The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Speakers Bureau was created in response to a growing business demand for individuals dedicated to and well-informed about diversity, equity, and inclusion to lead conversations on DEI across the business. Its primary objective is to support leaders in having in-depth conversations on DEI-related topics. By assembling a team of skilled speakers, the Bureau provides valuable insights and resources, enabling leaders to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment within the organization.

Progressive boasts a capable team of over 50DEI experts, often from within their own Employee Resource Groups and Multicultural Leadership Development Program. These facilitators hold courageous conversations and deliver DEI-focused presentations for leaders and employees. By offering knowledgeable facilitators, who help employees understand diverse perspectives, promoting inclusive teamwork. Presentations include vital DEI concepts like bias, microinequities, and intercultural skills, fostering fresh outlooks among leaders and facilitating idea-sharing within teams. All Speakers Bureau facilitators undergo thorough onboarding on the content they’ll be delivering and ultimately facilitate DEI workshops, often partnering with another facilitator for presentations. The workshops cover diverse leadership benefits, employee engagement, DEI facilitation skills, addressing biases, and leveraging emotional intelligence to build cohesive, valued teams. These workshops equip leaders with valuable tools for creating inclusive and successful workplaces.

The Speakers Bureau goes beyond just facilitated presentations; it also encompasses an initiative known as Courageous Conversations. Courageous Conversations was originally created by the Progressive African American Network Employee Resource Group (ERG) to provide people with an opportunity to engage in small group sessions to purposefully talk about biases and stereotypes, and to practice engaging in dialogue around differences. The program grew from a desire to provide a safe space for intentional dialogue around race and ethnicity. However, the Courageous Conversations has expanded the scope of conversations to also include LGBTQ, disabilities, age-related topics, and more, in collaboration with other Progressive ERGs. This broader experience creates space for growth, sharing and learning as it relates to cultural differences through a variety of lenses.

Courageous Conversations leverages short case studies about the real-to-life experiences of people from various backgrounds to spark bold conversation.

The creation of the Speakers Bureau has proven to be a transformative initiative for the organization. With 1,260 sessions held as of June 2023, the Bureau’s skilled speakers have vitalized workplace diversity. Leaders are better able to address DEI topics, approach issues with greater emotional intelligence, and enhance workplace dynamics. The Bureau also helps boost allyship, sponsorship, and mentorship, creating a nurturing space for collective progress.