The Gwinnett Chamber recently concluded its fourth annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit, which Northside Hospital presented. Held at the Gas South District, the event drew a sold-out crowd of nearly 200 business and community leaders.

Gwinnett, renowned for its diversity, showcased its standing as the fifth most diverse county in the United States, according to U.S. Census data, and the most diverse according to Niche.com. With a racial diversity Index of 84.9%, one in four Gwinnett residents hails from outside the United States, contributing to its ranking as the top county in terms of diversity.

The summit, hosted by Gwinnett Chamber 2024 Chair of the Board Lanier Levett, commenced with an address from Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. The program featured two panel discussions aimed at exploring talent and supplier diversity.

Panel 1: The Talent Kaleidoscope This session delved into the intricacies of today’s multigenerational, multicultural workforce, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, skills, and expectations. Attendees gained insights into effective strategies for recruitment, retention, and maximizing the potential of every team member.

Panel 2: The Supplier Diversity Landscape Focusing on strategic insights, this discussion highlighted the significance of supplier diversity initiatives in fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and building resilient supply chains. Attendees gained actionable insights to enhance their competitive edge while contributing to a more inclusive economy.

Moderated by Aisha DeBerry, Gwinnett County Equity Officer, and Carl Hill, Corporate Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, the panels offered valuable perspectives and practical strategies.

The Gwinnett Chamber will affirm this commitment to celebrating diversity with its upcoming women-in-leadership program, the Moxie Awards presented by Northeast Georgia Health System. Registration for this August event is now open at GwinnettChamber.org/Moxie-Awards. For more information on upcoming events and programs with the Gwinnett Chamber, visit GwinnettChamber.org/Events.