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Coffee & Conversation: LGBTQ Inclusion & Growth in the Workplace

  • HERMAN MILLER DESIGN YARD 375 West 48th Street Holland, MI, 49423 United States (map)
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How do businesses gain a competitive edge as they compete for talent, expand into new markets, and accelerate innovation? Having a diverse and inclusive culture is a key contributing factor. 

Join us on January 30th at Herman Miller's Design Yard for a Coffee & Conversation panel discussion on LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace. Panelist include Christina Breen, Gender S.A.F.E.; Rev. Jen Adams, GRACE Episcopal Church; Susan G. Mendoza, Ph.D., Grand Valley State University; and Allyson Vanderbush, Ready for School. Conversation will be moderated by Jeff Sorensen, Executive Director of Out On The Lakeshore.

Panel will include the impact of the LGBTQ personal and professional journey, as well as how individuals can be inclusive leaders and role models in changing the conversation to include all voices. 

Interested in hearing something specific from the panel? Send your thoughts or questions to prodev@behyp.org prior to the event. 

Thank you to our event sponsor: Herman Miller

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Coffee & Networking

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Panel Discussion 

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Networking

MEET THE MODERATOR

JEFFREY SORENSEN

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Jeffrey is Out On The Lakeshore’s first-ever Director. He is an Upper Peninsula native and a Grand Valley State University graduate, where he earned a bachelor’s in advertising and public relations, before working for several years in community relations and charitable giving at a local casino. He has been active on several boards, including the Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce, the Grand Rapids Young Professionals, and Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity’s ‘Delt Pride’ LGBTQ+ affinity group. 

Jeffrey has extensive experience in communications, community outreach, corporate social responsibility, event planning, and media relations and he is passionate about helping others using these skills. In his role at OOTL, he is responsible for day-to-day operations of the community center, along with increasing OOTL’s visibility, enhancing fundraising, and creating a more consistent and active presence in the larger community.

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