Everyone is talking about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) – but why is it so important? Diverse workforces lead to diversity of thought, greater innovation and better business outcomes. Successful DE&I initiatives can lead to new business opportunities, recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and significantly impacting your organization’s bottom line. DE&I is not solely an area of focus for Human Resource professionals but requires the buy-in of all stakeholders – including marketers and business development.

The program will cover:

• The importance of diversity, equity and inclusion and how it can enhance your organization.
• A framework on how to implement DE&I in your organization
• How to effectively track progress on DE&I initiatives and foster an ‘all in’ collaborative approach
• Access to resources to support your DE&I efforts
• Discussion from colleagues on successes, challenges and opportunities with DE&I in their organizations.

LaToya Smith, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP

Vice President, Talent Acquisition Manager

 Human Resource Professional/Visionary/Servant Leader/Inspirational Speaker/Entrepreneur/Community/Civic Advocate/Philanthropist

 LaToya has been a valuable team member of Fifth Third Bank for 23 years. She is responsible for attracting, acquiring, and advancing top diverse talent through her leadership of a dynamic team of Talent Acquisition Consultants for the Bancorp.

LaToya is actively involved in the community with multiple organizations including EL Barrio Job Readiness Program, Dress for Success and Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) LaToya is a true philanthropist and is a founding member of a Giving Circle, “Our Hope, Our Future.” She has been recognized and earned numerous awards for professional development including Kaleidoscope Magazine’s Forty/Forty Club, Cleveland Bridge Builders, Crain’s HR Leader Finalist, Women of Color Foundation’s Stephanie Tubbs Jones Courage Award, CSU LINK Distinguished Alumni, The Girl Scouts of N.E. Ohio Women of Distinction, NAACP Unsung Hero Community Award and the Ohio Diversity Council 2022 Woman of the Year.  Additionally, LaToya serves on many boards including The United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, Bessie’s Angel’s, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing FSS, DNA Rising and Cuyahoga County Workforce.

LaToya has also served as a Volunteer Chair for a large traveling exhibit project called, “The Soul of Philanthropy.”  She is member of Delta Sigma Theta and Eta Phi Beta Sororities. Additionally, she is an Intimacy/Life Coach and the Founder of Eros Heart, LLC.  She has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University. She is a lifelong Clevelander along with her husband Brandon and their two children, Bryce and Brielle.