge of the following is extremely helpful
in positioning oneself for success: how requirements are generated, who is the decision
maker for your product/service and ways to get their attention, and the stages of formal
bidding process, and putting your best bidding foot forward.
Learning Objectives:
1.
2.
3.
Understanding the RFX process
Roles of procurement lead, decision-maker, supplier diversity
Tips on how to improve your chances at each stage of process
9
© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
1:30 PM
2:45 PM
Breakout Session: ERG/BRG
San Antonio
How Your Employee Affinity Group Can Create Value for Your Members and The
Business
Moderator: Tony Waller, Senior Director, Corporate Affairs – Constituent Relations,
Walmart
Presenters:

Tracy Edmonds, Chief Diversity Officer, Anthem

Michelle Murray, WorkWell@EY Program Manager, Engagement/Practice
Specialist, Ernst & Young LL

Michele C. Green, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Corporate Human
Resources, Prudential

Lisa Pittman, ERG Program Manager, Northrop Grumman Corporation
Description: Disability Employee Affinity Groups move on a continuum from providing peer
to peer support to driving business value for the organization. Business focused employee
resource groups (BRGs) are the next generation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
This session will explore how a disability affinity group can provide measurable benefits to
the business while still serving as an important career advancement tool for employees with
disabilities.
Learning Objectives:
1.
Strategies for building business focus into your ERG goals and priorities
2.
Leveraging the disability affinity group as a professional development tool
3.
How disability affinity groups can create business value – advising on product,
services, and marketing, connecting with customers, etc.
1:30 PM
2:45 PM
Breakout Session: USBLN Program
Taking the Mystery Out of Section 503 Compliance
Sabine
Moderator:

Leslie Wilson, Project Leader for the USBLN Going for the Gold Project and CoDeveloper of the USBLN’s Section 503 Self-Evaluation Compliance Tool
Presenters:

Janice Little, VP, Diversity and Inclusion, McKesson

Gina Stuart, Senior Manager, Employment Practices & Compliance at W.W.
Grainger, Inc.
Description: Federal contractors will discuss their use of the USBLN's Section 503 SelfEvaluation Compliance Tool to benchmark their companies' disability-related affirmative
action practices against 503's compliance requirements and the creative approaches they
have taken to create more inclusive workplaces. This will be a highly interactive session.
Learning Objectives:
1. Learn how federal contractors used the 503 Tool to gain a deeper understanding of
Subpart C's compliance requirements.
2. Learn how federal contractors benchmarked their companies' disability-related
affirmative action practices against 503's compliance requirements and tracked
their progress.
3. Learn what proactive actions federal contractors are taking to create more inclusive
workplaces.
1:30 PM
2:45 PM
Breakout Session: USBLN Program
Workplace Transitions for People Touched by Cancer: An E-Toolkit for Managers
Frio
Moderator:

Jennifer Hausman, MPH, Public Health Program Director, Anthem
10
© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
Presenters:
 Jill Houghton, Executive Director, USBLN
 Al Ribeiro, Global Public Affairs Lead, Pfizer Oncology
 Kate Sweeney, Executive Director, Cancer and Careers
Description: The session will describe a new web-based “eToolkit” that offers managers
from businesses of all sizes information and resources to help them support employees
touched by cancer. Participants will also learn how to access and navigate the eToolkit. The
eToolkit was developed through a collaboration of the U.S. Business Leadership Network,
Cancer and Careers, SEDL (an affiliate of American Institutes for Research), Pfizer and
Anthem, Inc. The pilot for this project was funded through a grant from the Anthem
Foundation.
Learning Objectives:
1. Gain awareness of workplace transition issues for people touched by cancer
2. Learn about the eToolkit, including information on managing return-to-work after a
cancer diagnosis from a practical, psychosocial, and legal perspective
3. Learn about information and resources for employees touched by cancer
2:45 PM
3:15 PM
Afternoon Break
3:15 PM
4:30 PM
Plenary Session
Global Digital Accessibility: The Next Frontier
Grand
Ballroom
Hosted by: Deque Systems, Inc. – Emerald Partner
Emcee: David J. O'Brien, Enablement & Deployment Leader, Brand, Communications &
Marketing, EY Americas, Workplace Track Chair
Presenters:

Eve Hill, Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of
Justice

*Preety Kumar, CEO, Deque Systems, Inc., Vice Chair, USBLN Board of Directors
Description: Employers who pay attention to digital access, both for their internal and
external websites, will brand themselves as an employer of choice for people with
disabilities, including veterans. Such employers will earn their share of the disability market
and will be ready for compliance with emerging federal requirements
Attend this session to hear from a federal policy maker what the ADA regulations mean to
your digital presence and employment of persons with disabilities. Learn what you need to
do to equip your employees with the digital tools that are essential to be being productive in
any job today.
*PRIZE DRAWING – Entry: Attendee business cards collected at Monday’s Veterans
Community Service Project & Opening Reception. Must be present to win.
4:30 PM
5:30 PM
The USBLN Affiliate Meet and Greet
Description: All businesses are invited to come and meet the USBLN Affiliates where they
will discover if there is a local Affiliate in your area that can assist you in your company's
disability inclusion efforts. The Affiliates will be bringing a locally produced items in
exchange for a business card. Bring plenty of business cards for our business card
exchange and chance to win a local prized item!
Sabine
4:45 PM
6:00 PM
USBLN Disability Supplier Diversity Program® (DSDP) Private Reception - by Invitation
Pecos
Hosted by: Cargill and EY, LLP – Ruby Partners
Remarks:
John Taylor, Director Supplier Diversity, Cargill
Lori Golden, Abilities Strategy Leader, Americas People Team, EY
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© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
4:45 PM
6:15 PM
Student Matchmaking Sessions – by Invitation
Rio Grande
A
Hosted by: Lowe’s Companies & Microsoft – Ruby Partners
6:00 PM
8:00 PM
Special Event - Refreshments available
Biz2Biz Expo Opening Event: Welcome Reception & Mixer
Rio Grande
B
Description: Join us in the Exhibit Hall for the Biz2Biz Expo Welcome Reception and enjoy
the camaraderie of your colleagues in this exciting venue. Start the conference off right by
getting a first look at products and services offered by corporations, government agencies,
disability-owned businesses, organizational partners and other key stakeholder exhibitors
who are proud to brand themselves as disability inclusive. Begin and renew those strong
relationships that USBLN conferees have come to count on year after year. Be sure to visit
each exhibitor booth and collect stamps on your Exhibit Hall map for your chance to win our
fabulous Grand Prize!
Welcome:
David L. Casey, Vice President, Workforce Strategies and Chief Diversity Officer, CVS
Health
Hosted by: CVS Health
Supported by: National Disability Institute
6:00 PM
6:45 PM
Student Innovation Lab Project Exhibits & Conference Attendees Voting
7:00 PM
9:00 PM
Student Networking & Business Etiquette Dinner – by Invitation
Rio Grande
B
Glass Oaks
Wednesday, September 30, 2015:
Start
End
Description
Room
7:30 AM
5:00 PM
Registration Desk Open to Pick up Badge & Materials
Lobby
Registration
8:00 AM
5:00 PM
Speaker & Press Room
Guadalupe
7:30 AM
11:00 AM
Biz2Biz Expo – All Exhibits Open
Rio Grande
B
8:30 AM
11:00 AM
Student Innovation Lab Project Exhibits & Conference Attendees Voting
Rio Grande
B
9:15 AM
1:00 PM
2:30 PM
11:15 AM
1:15 PM
2:40 PM
Student Lounge & Resume Review Center – by Invitation
8:30 AM
9:45 AM
Business Exchange Matchmaker Meeting Check-in- for pre-registered DOBE®s and
DSDP Founding Partners and Corporate Members
Hosted by: The TJX Companies, Inc. – Ruby Partner
Rio Grande
A
Rio Grande
A
(LOBBY)
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© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
8:30 AM
9:45 AM
Biz2Biz Expo Breakfast – Continental breakfast available
Rio Grande
B
Description: We welcome you to attend the special “Power of Partnerships” Biz2Biz Expo
while enjoying a Continental breakfast. This is your opportunity to network with peers and
meet experts in all areas of the community. Our exhibitor partners will feature products,
services and technologies that you are encouraged to collaborate with to develop strategies
for business success across your workplaces, supply chains and marketplaces. Remember
to visit each exhibitor booth and collect stamps on your Exhibit Hall map for your chance to
win our fabulous Grand Prize!
Remarks: Michael Morris, J.D., Executive Director, National Disability Institute
9:45 AM
11:00 AM
Partners Policy Meeting – by invitation only
9:45 AM
11:00 AM
Supply Chain Roundtable - Corporate and DOBEs/SDVOBs
Sabine
Trinity
Hosted by: Cigna – Ruby Partner
Moderator:
 L. Jay Burks, Ph.D., Manager of Supplier Diversity, Comcast, Supply Chain Track
Chair
Presenters:

Michael Pagliaro, ISC, Procurement; Program Manager, Global Supplier Diversity,
IBM

Sheri Shafir, Associate Director, Supplier Diversity, Novartis Pharmaceuticals,

Kathleen Castore, MA, Head of Supplier Diversity & Sustainability, Sanofi

Tim Ruddell, Manager, Sustainable Procurement, Firmwide Procurement, KPMG

Darlene Fuller, Senior Director-Supplier Diversity, Sodexo

Roxanne Wilson, Manager, Corporate Procurement Supplier Diversity &
Sustainability, Fannie Mae
Description: Supply chain professionals discuss leading trends and the impact on disability
supplier inclusion. This roundtable is open for all supply chain and supplier diversity
professionals and certified suppliers and others may attend to hear this stimulating
conversation led by subject matter experts.
Learning Objectives:
1. Top trends and challenges that are impacting supply chain systems
2. How to influence the supply chain dialogue re disability supplier capabilities
3. Identify special concerns related to disability inclusion and how to address them
11:15 AM
1:00 PM
Supply Chain Plenary Session - Plated Luncheon
The Competitive Advantage: The Tough Choice is the Right Choice
Grand
Ballroom
Welcome Remarks: Jill Houghton, Executive Director-USBLN
Presenter:

John Register, CEO and Inspirational Catalyst, Inspired Communications
International, LLC
Description: In the search for competitive advantage, corporations frequently overlook the
opportunity presented by the inclusion of disability suppliers. For corporations willing to
commit their energies and resources to workplace and supplier inclusion, there is a big
payoff, but the journey is not always easy.
John Register will share why ‘the Tough Choice’ can lead to the best and right choice when
disability suppliers and service-disabled veteran suppliers are allowed to compete and bring
value as business partners. Learn how to sustain these key changes with big impact for your
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© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
corporation.
Announcement of the 2015 USBLN Entrepreneurial Idol (EI)
EI Master of Ceremonies
Philip DeVliegher – Managing Director, Pdevl Consulting, LLC
EI Hosted by: Office Depot/OfficeMax – Sapphire Partner
(Conferees will vote and select the winner!)
Comments from DOBE Host Committee:
 Joyce Bender, President, Bender Consulting Services
 Patricia K. Graves, President & Founder, Caption First, Inc.
 Andrew Houghton, President, Integrated Global Services
 Bill Evans, CEO, Current Staffing Solutions, LLC
*PRIZE DRAWING - Entry: Business cards collected during Tuesday’s Breakout Sessions.
Must be present to win.
1:15 PM
2:30 PM
Breakout Sessions
Room
1:15 PM
2:30 PM
Breakout Session: Marketplace
Learning How to Go to Market
Pecos
Moderator:

Russell Shaffer, Senior Manager - Corporate Affairs, Constituent Relations,
Walmart Stores Inc.
Presenters:

Rich Donovan, Chief Executive Officer, The Return on Disability Group

Thomas Wlodkowski, Vice President, Accessibility and Multicultural - Technology
and Product, Comcast
Description: If you are a company that has not included disability in your marketing strategy
or if you are a company that does include disability in your marketing strategy, this session is
for you. During this interactive session you will hear from and exchange ideas with
companies that have leveraged the disability community in their marketing strategy, as well
as, companies that are just starting to include disability in their marketing strategy.
Learning Objectives:
1. What company-wide issues may impact company consideration of including the
disability market
2. Building a business case for presenting an idea to key leadership
3. Techniques for taking an idea and marketing it to senior leadership
1:15 PM
2:30 PM
Breakout Session: Workplace
Presenting a Business Case that is Compelling to the Entire Organization
Sabine
Moderator:

Chris Phillips, Officer, Diversity Specialist, Military & Disability Initiatives- Human
Resources, PNC Bank
Presenters:

Anne Hirsh, MS, CPDM, Co-Director, Job Accommodation Network

Megan Mauney, Accessibility Consultant, Florida Blue

Stuart H. Persky, SPHR, Director, HR Compliance, Employee Relations and HR
Compliance CoE, Sanofi US

Valerie Stafford-Mallis, Business Development Manager, Alternative
Communication Services (ACS) LLC

Description: Understanding the benefits of including disability in all aspects of a business,
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© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
including the marketplace, supply chain and workplace, needs to be embraced by the entire
organization. To make a compelling case that reaches the various business units that
comprise the organization, a broad understanding is needed including community impact,
customer or client perceptions, and cost benefits. Join the conversation with this panel’s
business presenters to learn what approaches they have developed and the results.
Learning Objectives:
1. Components of an enterprise-wide business case throughout the employee lifecycle
2. How to identify key internal stakeholders
3. Leveraging current communication channels to push the business case out
1:15 PM
3:45 PM
Disability Supplier Diversity Program® (DSDP) Business Exchange Matchmaker
Meetings – by Invitation
1:15 PM
2:30 PM
Breakout Session: USBLN Program
Going for the Gold: Next and Best Practices in Disability Inclusion
Rio Grande
A
Trinity
Moderators:

Emily Malsch, Program Coordinator, USBLN

Leslie Wilson, Project Leader, USBLN Going for the Gold Project
Presenters:

Lizelle Baylon, CCDP, Program Manager, Global Diversity & Inclusion, Boston
Scientific

Jamillah Green-Davis, Human Resources Business Partner, CSX Transportation

Greg Rutherford, Military & Disability Affairs, Diversity & Inclusion, McKesson Corp

Gina Stuart, Sr. Manager, Employment Practices and Compliance, W.W. Grainger

Renee Arrington-Johnson, Senior Engineer & Chair, GM People with Disabilities
Employee Resource Group, General Motors Corporation

Jocelyn Weyrauch, Diversity Talent Advisor, TD Bank
Description: Representatives from Boston Scientific, CSX, General Motors, Grainger,
McKesson and TD Bank will describe their best and next practices to create disability
inclusive workplaces with the assistance of the USBLN's foundation-funded Going for the
Gold team.
Learning Objectives:
1. Learn how the GFG companies leveraged the USBLN's Disability Equality Index
(DEI) and Section 503 Self-Evaluation Compliance tool to benchmark their disability
inclusion practices.
2. Learn how the GFG companies conducted outreach and recruitment to create a
sustainable pipeline of talented candidates with disabilities.
3. Learn how the GFG companies adopted internal processes and practices to
enhance workplace inclusion.
1:15 PM
2:30 PM
Breakout Session: USBLN Program
The Disability Equality IndexSM (DEISM): a Disability Inclusion Game Changer
San Antonio
Presenter:

Keith Wiedenkeller, DEI Chief Strategy Officer, USBLN, former Co-Chair, DEI
Advisory Committee, former Chief People Officer, AMC Theatres
Description: We know disability inclusion can drive business success, and that going
beyond compliance can lead to true competitive advantage. But going beyond simple
compliance requires a focus on every aspect of the business, from Culture & Leadership, to
Enterprise-Wide Access, to Employment Practices, and Community Engagement & Support.
How do companies reach this goal without an objective diagnostic tool to understand where
they’re starting from, and more importantly, what improvements are needed to get where they
want to go? The DEI is just the tool for the job. Join us to hear results from the first annual
DEI, promising practices of companies that participated in the inaugural survey, as well as a
sneak preview into the 2nd Annual DEI, which launches in December.
Learning Objectives:
1. See the results of the 1st Annual DEI
15
© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Learn how the DEI works and is being used by Fortune 1000 companies to drive
business results
Gain an understanding of the trends and promising practices uncovered in the 2014
DEI
Learn the DEI’s implications on the Inclusion landscape of the future
Take away tips for improving Disability Inclusion practices in your company or for
your clients
2:30 PM
2:40 PM
Break
2:40 PM
3:55 PM
Breakout Sessions
Room
2:40 PM
3:55 PM
Breakout Session: Marketplace
Think Creatively: Hack for Disability Innovation
Pecos
Moderator:

*Apoorva Gandhi, Vice President, Multicultural Affairs, Marriott International, Inc.
Facilitator:

Christopher Baer, Marriott Insight, Strategy + Innovation
Description: Put your creative thinking hat on and join this mini-hackathon to solve a
business problem. This very intensive face-to-face collaboration, led by experienced
innovation facilitators, will spark new ideas to solve a disability-related marketing challenge.
2:40 PM
3:55 PM
Breakout Session: Workplace
Changing the Culture
Trinity
Moderator:

Alicia Wallace, EEO Compliance Director, Diversity & EEO Compliance, Anthem
Presenters:

*Lori Golden, Abilities Strategy Leader, Americas People Team, Ernst & Young,
LLP

Elizabeth Hogan, Strategic Communications Manager, Nielsen

Yves Veulliet, Global Disability & Inclusion Program Manager, Human Resources,
IBM
Description: To become an employer of choice for people with disabilities, a company’s
culture must be welcoming and respectful of all its employees including employees with
disabilities. But what are the steps to get there? What type of education is needed? What are
best practices to encourage an inclusive mindset throughout the enterprise? Join us for this
interactive session to hear steps businesses have taken to enable their companies to
advance disability inclusion. Be prepared to share your experiences and ideas.
Learning Objectives:
1. Leading practices for achieving an inclusive environment
2. Tools to equip your employees and ERGs to be culture change ambassadors
3. How to advance thinking on how a person with a disability is perceived
2:40 PM
3:55 PM
Breakout Session: Professional Development
Effective Use of Social Media for Professional Networking & Career Development
Sabine
Moderator:

Kyle Manske, USBLN Student Advisory Council Secretary & 2014 Career Link
Mentee
Presenters:

Myranda Bertrand, Senior Manager, WMUS Hourly Growth & Support, Walmart

Alok Doshi, Tech Advisor, Department of Health & Human Services

Corey Hyslop, HR Business Partner, Northrop Grumman Corporation

Shannon Webster, Recruiting Coordinator, ComEd
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© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
Description: Aside from ensuring exceptional performance, cultivating a proper image and
managing one’s visibility and exposure to the right people are vital to career advancement.
While networking is considered one of the most valuable career management strategies, the
use of social networks has fostered a greater ability to form and manage connections. This
session will focus on the effective use of business networking sites such as LinkedIn and
Glass Door and their available tools for networking and career development.
Learning Objectives:
1. Enhance your social media presence and profile
2. Learn the do’s and don’ts of LinkedIn
3. Understand how corporate recruiters utilize social media in the recruitment process
2:40 PM
3:55 PM
Breakout Session - Digital Access
San Antonio
Lessons Learned From Implementing a Large Accessibility Program
Presenter:

*Preety Kumar, CEO, Deque Systems, Inc., Vice Chair, USBLN Board of Directors
Description: Achieving accessibility takes commitment. Sustaining accessibility takes even
more commitment. Find out what pitfalls to avoid and how to implement an accessibility
program that will keep your employees productive and happy.
Learning Objectives:
1. Learn digital accessibility best practices
2. Understand common pitfalls to watch out for
3. Understand how to build and implement a mature digital accessibility program in
your workplace
4:00 PM
5:00 PM
Breakout Session: Supply Chain – Corporate and DOBEs/SDVOBs
Strengthening Buyer Supplier Relationships
San Marcos
Moderator:

Diana Domenech, Senior Director, Supplier Diversity, Sustainability, & Strategy
Global Sourcing & Procurement Services
Presenters:

Rona Fourte, Director, Supplier Diversity, Walgreens

Joyce Bender, President, Bender Consulting Services LLC. , Chair, DOBE® Host
Committee

Nancy Shugart, CEO, Prove Them Wrong

Mark R. Ellson, CEO, JEMNI Inc.

Sarah Babineau, MHR, PHR, SHRM-CP, Managing Consultant, Compass Metrics,
LLC
Description: Underpinning most of America’s large, medium and small companies are
supply chain organizations. These organizations are responsible for buying products and
services from suppliers of all types and sizes. Many of these buyer/seller relationships are
long-standing and endured the test of time and are built on trust and performance. How can
the disability and service-disabled veteran-owned business compete and have the same
opportunity to win and keep contract business? The key is identifying ways to strengthen the
relationship; by continuing to ask what the customer wants and being proactive in bringing
value through innovation and cost management. Everyone benefits when both sides expend
efforts to strengthen the buyer/supplier relationship.
Learning Objectives:
1. What are the attributes of a good supplier and how to corporations strengthen
supplier relationships?
2. How to get the business and keep the business—lessons learned
3. The art of reinvention – When is it time to change your business model
5:30 PM
6:30 PM
“DEI Top-Scorer Reception” (Invite-Only for Companies that scored 80 and up on the DEI)
Wedgwood
17
© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
Hosted by: Northrop Grumman – Emerald Partner
6:00 PM
7:15 PM
Special event - Refreshments available
Atrium Teak
Bells
Pre-Awards Dinner Reception
Hosted By: Marriott & Southwest Airlines – Sapphire Partners
Welcome remarks by *Apoorva N. Gandhi, Vice President, Multicultural Affairs, Marriott
International, Inc.
7:30 PM
9:30 PM
USBLN 2015 Annual Leadership Awards Dinner: Black Tie Optional – Plated dinner
Grand
Ballroom
Hosted by: Barnes & Thornburg – Diamond Partner
Description: Join us for a stimulating, motivating and celebratory evening. You will hear
from internationally recognized thought leaders in diversity and the DEI top-scoring
companies will be recognized. Seven individuals and companies will be honored for their
major contributions to full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace, supply chain
and marketplace. The recipients of the coveted 2015 USBLN Annual Leadership Awards
demonstrate outstanding commitment to promoting disability diversity across their enterprises
and clearly embody the highest ethical standards and values in the community.
Special Entertainment: Sponsored by Walgreens
"4 Wheel City”, a disability activist Hip Hop group, founded by Namel "Tap Waterz" Norris &
Rick "Rick Fire" Velasquez will rap live. The mission of these two talented artist in
wheelchairs due to senseless gun violence is to use music as a platform to inspire others to
never give up, end gun violence, and show the world that people with disabilities can still
achieve their dreams & deserve to be treated equally.
Thursday, October 1, 2015:
Start
End
Description
Room
Lobby
Registration
7:30 AM
11:00 AM
Registration Desk Open to Pick up Badge & Materials
7:30 AM
9:30 AM
Continental Breakfast
The Arbor
8:00 AM
11:00 AM
Speaker & Press Room
Guadalupe
8:15 AM
9:30 AM
Breakout Sessions
8:15 AM
9:30 AM
Breakout Session: Marketplace
Marketplace Roundtable: “If It Were Up to Me”
Room
Sabine
Facilitator:

Kathy Martinez, Senior Vice President, Disability Market Segment & Strategy,
Enterprise Marketing, Wells Fargo & Company
Hosted by: Wells Fargo & Company – Ruby Partner
18
© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.
Description: Join one of the Industry-specific tables and it’s your turn to give voice to your
personal thoughts on how you would handle three disability marketing issues if you were in
charge of the company.
The three questions for this roundtable are:
1. What would you do to elevate the value of the disability market within your
organization?
2. How would you leverage the creativity and innovation of people with disabilities
within your organization?
3. How would you include disability in your organization’s marketing strategy?
8:15 AM
9:30 AM
Breakout Session: Workplace
Workplace Roundtable
Wedgwood
Hosted by: PWC – Ruby Partner
Facilitators:

Jennifer N Demirdjian, Senior Manager, Office of Diversity,
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Jason Capili, Director, AA/EEO Compliance and Governance, PwC US
Description: During this facilitated workplace focused roundtable session focused on the
workplace, two topics have been selected for discussion.
The topics for this roundtable are:
1. Professional Development Including Leadership Opportunities
2. Outcomes, Successfully-Used Messages, and How Companies are Tweaking SelfIdentification Invitations for the Future
8:15 AM
9:30 AM
Breakout Session: Supply Chain - Corporate DOBEs/SDVOBs
Capacity Building – Revisited
San Antonio
Moderator:

Philip DeVliegher, Founder and Managing Director of PDevl Consulting, LLC
Presenters:

L. Jay Burks, Ph.D., Manager of Supplier Diversity, Comcast & Supply Chain Track
Chair

Andy Houghton, Founder, Integrated Global Services, LLC, DOBE® Host
Committee member

Jack Smith, Founder & President Charlotte International Partners, Inc.
Description: Last year’s conference featured a compelling case study on capacity building
reflecting on the theory and application of capacity building and its impact on a USBLN DOBE.
Back by popular demand, this session will again feature great examples of successful
capacity building and focus on ways to access capital to spur growth.
Learning Objectives:
1. Define capacity building and its importance to diverse small business owners
2. The best way to get access to capital--how to make your company a viable candidate
3. Explore growth models that include merger, differentiation and joint venture
examples
8:15 AM
9:30 AM
Breakout Session: Professional Development
Leading with Authenticity, Purpose and Impact
Trinity
Hosted by: Ingersol Rand & General Motors – Ruby Partners
Moderator:

Russell Shaffer, Senior Manager - Corporate Affairs, Constituent Relations,
Walmart Stores Inc.
Presenters:
19
© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.



Jason Bryn, Disability Compliance and Inclusion Programs Manager, BAE Systems
Inc.
Brian Ronningen, Director, Disability Management, 3M
Karen Tamley, Commissioner, Chicago Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
Description: There is no single leadership style that applies to every situation. Effective
leaders place an importance on understanding the capabilities and motivations of the
individuals they influence while driving their teams to meet business needs. Authentic leaders
role model the attributes that encourage inclusiveness and leverage the diversity of others.
This session aims to assist professionals in discovering how their contributions can be more
impactful and effective.
Learning Objectives:
1. Gain knowledge of various leadership models including followership,
transformational leadership, servant leadership and situational self-leadership
2. Identify ways to develop leadership skills and obtain leadership experiences within
and outside of assigned job functions
3. How to assess leadership impact and effectiveness
9:30 AM
9:45 AM
Break
9:45 AM
11:15 AM
Closing Plenary Session
A View from the Top: Business Leaders with Disabilities Breaking the Chrome Ceiling
Grand
Ballroom
Welcome:

Gloria Pualani, Corporate Director, Global Supplier Diversity/Government Relations,
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Moderator:
 Anna Cunningham, International Business Operations Analyst, Northrop Grumman
Corporation
Presenters:

Aaron Bangor, Ph.D., CHFP, Lead Accessible Technology Architect, AT&T
Corporate Accessibility Technology Office (CATO)

Paulette Jagers, Vice President & Managing Director, Talent Management US,
BMO Harris Bank

Stacy L. Zoern, President, Kenguru, Inc.
Student Innovation Lab Competition Host

Kevin R. Webb: Senior Director, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF)
Description: Seasoned business leaders with disabilities share how they have been
successful in their careers, navigated corporate culture and leveraged their disability as a
competitive advantage. At the end of the panel discussion, the business leaders will serve as
judges for presentations from the top two vote getters from the Student Innovation Lab
Competition.
*PRIZE DRAWING - Entry: Business Cards collected during Wednesday and Thursday’s
Breakout Sessions. Must be present to win.
*GRAND PRIZE DRAWING - Entry: Signed and completely stamped Exhibit Hall Maps. Must
be present to win.
11:30 AM
12:30 PM
Conference Planning Committee Debrief Meeting – by Invitation
San Marcos
(*) Denotes USBLN Board Members
DOBE® denotes a firm that has been through the USBLN certification process and has received USBLN certification as a DisabilityOwned Business Enterprise
20
© 2015 US Business Leadership Network. All rights reserved. www.usblnannualconference.org
Subject to Change: Speaker availability and programming are subject to change without notice.