Charleston Reporter

The 5th Annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference will focus on "Charting the Path to Equity" on July 11 at Trident Technical College. The event will feature a diverse lineup of researchers, activists, practitioners, and educators discussing equity in education, criminal justice reform, and healthcare.

Herbert L. Drayton III of HI Mark Capital will serve as the conference emcee and moderator. Drayton is known for his investments in minority and women-owned tech-enabled early-stage companies in the Southeast. He has extensive experience in various industries including healthcare, IT management, software, and corporate training. Drayton is also involved in several community service roles in Charleston.

David “D.J.” Hampton II from Trident United Way will present the ALICE Report. Hampton joined Trident United Way as president and CEO in April 2023 after holding leadership roles at major nonprofits like United Way Network and March of Dimes. He has been instrumental in developing significant planned gifts and leading large-scale fundraising campaigns.

Natasha Chatman, also from Trident United Way, serves as Chief Impact Officer. She focuses on empowering the Tri-county community through education, health, and financial stability initiatives. Chatman has a background in removing healthcare and academic barriers for underserved regions.

Dr. Jennifer Baez of Areito Consulting will lead an education session. With over two decades of experience in K-12 education, Baez has held various roles including teacher, principal, and educational project manager.

Mayor Reggie Burgess of North Charleston will speak during the criminal justice session. Burgess began his career with the North Charleston Police Department in 1989 and was inaugurated as mayor on January 2, 2024.

Judge Ellen Steinberg from the Charleston County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) will discuss her work with CJCC to improve public safety and community well-being through data-driven improvements to the criminal justice system.

The healthcare panel discussion will feature Dr. Renee Linyard-Gary from Roper St. Francis Healthcare and Dr. Jeannelle Perkins-Muhammad from DrJeannelle.com. Linyard-Gary focuses on addressing social determinants of health while Perkins-Muhammad specializes in family therapy and mental health counseling.

Dr. Aretha Polite-Powers from Fetter Health Care Clinic will also participate in the healthcare panel discussion. Polite-Powers oversees numerous healthcare sites across multiple counties and has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable populations.

Personal reflections will be shared by Amy Barch from Turn90 and Phyllis Martin from the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Greater Charleston. Barch founded Turn90 to support men transitioning out of prison while Martin has extensive experience leading non-profit organizations focused on sustainable community change.

Tickets for the conference can be purchased by visiting the DE&I Conference event page.