Charleston Reporter

Last week, over 250 business leaders from more than 70 organizations gathered at the 5th Annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference. The focus was clear: collaboration.

Speakers addressed diverse topics, from income restraints and education to criminal justice reform and healthcare. Each highlighted the necessity of collaboration—both from those directly and indirectly affected—to drive progress in the region. For the community to thrive and offer everyone the opportunity to live, learn, and earn, many small steps are required to achieve major strides.

This year’s conference had a unique format, featuring fewer topics to allow deeper exploration of solutions and more time for attendees to connect and begin collaborating. Richard Waring, the Chamber’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, emphasized, “Our focus areas this year represented opportunities for us all to engage, offering our time and talent to collaborate on creating viable solutions for change. All presenters left us with actionable items that our communities can take part in. My hope and my ask are that you lean into organizations that are making positive impacts in diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Key presentations included:

The conference concluded with a panel discussion led by Herbert L. Drayton III, featuring Dr. Baez, Judge Steinberg, and Dr. Polite-Powers on the intersection of education, criminal justice, and healthcare. Attendees then had the opportunity to connect and foster collaborative relationships during a reception.

Waring expressed gratitude to the audience, participants, and community for supporting the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to equity. “Please be encouraged by the work of the great organizations that are intentionally charting the path to equity,” he stated.

In the coming weeks, deeper insights into each conference session will be shared along with three key learnings from each.

The Chamber extends its thanks to its conference sponsors for their support and efforts in the DE&I space.