Your words shape workplace culture — and public perception.
Join fellow communicators for The Work Continues, an interactive discussion on how to talk about (and take action on) diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) in ways that are authentic, strategic, and legally sound in a changed political environment.
Hear directly from leaders in law, manufacturing, and economic development as they share real-world strategies for building inclusive cultures and communicating about them with confidence — both inside and outside your organization
Why attend:
Learn how to craft credible, values-driven DEI messaging
Understand the legal and reputational risks of “getting it wrong”
Walk away with practical ideas you can apply immediately
PANELISTS:
Joe Matthews, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Gentex
Joe Matthews joined Gentex in 2010 as a Purchasing Manager, and worked in positions of increasing responsibility before serving as Gentex’s Vice President of Purchasing from 2014 through 2021. In 2018, he was appointed as Gentex's first Diversity Officer, and took on the responsibility of developing and implementing Gentex’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. Since 2018, Joe’s efforts have helped Gentex gain recognition as a world-class employer, and he won numerous awards for his work at Gentex and in the community. In recognition of the importance of this role at Gentex, and to support the continued growth of DE&I’s impact and scale at Gentex, Joe stepped fully into the newly created role of Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the start of 2022. In this role, Joe is responsible for the continued development and focus of Gentex’s DE&I initiatives, serving as our representative in the community and driving meaningful change at Gentex.
Abby Coté, Labor & Employment Attorney, Warner Norcross + Judd
Abby Coté counsels employers through a multitude of labor and employment issues while proactively protecting their employees and workplaces. Her practice encompasses: employee handbook drafting and review; state law assessments for employers with out-of-state employees; employment agreement drafting and review; NLRB, EEOC, FLSA, FMLA and ADA matters; harassment and discrimination claims; drafting position statements; employment investigations; and responding to and researching day-to-day inquiries of all sorts.
TaRita Johnson, Senior Vice President of Talent & Diversity, The Right Place
Dr. TaRita Johnson is a bridge builder connecting employers, educational institutions, community organizations, workforce development partners, and the State of Michigan. She leads a team responsible for developing strategies in talent attraction, sourcing/recruiting, development, and retention, linking regional employers, educators, and community-based organizations to strengthen the workforce pipeline.
Recognized as one of Crain’s Grand Rapids Business Notable Black Leaders (2024), a Notable West Michigan Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (2024), and the West Michigan Chapter of PRSA’s JEDI Communicator of the Year (2023), Dr. Johnson cultivates collaborative relationships throughout Greater Grand Rapids to grow the region’s talent bench. She serves on multiple boards, including Best & Brightest, Hello West Michigan, Michigan Colleges Alliance, STEM Greenhouse, The Source Advisory, West Michigan Works, West Michigan Tech Talent, Global Detroit Advisory, Truth’s Table Foundation, and the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology, and is a founding member of Rockstar Women. Beyond her professional work, she ministers at Lighthouse Full Life Center, serving on the intercessory, baptism, and belonging teams. Before joining The Right Place in 2021, Dr. Johnson was Director of Calvin University’s Career Center, Adjunct Professor, and Talent Acquisition Manager at Meijer, where she oversaw corporate recruiting for Accounting & Financial Services, Human Resources, Technology, Legal, Properties, Procurement, and Real Estate.
Tanya Ross, Senior Director of Human Relations, Bimbo Bakeries USA
Tanya Ross is an accomplished Human Resources leader with over two decades of progressive experience driving human capital strategies within dynamic, complex organizations across the manufacturing, sales, telecommunications, and retail industries. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Human Relations at Bimbo Bakeries USA since January 2023, Tanya leads transformative HR initiatives that impact over 6,000 associates across multiple sites, including sales centers, bakeries, and distribution centers in the Midwest and Southwest United States.
Tanya holds a Master of Science in Administration with a focus in Human Resources from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University. She is certified in Leadership and Development Coaching by DDI and has additional credentials in Diversity and Inclusion leadership from Korn Ferry.
Ericka Bradd, Senior Human Resources Manager, Bimbo Bakeries USA
Ericka Bradd is a seasoned Human Resources leader with 17 years of experience driving strategic people initiatives across diverse organizational landscapes. As Senior Manager of Human Relations at Bimbo Bakeries USA, she oversees a region of more than 1,700 employees, leading with a people-first mindset and a commitment to operational excellence.
She holds a Bachelor of Science with a focus in Human Resources from Michigan State University and is certified in Leadership and Development Coaching by DDI. Ericka also holds additional credentials from Korn Ferry, further strengthening her expertise in leadership development and organizational strategy.
Known for her empathetic leadership and ability to navigate complex employee relations with integrity and clarity, Ericka has played a pivotal role in shaping workplace culture, guiding teams through change, and aligning HR strategy with business goals. Her work spans employee engagement, performance management, DEI advocacy, and leadership coaching.
Ericka is also a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities. She partners with Disability Advocates to support mock interviews for students with disabilities, helping them build confidence and achieve their professional goals.
MODERATOR
Jennifer Pascua, Marketing Director, Broadway Grand Rapids
Jennifer Pascua entered the Broadway industry just over three years ago and has quickly made her mark. She serves on the Road Marketing Committee, where she helps plan and facilitate panel conversations and contributes as a panelist. In West Michigan, she launched BGR Backstage Buzz podcast and was recognized with the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Connector Award for her community impact.
Prior to her Broadway career, Jennifer founded the media freelance group Halo Halo Multimedia LLC, taught as an Adjunct Professor, and spent 25 years as a Broadcast Journalist across Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan. Her diverse background reflects a lifelong dedication to storytelling, community building, and elevating voices across industries.
Sponsorship opportunities are available—contact Angela Klinske for more information.
Platinum Sponsor
Venue Sponsor
Sponsor
REGISTRATION
Member: $10
Nonmember: $15
Student: Free
Please register by Tuesday, November 18.