The welcome networking reception is open to all registered attendees.

The Rising Stars Dinner is open to all registered attendees.

Join us for an evening of inspiration and recognition as we honor the 2025 class of Nicsa DPNA Rising Stars—emerging leaders who are shaping the future of our industry. This celebratory dinner will feature a keynote address from a distinguished speaker who will share an empowering message for the next generation of changemakers. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, celebrate, and be inspired.

Kick off the event with great conversations! Join us for a networking breakfast to connect with peers, share insights, and set the stage for a day of impactful and meaningful discussions. 

Moderated by Byron Pitts from ABC

Speakers:
Fereshtah Thornberg, EVP and Head of Sales North America, State Street

Session Preview:
In an era of growing scrutiny and evolving challenges, how are top business leaders staying committed to building diverse, inclusive and high-performing organizations? This candid fireside chat brings together senior executives to discuss how they will address the current headwinds and highlight the strategies they continue to employ to attract and retain top talent.

Stay tuned for more information. 

Session Preview:
With shifting regulations and evolving executive orders impacting workplace diversity efforts, how should firms respond? In this essential session, legal experts will provide a clear, fact-based breakdown of the latest executive orders related to DEI and what they mean for our industry, specifically at the firm level. Attendees will gain insight into the implications, potential risks, and key compliance considerations. 

Session Preview:
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace landscape, many professionals are grappling with how to navigate diversity and inclusion efforts amid uncertainty. Everyone wants to talk about it, but few know where to start. This interactive, safe-space lunchtime session is designed to foster open dialogue, allowing attendees to ask tough questions, share experiences, and learn from peers about how different firms are addressing these challenges.

Speakers:

Jaiden Bonapart, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Human Resources Chief of Staff, and a Vice President at Dimensional
Elizabeth Carrigan, VP of Inclusion and Belonging at Natixis
Deidra Jenkins, SVP, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Northern Trust

Session Overview:
This dynamic Chief Diversity Panel will bring together senior leaders to discuss how they are navigating the current headwinds impacting diversity efforts, reframing the conversation at the executive level, and adapting as some firms scale back DEI roles. Panelists will also examine the implications for ERGs, workforce strategy, and long-term talent development. Join us for a candid discussion on how organizations are forging ahead, maintaining their commitments, and ensuring workplace safety and inclusion in an uncertain environment.

Featured Speaker: 
Paul Sullivan, Founder, The Company of Dads

The Company of Dads provides future of work and parenting content for Lead Dads - those men who are the go-to parents whether they work full time, part time, or devote all their time to their families while in most cases supporting their spouses in their careers. (We say ‘most’ because 18 percent of fathers in the U.S. are divorced, widowed or otherwise single.) At work, they are always allies to Working Moms and caregivers more broadly. Our goal at The Company of Dads is to help the entire family fulfill its potential at home, at work, and in the community. We use our media and community platforms to normalize the role of men being Lead Dads at home; we use our corporate education platform to affect change in the workplace and help companies retain their top employees.  

Speakers: 
Moderator: Eugene Smith, Vice President and Chief of Staff to the Global Head of Talent Management and Engagement, Citi
Cierra Taylor, Vice President, Cerberus Capital Management

Session Preview:
What does the next generation of leaders value in workplace culture, and how do they view the future of diversity and inclusion? This insightful panel features rising stars who will share their perspectives on what matters most when it comes to leadership, belonging, and workplace equity. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain fresh insights and learn how your organization can evolve to attract and retain top emerging talent. 

Wrap up the event with meaningful connections! Join us for a closing networking reception to continue the conversation on fostering an inclusive culture, building resilience, and driving lasting impact.