Global Best Practice Session: Latin America Rising—Diversity & Inclusion at the Intersection
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An Emerging Economic Power in USA's Backyard Is Changing Political and Trade Dynamics from North to South and East to West
The Latin America of political instability punctuated by coup d'etats and revolving door presidencies, of chaotic economics ravaged by hyperinflation, of destitute poverty and over-reliance on the United States for help has gone the way of the banana republic. And the North - South axis of trade, diplomacy, and the flow of labor between Latin America and the USA has tilted East - West with a massive surge in trade with India and China. The region has also become self-reliant as intra regional trade has increased multi-fold.
For many Americans, including diversity practitioners, the enduring power of media images depicting a distressed region still inform how many view life south of the Rio Grande. The truth, however, is that much of Latin America, not just Brazil, is an emerging economic blockbuster rising on the foundation of remarkable political stability for the past 20 years. In Peru, for example, the percentage in abject poverty has dropped from 50% of the population to 25% in the last five years. In Brazil the percentage of middle class Brazilians went from 34% of the population in 2004 to 54% today.
In the midst of this economic and political transformation, a myriad of diversity issues are above, below, and on the surface. The Americas continent is the world's racial crossroads. Latin America has three sitting female presidents, with six in its history. Issues of sexual orientation and disability, long held as taboo are now emerging as topics many are willing to discuss. Meanwhile the young are challenging much of tradition from bullfights to machismo. And the perennial issue of classism is taking on new forms as social and economic mobility breakthroughs are happening on a massive scale for the first time.
This session will bust your piña colada-induced images of a region in siesta and introduce you to a contemporary, dynamic Latin America ready to take its rightful place in the world. Yet, at the same time, it is in need of relevant answers to its myriad diversity and inclusion challenges. Join us and together we will chart new diversity strategies for the new Latin America.
Global Best Practice Session, Aug. 2Agenda
Agenda*
8:00 am – 9:00 am Registration and Breakfast
9:00 am – 9:20 am Opening Remarks
Carol Evans / CEO / Diversity Best Practices
Andrés Tapia / President / Diversity Best Practices
Doug Rose / Vice President, Human Resources / United Airlines
9:20 am – 9:45 am Introductions of all participants
9:45 am – 10:15 am Mobility in Latin America Today
A presentation on social mobility and inclusion in Latin America today including
- Prosperity and the "new middle class" in Brazil
- The rise in formal education credentials across Latin America
- Indigenous movements and identity in Andean countries such as Bolivia
- "Affirmative action" quota debates in Brazil
Thought Leader:
Dain Borges / Associate Professor of History / The University of Chicago
10:15 am – 10:45 am Discussion with audience led by Andrés Tapia
10:45 am – 11:00 am Break
11:00 am – 11:30 am Brazil: Past, Present & Future
A brief economic and political history of Brazil explains the rise of this country as an economic power and the implications for diversity and inclusion. Brazil is one of the world's most diverse countries and is rooted legacy, yet it is the forerunner of a new emerging global superpower.
This presentation will look at:
- Implications of the President da Silva legacy
- What it means to have its first woman president, Dilma Rousseff
- Update on infrastructure and preparing for the World Soccer Cup and the Olympics
Thought Leader:
Stephanie Bergeman / International Trade & Investment Representative / Consulado-Geral do Brasil em Chicago
11:30 am – 12:00 pm Discussion with audience led by Andrés Tapia
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Networking luncheon
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm Latin American Crosscultural Competency Exercise
Facilitator:
Cristen Dokic / Founder / Language and Culture Plus
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Think Tank Sessions: The Links to Diversity & Inclusion
Breakout sessions will provide an opportunity to reflect on the intersections of the economic, social and demographic dimensions of diversity as it is currently playing out in Latin America. By sharing knowledge, challenges and questions, new ideas and fresh perspectives are generated to push ourselves to identify "Next Practices" through knowledge creation.
Thought Leader:
Andrés Tapia / President / Diversity Best Practices
2:30 pm – 2:45 pm Report Out, led by Andrés Tapia
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm Bringing It Together and Charting Out Next Steps
*Agenda subject to change
Registration
To register, please click HERE!
Speakers
Hotel & Travel
Club Quarters, Central Loop
111 West Adams Street
(Next to the Rookery and near LaSalle)
Chicago, IL 60603
Hotel Info Here:
La Quinta Inn & Suites Chicago
One South Franklin
Chicago, IL 60606
Hotel Info Here:
Dana Hotel and Spa
660 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Hotel Info Here:
Amalfi Hotel Chicago
20 West Kinzie
Chicago, IL 60654
Hotel Info Here:
Swissotel Chicago
323 East Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601
Hotel Info Here:
Directions to Willis:
Willis Tower is located at 233 South Wacker Drive and bounded by Wacker Drive, Adams Street, Franklin Street and Jackson Boulevard. (24 hour parking is available across the street from Willis on the Franklin St. side)
Located near the Dan Ryan, Kennedy and Eisenhower Expressways, as well as all forms of public transportation, Willis Tower offers convenient access from all of Chicago's suburban areas.
From the North on Interstate 90/94, exit at Jackson Boulevard. Take Jackson Boulevard east to Franklin Street.
From the West on Interstate 55, take Interstate 90/94 and go north towards Wisconsin. Stay in the right lane and follow signs to Chicago/Loop. Take Congress Drive east and exit at Wacker Drive/Franklin Street. Take Franklin Street north to Jackson Boulevard.
If you are coming from the East or South on Interstate 90/94, stay in the right lane and follow signs to Chicago/Loop. Take Congress Drive east and exit at Wacker Drive/Franklin Street. Take Franklin Street north to Jackson Boulevard.
