Plenary Sessions

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plenary sessions
THURSDAY, JULY 18
8:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Featured Speaker:
Steve Pemberton
Business Leader & Child Advocate
Named among the "top 20 chief diversity officers in corporate America" by Fortune, Steve Pemberton is one of America's most inspiring executives—but his path to success wasn't an easy one. A ward of the state for much of his childhood, Pemberton authored the memoir, A Chance in the World: An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home, which chronicles his difficult journey through foster care and his determined search for his family. Pemberton is now Chief Diversity Officer and Divisional Vice President for Walgreens. As such, he directs activities to help serve diverse markets and populations, including customers in medically underserved areas, food deserts, and urban areas, as well as strengthens relationships with diverse suppliers and communities. His is an inspirational story that crosses generations and cultures, but specifically whispers to those who have had the odds stacked against them.
Copies of Mr. Pemberton's memior will be on-site for sale and signing following the Opening Plenary Session.
SATURDAY, JULY 20
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Featured Event: Viewing of the Academy Award-winning documentary, Inocente. Inocente is both a timeless story about the transformative power of art and a timely snapshot of the new face of homelessness in America: children. Inocente will immerse you in the very real, day-to-day existence of a young girl whose challenges are staggering. But the hope in Inocente's story proves that the hand she has been dealt does not define her, her dreams do. A discussion on homelessness will follow viewing. CLICK HERE to learn more about the documentary
