Thought Leadership Conference 2023

Thought Leadership Conference 2023
Posted on 02/16/2023

For Immediate Release February 16, 2023 


Thought Leadership Conference to Focus on Building a Connected Culture 

of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion


Local and national thought leaders will provide insight on building inclusive and connected cultures in the workplace and community. 


South Bend and Elkhart Community School Corporations are sponsoring the annual Thought Leadership Conference on Wednesday, May 17 and Thursday, May 18 at the Lerner Theatre in Elkhart. 


The conference brings together local, regional, and national leaders from the business, education, and government sectors to create inclusion in a diverse, interdependent world. Sessions run from 8:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, and 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18. Interested parties can find registration information and the full session schedule here


The public is also invited to the free community event on Thursday, May 18 titled, “Celebrating Women and Girls: Passion, Prowess, Power.” An Inclusive Excellence Award Ceremony will start off the event at 6:00 p.m. in the Lerner Theatre. Then, headline speaker Linsey Davis will present at 6:30 p.m., followed by a book signing. While the event is free and open to the public, tickets are required and can be acquired by contacting the Lerner Theatre box office.


“The Thought Leadership Conference is the only conference bringing together cross-sector leaders in communities to network, discuss, and strategize on the issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion,” said Tessa Sutton, Ph.D., assistant superintendent of equity, diversity, and inclusion for the South Bend Community School Corporation and developer of the conference.


“This conference allows businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofits to collaborate on the opportunities and most pressing issues facing schools, communities and organizations today — building a connected culture,” Sutton added.


The conference is designed for experienced leaders and those just beginning their careers. Throughout the conference, attendees will hear from thought leaders and learn strategies for having courageous dialogue, navigating across differences, improving leadership in diversity and inclusion, and using those tools to motivate others. 


Attendees at the 2023 Thought Leadership Conference will hear from and network with some of the foremost thought leaders on social justice, intercultural relationships, and organizational development. Among the featured speakers are Linsey Davis, an American broadcast journalist at ABC News who currently anchors the Sunday edition of World News Tonight and children’s author; Susan Madsen, one of the top global thought leaders on the topic of women and leadership in the United States and around the world; and Baruti K. Kafele, a highly regarded urban educator and transformational school leader. A comprehensive list of presenters can be found here.


In addition to sponsorship from the South Bend and Elkhart Community School Corporations, other sponsors can be found here.