Hub

Equity = Possibility

Growing and thriving

Equity = Possibility harnesses our expertise across risk, strategy and people to deliver solutions that help diverse business leaders and owners grow and thrive.

Our platform offering includes issues-based research, insights and commentary, an annual Black Leaders Symposium, customized solutions and our commitment to providing opportunities and access for the next generation of diverse leaders.

 

Our exclusive event

We’re excited to host our insightful leadership summit where powerful, Black executives and C-Suite leaders will discuss their most pressing business challenges and opportunities.

This year, the two-day symposium will include inspiring panel sessions and informative discussions on diversity supplier programs, health equity, D&O, risk discrimination through AI and more.

This year, the two-day symposium will include inspiring panel sessions and informative discussions on diversity supplier programs, health equity, D&O, risk discrimination through AI and more.

 

Featured speakers

Keynote: Daymond John

Star of ABC’s Shark Tank

Keynote: Daymond John

Star of ABC’s Shark Tank

 

A successful entrepreneur, author, speaker, and TV personality, who founded the global lifestyle brand FUBU and serves as a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship.

He is a popular Shark on ABC’s Shark Tank, runs a marketing firm called The Shark Group, and has written six best-selling books. Widely recognized as a leader and innovator in the fashion industry and beyond, he shares his keys to success and what he has learned along his journey.

Additional Speakers 
Paxton Baker
President and Owner, PKB Enterprises, Inc.
Paxton K. Baker is an American businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is a minority owner of the Washington Nationals Baseball club and chairman of the Washington Nationals Founding Partners Group. With over 30 years of experience in the entertainment, sports, and production industries, he is involved in various cultural organizations and serves on several boards including the Washington Nationals Philanthropies.
Anshel Boggs
SVP, Chief Risk Management & Insurance Officer, NBA
Anshel Boogs is SVP, Chief Risk Management & Insurance Officer at the NBA, overseeing global insurance programs, risk management, and crisis response. He is a visionary leader with 35+ years of experience leading strategy and risk management, driving talent development, productivity, cost savings, and growth. Anshel is a strong community advocate fostering belonging, spiritual enlightenment, and youth mentorship.
Kevin Bryant
Managing Director, Marsh
Kevin is the US Public Sector Practice Leader at Marsh, where he has transformed the Marsh Public Sector into a top-performing vertical with impressive growth in retention, new business, and client service revenue. Kevin is a respected leader in the insurance brokerage industry known for his innovation. He is a Trustee at Meharry Medical College and has been recognized by the Consulting Report as a top 50 Government Consultant and Leader, and one of the 50 Most Influential South Carolina Business Leaders.
Latasha Causey
President, Phoenix Raceway
Latasha Causey is the President of NASCAR's Phoenix Raceway, the first African American female in this role. She previously worked for Bell Bank supporting minority-owned businesses. With over 20 years of experience in financial organizations, Latasha has been recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona. She serves on the Valley of the Sun United Way and Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley Board of Directors.
Catherine Duffy
AIG Country Leader of Bermuda
Cathy Duffy is AIG's Country Leader of Bermuda, overseeing operations and chairing various AIG Bermuda boards. She’s a veteran of the Bermuda International Insurance Industry, the first Bermudian woman to gain a CPCU and author of the book, “Held Captive”. She received the 2021 Fred Reiss Lifetime Achievement Award and recognized as an Inclusion Champion by The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation.
Tracey Edwards
SVP/CSRO, Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Tracey A. Edwards is the Corporate Social Responsibility Officer (CSRO) for Las Vegas Sands Corporation responsible for integrating philanthropic and workforce development initiatives. She has extensive experience in leadership roles, including Commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission. Ms. Edwards has served on several boards, including the NAACP and the New Hour for Women and Children.
Dr. James E.K. Hildreth Sr.
President and CEO, Meharry Medical College
James E.K. Hildreth Sr., PhD, MD, is the chairman of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences board of trustees. He is also the president and CEO of Meharry Medical College. Hildreth’s renowned infectious disease expertise played a prominent role during the COVID-19 pandemic. He serves on the FDA Vaccines and President Biden’s Health Equity Task Force. His award-winning accomplishments and contributions to HIV research led to 11 patents.
John Hope Bryant
Founder, Chairman and CEO, Operation HOPE, Inc.
John Hope Bryant is an American entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and thought leader on financial inclusion. He is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, Inc., the largest nonprofit provider of financial literacy in the US. Bryant is a founding member of the Clinton Global Initiative and has advised three US presidents. He is the author of bestselling books and has received numerous awards and citations for his work.
Frans Johansson
CEO, Medici Next
Frans Johansson, author, entrepreneur, and advisor, has inspired audiences worldwide with his ideas on leadership, innovation, and diversity. His books, The Medici Effect and The Click Moment, challenge traditional thinking and have influenced numerous industries. Johansson has advised Fortune 500 companies and has been featured on major media outlets. As CEO of Medici Next, he disrupts behavior change management in the workplace.
Maurice Kuykendol
CFO, Prudential Group Insurance
Maurice is the CFO for Prudential Group Insurance, overseeing finance and actuarial activities. He previously led expense management and served as national co-director for the Black Leadership Forum. Maurice held various roles at Prudential since 2008, including chief of staff to the Global CFO. Maurice serves on multiple boards, including the Gloucester Institute and Rising Tide Capital.
Maia Laing
VP, Office of Health Equity, UnitedHealth Group
Maia is the VP of Health Equities at Optum, working to advance health equity through data-driven insights. Maia also focuses on removing bias in methodologies and serves on the community investment advisory board for UnitedHealth Group Treasury. Maia previously worked at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services driving innovation and improving outcomes for underserved communities.
La'Vonda McLean
Managing Director, Marsh
La’Vonda McLean is a managing director and senior client advisor at Marsh's FINPRO Practice. She is also the US Employment Practices Liability (EPL)/Wage & Hour (W&H) Product Leader and senior client advisor to multinational companies. With 18+ years of experience, La’Vonda offers risk advisory services to multinational companies and is a sought-after speaker on financial lines topics.
Michele Meyer-Shipp
CEO, Dress for Success® Worldwide
Michele C. Meyer-Shipp is the CEO of Dress for Success® Worldwide, empowering women to achieve economic independence. Previously, she was Chief People & Culture Officer at Major League Baseball and held leadership roles at KPMG LLP and Prudential Financial. Michele is an award-winning renowned speaker and media contributor, and serves on several boards including the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation.
Courtney Moore
VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, LA Dodgers
Courtney Moore is a seasoned diversity and talent development professional with 20+ years of experience. As VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the LA Dodgers, she drives inclusive culture. Previously, she worked at Munger, Tolles & Olson and held diversity roles at Morgan Stanley, The Aerospace Corporation, and law firms. Ms. Moore is a licensed attorney with expertise in talent acquisition.
Keisha Olinger
Partner and Atlanta Office Leader, Mercer
Keisha Olinger is a Partner and Mercer Atlanta Office Leader. With over 20 years of experience, she drives innovation and exceptional client experiences. As a thought leader, Keisha has shared insights through speaking engagements and publications. In 2023, she was recognized by the Atlanta Business League as one of the 100 Most Influential Black Women for her business and philanthropic leadership.
John Rogers
Founder, Chairman, Co-CEO & CIO, Ariel Investments
John's passion for investing began at age 12. He studied economics at Princeton and worked as a stockbroker before founding Ariel in 1983. He serves on the boards of NIKE, and The New York Times Company, and is a trustee of the University of Chicago. John also served on the Presidential Inaugural Committee in 2009 and is on the board of the Barack Obama Foundation.
Herman Ross
Founder, COO/Chairman of the Board, N.I.C.I.
Herman Ross is the Founder, Chairman of the Board, & COO of National Insurance Consultants, Inc. With over 40 years of experience in the insurance industry, he founded N.I.C.I. in 1994. N.I.C.I. has offices in Las Vegas, Richmond, Denver, and Irving. Mr. Ross is involved with the National Minority Supplier & Development Council and has received numerous awards. He is an advocate for small businesses and has been involved with the Congressional Black Caucus.
Penny Smith
AVP of Customer Analysis & Solutions, UnitedHealthcare
As AVP of Customer Analysis & Solutions at UnitedHealthcare, Penny provides analytic insights to major National Account Clients, analyzing cost, utilization, and trend patterns. Her extensive consulting experience includes recommendations of plan design changes, disease management programs, and wellness initiatives for cost control and population health improvement.
Adrienne Trimble
VP & Chief Diversity and Culture Officer, Sysco Corp.
Adrienne Trimble is VP/Chief Diversity and Culture Officer for Sysco Corp. As a thought leader in advancing corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion she has led DEI initiatives for organizations globally. She also led a non-profit organization providing certification and development for minority-owned businesses. Trimble served on various boards and committees and is a Trustee for Wilberforce University.
Vikki Walton
Senior Principal and Health Equity Leader, MercerWELL
Vikki Walton is a Senior Principal and Health Equity Leader at MercerWELL in Chicago where she works with clients to develop comprehensive solutions for inclusive benefits to ensure quality care and improved health outcomes for employees. With over 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Vikki is an award-winning national healthcare speaker and serves on various boards and committees.
Marsh McLennan Leadership in attendance 
John Doyle
President & Chief Executive Officer, Marsh McLennan
John Q. Doyle is President and CEO of Marsh McLennan, the world’s leading professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people. John previously served as Group President and COO and has over 35 years of management experience, including executive roles at AIG. John is involved in numerous industry and community organizations. He is a graduate of the University at Buffalo.
Carmen Fernandez
SVP and Chief People Officer, Marsh McLennan
As Chief People Officer, Carmen Fernandez is responsible for Marsh McLennan’s people strategy, supporting colleague growth and business priorities. Her previous roles include HR leadership positions within Marsh McLennan for 15 years, investment banking at Bank of America and Goldman Sachs and consulting at PWC. In 2023, she was named to the Most Powerful Latinas by the Association of Latino Professionals for America and a Top 100 HR Technology influencer by HRE.
Chris Williams
Chief Diversity & Inclusion Advisor, Marsh McLennan
Christopher Williams is the Chief Diversity & Inclusion Advisor at Marsh McLennan, providing guidance to the Executive Committee and business leaders. He advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion to enhance the colleague experience, leveraging colleague resource groups and social impact initiatives. Formerly Mercer's Global Inclusion & Diversity Leader, he holds a BA in Psychology, an MS in HR Management, and a post-grad certificate in Organization Development.
Michelle Sartain
President and CEO, Marsh
Michelle is President of Marsh US and Canada, leading business and operational leaders in driving Marsh’s strategy. With 27 years of experience at Marsh, she has held various leadership roles, including Regional Specialty Leader and FINPRO Practice Leader. Throughout her various roles, she has streamlined and delivered best practices with direction on the delivery of exceptional client service.
Pat Tomlinson
President and CEO, Mercer
Pat Tomlinson is the President and CEO of Mercer and Vice Chair of Marsh McLennan. He is also the CEO of Marsh McLennan US and Canada, addressing clients' risk, strategy, and people challenges. Pat joined Mercer in 2014 and has 17 years of experience at Aon. He was an officer in the US Army and holds a BS in sociology from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Susan Potter
President of Mercer US & Canada
Susan Potter is the President of Mercer US & Canada, overseeing Health, Wealth, and Career practices, as well as Operations and Technology. With 30+ years of experience, she develops innovative solutions for human capital, risk, and business issues. Susan joined Mercer in 2019 and holds an MBA from Georgetown University and a BS from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Highlights from the 2023 event

 

Through expert commentary, case studies and panel discussions, attendees joined conversations about:

  • Realizing success through diversity of leadership 
  • Building cyber resilience
  • Diversifying the supply chain
  • Creating resilient, diverse and empathetic organizations 
  • Developing innovative and inclusive brands
  • Leveraging lessons from the public sector 
  • Designing innovative risk solutions 

For more information on the annual Black Leaders Symposium, contact us.

Issues-based research

We are committed to researching issues of importance to help support more diverse organizations, and a more equitable and inclusive society. We do this through our own proprietary studies and by partnering with a wide network of organizations.

Advancing health equity

Tracy Watts speaks with Samantha Fulton and Vikki Walton about being intentional with your health equity strategy.

Advancing health equity

Tracy Watts speaks with Samantha Fulton and Vikki Walton about being intentional with your health equity strategy.

Commitment to the community

For over 150 years, the people of Marsh McLennan have shaped our shared enterprise to provide practical solutions to the most pressing challenges, helping businesses and communities thrive.

Today, our priorities inside the organization are the same as our aspirations for business and society: to help people realize their individual and collective potential; to advance belonging, opportunity, health and well-being; and to change what’s possible through partnerships and shared solutions.

 

Support to Black Communities

Our Social Justice Double Match Program, established in 2020, in which Marsh McLennan matches colleagues’ donations to organizations that support racial justice and equity. Our financial commitments and partnerships with A Better Chance (US), Black Girls Code (US), Blueprint for All (UK) and Gideon's Promise (US) to advocate for equity for the Black community.

 

To learn more about our commitments to our colleagues and communities, explore our ESG report.

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