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The purpose of the Equality of Opportunity series is to present opportunities to listen, learn, and share best practices on the ways in which employers can provide and put into practice workplace initiatives which support equity, diversity, and inclusion.

This programming allows major employers to share their expertise and resources with business owners/operators in a safe and comfortable environment where dialogue and understanding are encouraged. Diversity in the workplace is not limited to race; but can also include gender, age, sexuality, disability, education, class, etc. Inclusion in the workplace means ensuring that every employee is given the room to thrive. Equity refers to the policies which companies institute that support diversity and inclusion in their workplace.

We hope to have you join us for our kickoff event on Wed. October 20th - 3:30pm-5:00pm!  

Expanding on the idea of the Gilbert Chamber's goal to give professionals a place to belong, this session will focus on the concept of belonging as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion.  Participants will build greater compassion and empathy and leave with tangible takeaways to advance DEI within their spheres of influence.



We will hear from guest speaker, Essen Otu, a DEI leader and practitioner with a career spanning government, healthcare, non-profit and utility industries. 
 
Essen is the Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Salt River Project (SRP) where he is responsible for providing corporate leadership and direction for DEI and belonging strategies in support of business objectives and corporate goals.  In this role, Essen leads the DEI Department with SRP and is charged with applying the power of diversity, inclusion and belonging to build a more equitable and sustainable future for customers, employees, and the community.   
 
Essen is a Class 26 graduate of Valley Leadership, Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40 award recipient, Virginia G. Piper Fellow alumni and currently serves on the boards of the Arizona Community Foundation, Diversity Leadership Alliance and the Vitalyst Health Foundation, where he served as past Chair of the Board of Trustees.
 
Essen received his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University and graduate degree from Baruch College in New York through the National Urban Fellows Program.
 
Essen takes the most joy in being the proud husband of Allison Otu and father of three beautiful daughters.


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COVID-19 Update:

The health and safety of our community is a top priority. So that we can continue to offer in-person events, we ask guests to review and adhere the following protocols. These protocols will remain in effect while our community is in Substantial or High Transmission: 

• All individuals, including those who are fully vaccinated, are encouraged to wear masks while inside the building, especially when distancing of 6 or more feet cannot be accommodated.
• If you have been in close contact (within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone who has COVID-19; OR if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell, or other symptoms; OR if attending an in-person meeting would compromise the health of you or a family member, please do not attend any meeting or event in-person. We will gladly accommodate you with a virtual attendance link, if possible.