Inclusion in the C-Suite
Come join the Ilitch School for an intimate discussion about diversity initiatives in the C-suite with several of Detroit's top leaders!

Featuring:
Rodney E. Cole, vice president, DTE Energy Foundation, director of community engagement, DTE Energy
KimArie Yowell, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, Rocket Companies, chief learning officer, Rocket Central, Ilitch Business alumna (B.S. '04)
Javier Evelyn, founder and CEO, Alerje

Moderated by:
Bertie Greer, associate dean, Mike Ilitch School of Business

Companies constantly promote their diversity commitment and efforts at all levels. Commitment to diversity is expressed in mission and value statements, splashed across websites, listed in corporate social responsibility reports and more. And yet, diversity in the C-suite is still not where it needs to be. Recent research indicates that in 2020, ethnically diverse executives made up only 9% of CEO positions among Fortune 500 companies, which is just a 2% increase since 2008. Our discussion will focus on why diversity efforts haven't been successful in the past and why the lack of representation exists. Panelists will discuss what companies and business schools need to do to prepare executives for the C-suite, which diversity initiatives actually work and what tangible improvements are taking place now.