Webster University Hosts Getting There Together Panel

Pictured at the Getting There Together Panel: Larnise Boain, Reginald Farrar, Amy Hunter, Vincent C. Flewellen, Beth Stroble, and Anson Sobers. 

Because of Webster University's continued commitment and demonstration of practicing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at every level and its partnerships with corporate leaders from Reinsurance Group of America (RGA), Edward Jones and Slalom, the University was recently selected to moderate a panel event titled Getting There Together. The event, held in Webster University's Browning Auditorium on Nov. 7, brought human resources (HR) and DEI professionals together from organizations across the St. Louis region for an evening of conversation about navigating social discord.

Larnise Boain, co-president of the Society of Multicultural Professionals in Human Resources (SMPHR) and global vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at RGA, saw it a natural fit for Webster University to host this event. Both RGA and Edward Jones are long-time partners of Webster University and have sponsored Webster’s annual DEI conference multiple times.  
Boain gave opening remarks about the importance of diversity in HR. Webster University Chancellor Beth Stroble also shared opening remarks, welcoming attendees and thanking them for their presence and willingness to be part of these necessary conversations.

Larnise Boain gives opening remarks. 

The panel discussion featured Vincent C. Flewellen, associate vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, and chief diversity officer at Webster University, Amy Hunter, PhD, vice president of DEI and talent acquisition at Caleres, Inc., and Anson Sobers, director of enterprise DEI talent strategy at Edward Jones. The three leaders explored how corporations are continuing to navigate and uphold their values in the face of societal and political turbulence. Their conversation focused on the approaches that universities and corporations are undertaking to ensure their DEI and environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives remain impactful while addressing the potential obstacles they may encounter along the way, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding affirmative action.

At the end of the panel discussion, a Q&A session was held, followed by networking time.  

“DEI is foundational in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all members of an organization,” said Flewellen, when reflecting on the event. “Through events such as this panel discussion, we hope to lay the groundwork for building communities that celebrate diversity, promote equality and practice inclusivity so every individual has the chance to reach their full potential.” 

Flewellen, Hunter, and Sobers during the panel discussion.  

Those who are interested in learning more about DEI are encouraged to save the date for Webster University's ninth annual Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Conference, being held on the Webster Groves campus and virtually this coming February. The conference will focus on the theme of “Navigating an Unclear Path Together,” and will include vigorous discussions surrounding the Supreme Court’s ruling. The conference is open to the public and admission is free, but registration is required.