March 26-27, 2019 | New York

Bloomberg Equality Summit

Equality is the single most important ethical issue businesses today need to face head-on. Creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce – to serve an increasingly diverse consumer base – is also vital to the success of virtually every business operating today.

The Future of Equality

Complementing Bloomberg LP’s investment in creating the Gender Equality Index (GEI) – a tool that tracks key elements of gender and equality balance, allowing companies to drive accountability around diversity initiatives – we present the Bloomberg Equality Summit, a cross-platform editorial initiative that will bring together business, academic and political leaders as well as nonprofits and activists to discuss the future of equality, how we get there and what is at stake for the economy and society at-large.

Anchored in a full-day conference, Bloomberg Equality will foster forward-looking conversations and spotlight influential business leaders who are paving the way.

Click here for last year’s highlights

Click here for last year’s agenda

March 26 - Tuesday

5:15 pm

Registration and Networking Reception

6:00 pm

Opening Night Program: Hollywood and the Opportunity Gap

The entertainment industry may appear that it has made significant strides in achieving gender parity, but the numbers do not bear out. Decades of systemic sexism in Hollywood has created a dearth of opportunities for female-filmmakers. We’ll get an in-depth look at the gender disparities in Hollywood.

Opening Remarks

Presentation: The Next Generation is Watching

6:15 pm

Documentary Screening: "This Changes Everything"

7:55 pm

Panel Discussion

Moderator

Speakers

8:30 pm

Networking and Cocktail Reception

March 27 - Wednesday

8:00 am

Registration and Networking Breakfast

8:30 am

Diversity: It's Not a Zero-Sum Game

Companies are ramping up efforts to create an inclusive work environment as the workforce continues to become more diverse. Some employees may feel threatened by initiatives to recruit, retain and develop more women and people of color, for example, or by the emergence of resource groups to support non-traditional workers. The challenge for senior leadership is how to develop one subset of employees while not alienating another group. We’ll discuss strategies for creating a diverse and inclusive environment that brings together all employees.

Proudly sponsored by Willis Towers Watson.

Welcome Remarks

  • Julie Gebauer

    Global Head of Human Capital & Benefits, Willis Towers Watson

Interviewer

Speaker

9:30 am

Welcome Remarks

Speaker

9:35 am

Leaders on the Front Lines

The business case for diversity was established long ago: an increasingly diverse consumer base and an impassioned younger workforce requires it. But how do you actually advance diversity and inclusion in meaningful ways within a company? We bring together senior leaders of companies who are members of the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index for a frank discussion on creating the right corporate culture, the progress being made and the challenges that remain.

Moderator

Speakers

10:00 am

A Focus on Gender Lens Investing

We’ll discuss the benefits and challenges of deploying a gender-focused strategy as investors increase their focus on investments centered on environmental, social and governance principles.

Moderator

Speakers

10:20 am

Case Study: TPG Co-CEO Jon Winkelried on Building an Engaged Organization

Interviewer

Speaker

10:40 am

Networking Break

11:05 am

Hiring Talent with Different Abilities

Speaker

  • Anne Bodnar

    Chief Human Resources Officer, Willis Towers Watson

11:10 am

Leveraging Talent with Different Abilities

Inspirational speaker Spencer West has not let obstacles stop him from accomplishing his goals. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with his hands to speaking to audiences around the world, West will discuss why companies should seek out and leverage talent with different abilities.

Presenter

  • Spencer West

    Author, ME to WE Inspirational Speaker and World Change Warrior

11:25 am

Advancing Equality Through Education

A wide-ranging discussion on solutions to provide educational opportunities for all students. Which policies and processes should be implemented to ensure under served communities receive access to a quality education? How can we leverage public-private partnerships to prepare students for the jobs of the future?

Moderator

Speakers

11:55 am

Closing Borders, Closing Minds: Immigration and the Rise of Nationalism

Immigration played a pivotal role in United Kingdom citizens voting to leave the European Union. A post-Brexit Britain will restrict movement of low-skilled immigrants from European Union member countries. This comes as the United States, under Donald Trump, is examining a number of ways to curb both legal and illegal immigration. Coupled with the rise of nationalistic tones. How can business and political leaders navigate these complex issues?

Moderator

Speakers

12:15 pm

Rethinking Capitalism and Democracy For All

Researcher E. Glen Weyl is the co-author of “Radical Markets: Uprooting Capitalism and Democracy for a Just Society,” which bucks conventional thinking on how to spur capitalism and rattle democracy to create opportunities for everyone. He’ll share innovative ideas to closing the wealth and opportunity gap.

Presenter

  • E. Glen Weyl

    Principal Researcher, Microsoft, Co-author, 'Radical Markets'

12:30 pm

Special Lunch Session: The Talent Equation

How can business leaders implement and, crucially, sustain meaningful initiatives on culture, talent and diversity to drive real change within their organizations? Please join Bloomberg, TPG Co-CEO Jon Winkelried and TPG CHRO Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri for a round table discussion on the challenges organizations face — and the best practices across industries to meet those challenges.

Proudly sponsored by TPG.

Pre-registration is required for this invitation-only lunch program. Attendance is limited.

Moderator

Speakers

Bloomberg Breakaway CEO Roundtable: Technology & Equality

CEOs of fast-growing companies join Bloomberg anchor Carol Massar and Pipeline Equity CEO and founder Katica Roy for a candid discussion about technology and how it can help – and hinder – diversity and inclusion efforts within companies. How can increasing the number of women involved in artificial intelligence improve gender equity in the workplace? How can AI help CEOs identify and correct for institutional biases that lead to gender equity gaps, from the talent pipeline to the paycheck? And what can you do when technology gets it wrong?

Pre-registration is required for this invitation-only lunch program. Attendance is limited.

Moderators

Networking Lunch: Women Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

This conversation will look at how women’s entrepreneurship is growing and why it can be a major driver of economic progress worldwide—if its potential is realized. The discussion will explore the potential of women’s businesses, the special challenges women founders face, and practical solutions that draw on insights from Arianna Huffington. The conversation will especially look at how women can support other women’s entrepreneurship.

Proudly sponsored by Bank of America.

Welcome Remarks

Interviewer

Speaker

1:45 pm

Advancing Our Diverse and Open Culture

Speaker

1:50 pm

Transgender Rights Under Threat

Protections for transgender Americans are being rolled back at the federal level and in some states and localities. Last year, the federal Office of Personnel Management removed nondiscrimination guidelines from its website. According to media reports, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has floated a memo that would establish the legal definition of sex under Title IX, only recognizing the sex of a person at birth. Meanwhile, the U.S. Military, acting at the behest of President Trump, just issued a new policy banning transgender troops who don’t stick to their biological sex. What can advocates and business leaders to fight discrimination?

Moderator

Speakers

2:10 pm

Mayors Taking Action: In Conversation with The Honorable Sly James

Mayors across the country are implementing bold and innovative initiatives. From reducing poverty and displacement to boosting educational and entrepreneurial opportunities to improving race relations and fostering inclusion. We’ll hear from mayors on how they are advancing equality in their communities.

Interviewer

  • Carol Massar

    Co-Anchor Bloomberg Businessweek, Bloomberg Television and Radio

Speaker

2:35 pm

The Next Phase for the #MeToo Movement

The #MeToo Movement had an immediate impact in media and entertainment as well as Silicon Valley. Focus now shifts to finance, an industry with a long history of gender disparities. The #MeToo Movement has sparked backlash among some male executives on Wall Street who may limit their interaction with women fearing accusations of misconduct. What can be done to minimize the backlash and improve working conditions for women in finance?

Moderator

Speakers

3:00 pm

Combating Sexual Assault and Bullying

A sexual assault was reported at an elite boarding school in New Hampshire in 2014. The alleged assailant was acquitted of the most serious charge of felony rape and convicted on three lesser counts of misdemeanor sexual assault. The survivor Chessy Prout turned her ordeal into action creating the social media campaign #IHaveTheRightTo, launching an organization and co-authoring a book about her experience. We’ll discuss her advocacy for sexual assault survivors, anti-bullying measures and the role of business leaders.

Moderator

Speakers

3:20 pm

Bias in Artificial Intelligence

As the use of artificial intelligence becomes ubiquitous in our daily lives, there is growing evidence of bias in the data inputs. Joy Buolamwini will discuss her mission to combat what she calls the coded gaze – harmful bias in AI.

Presenter

3:35 pm

Networking Break

4:05 pm

Representation in Media: Sourcing New Voices

Speaker

  • Laura Zelenko

    Senior Executive Editor, Diversity, Training, Talent and News Standards, Bloomberg

4:10 pm

Why Representation Matters

Women and people of color have made strides on television, but remain disproportionately underrepresented in leading roles, directing and writing. That’s according to a recent report by The Ralph J. Bunche Center for African-America Studies at UCLA. We’ll discuss how to increase representation of diverse voices in media, entertainment and advertising and how these powerful industries influence behaviors and perceptions.

Moderator

Speakers

4:40 pm

Access to Democracy: Gerrymandering and Voter Suppression

Gerrymandering — the process of deliberately creating districts that favor one political party over another — can contribute to voter suppression and political inequality. Armed with powerful computers employing sophisticated algorithms, states increasingly are drawing political lines to lock in the status quo. Meanwhile, some states are increasing obstacles to voting, from enacting strict “exact match” requirements to closing poll locations to limiting early voting to striking voters from the rolls for capricious reasons. We’ll examine the consequences of limiting access to democracy and the implications for expanding political equality.

Moderator

Speakers

5:05 pm

Town Hall

Moderator

  • Karen Toulon

    Senior Editor: Diversity, Standards and Training , Bloomberg

Participants

5:30 pm

Networking and Cocktail Reception

Speakers

Jenn Abelson

Investigative Reporter The Washington Post

Stacey Abrams

Founder Fair Fight Action

Kim Azzarelli

Co-Founder Seneca Women

Kiersten Barnet

Global Head Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index

Sindy Benavides

Chief Executive Officer League of United Latin American Citizens

Jan Jones Blackhurst

Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Corp. Responsibility Caesars Entertainment

Anne Bodnar

Chief Human Resources Officer Willis Towers Watson

Commissioner Sharon Bowen

Former U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commissioner Seneca Women Partner

Sheri B. Bronstein

Chief Human Resources Officer Bank of America

Joy Buolamwini

Founder Algorithmic Justice League

Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell

President Spelman College

Candis Cayne

Actress and Activist

Martina L. Cheung

President S&P Global Market Intelligence

Jackie Cruz

Actor, Musician, Activist and Feminist "Orange Is the New Black"

Tom Donahue

Director "This Changes Everything"

Julie Gebauer

Global Head of Human Capital & Benefits Willis Towers Watson

Maria Giese

Writer and Director

The Honorable Andrew Gillum

Former Mayor Tallahassee

Rick Goings

Executive Chairman Tupperware Brands

Fatima Goss Graves

President and CEO National Women's Law Center

Peter T. Grauer

Chairman Bloomberg L.P.

Sarah Harden

CEO Hello Sunshine

Arianna Huffington

Founder and CEO Thrive Global

Martina Hund-Mejean

Chief Financial Officer Mastercard

Viviana Hurtado

Reporter Bloomberg TV

Caroline Hyde

Anchor Bloomberg Television

The Honorable Sly James

Mayor Kansas City

Jameela Jamil

Actress, Host, Activist and Founder I Weigh

Rebecca Kantar

Founder & CEO Imbellus

Jason Kelly

Chief Correspondent, QuickTake Bloomberg

Ida Liu

Managing Director and Global Market Manager for New York Citi Private Bank

Jill Faherty Lloyd

Managing Director and Financial Advisor Evercore Wealth Management

Carol Massar

Co-Anchor Bloomberg Businessweek Bloomberg Television and Radio

Christopher Michel

Americas Head of Diversity & Inclusion Bloomberg L.P.

Mark Miller

Global Editor Bloomberg Live

Ali Noorani

Executive Director National Immigration Forum

Staff Sgt. Shane Ortega (Ret.)

Staff Sergeant United States Army (Ret.)

Will Packer

Founder Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media

Janet Paskin

Senior Editor Bloomberg

Maria Pope

President and CEO Portland General Electric

Katia Porzecanski

Reporter Bloomberg

Marc Pritchard

Chief Brand Officer P&G

Tony Prophet

Chief Equality Officer Salesforce

Alex Prout

Activist & Vice Chair I Have The Right To

Chessy Prout

Author and Advocate

Romesh Ratnesar

Editorial Board Writer Bloomberg Opinion

Katica Roy

CEO & Founder Pipeline Equity

Jake Schwartz

Co-Founder & CEO General Assembly

Jackie Simmons

Senior Executive Editor, Americas Bloomberg

Alix Steel

Anchor Bloomberg Television

Carolyn Tastad

Group President, North America P&G

Ebony A. Thomas

Senior Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition Bank of America

Karen Toulon

Senior Editor: Diversity, Standards and Training Bloomberg

Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri

Partner and Chief Human Resources Officer TPG

Spencer West

Author, ME to WE Inspirational Speaker and World Change Warrior

E. Glen Weyl

Principal Researcher, Microsoft Co-author, 'Radical Markets'

Jon Winkelried

Co-CEO and Partner TPG

Laura Zelenko

Senior Executive Editor, Diversity, Training, Talent and News Standards Bloomberg

Stephen Zweig

Partner FordHarrison LLP

Founding Sponsor

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands.

Founded in San Francisco in 1992, TPG has a long history of investing in change, growth, and innovation through a platform that spans private equity, credit, public equity, real estate, and impact investing. TPG now has more than $103 billion under management, investment and operational teams in 17 offices around the world, and a unique portfolio of innovative businesses.
At TPG, talent is our greatest asset. The quality of our investments and our ability to build great companies depend on the originality of our insights. Reaching our firm’s full potential means supporting every team member to bring the fullness of their unique perspective to their work and to our community. We are committed to a diverse, inclusive workplace to foster diversity of thought and reflect the breadth of our limited partners and portfolio companies as well as the cities, countries, and communities in which we operate. Respecting and encouraging difference creates an interesting, enriching culture at the firm and makes TPG more innovative, more creative, and more effective in everything we do.

Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW) is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has more than 40,000 employees serving more than 140 countries.

We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas — the dynamic formula that drives business performance.

Together, we unlock potential.
Learn more at willistowerswatson.com.

At Bank of America, our focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors is critical to fulfilling our purpose of helping make people’s financial lives better. Our commitment to growing our business responsibly is embedded in every aspect of our company. It is demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our customers, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocate groups, such as community and environmental organizations, in order to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is a key aspect of what makes our company a great place to work. The diversity of our employees —in thought, style, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture and experience—makes us stronger, and is essential to our ability to serve our clients, fulfill our purpose and drive responsible growth. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about, and connect with us on Twitter at @BofA_News.

Invesco is an independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life. NYSE: IVZ; www.invesco.com. Invesco is the provider of QQQ, one of the earliest and largest ETFs in the industry. QQQ trades on the Nasdaq Stock Market where innovation and technology expertise have created a world-recognized marketplace for the world’s biggest and best technology companies.