Hawaii Diversity & Leadership Conference – HDLC

About

The Hawaii Diversity & Leadership Conference – HDLC is a premier statewide initiative dedicated to fostering inclusive leadership, equity, and community engagement across industries and sectors. By bringing together business leaders, educators, policymakers, DEI advocates, and community leaders, HDLC promotes collaboration and strategic action to drive progress in workplace inclusion, leadership advancement, and social equity. With a focus on empowerment, representation, and policy impact, HDLC provides the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to build a more inclusive and equitable Hawaii.

Mission

To champion leadership development, equity, and inclusion by equipping professionals, businesses, and communities with the strategies and resources to foster inclusive workplaces, equitable policies, and diverse leadership pipelines.

Vision

To create a more just and inclusive Hawaii, where organizations and individuals work together to advance equity, celebrate diversity, and cultivate future leaders.

Training & Workshops

HDLC offers specialized training programs designed to equip leaders, professionals, and organizations with the skills and knowledge to foster inclusion, leadership development, and equitable opportunities:

  • Inclusive Leadership Development – Equipping leaders with tools to foster inclusive and equitable workplaces.
  • Unconscious Bias & Workplace Culture – Identifying and addressing biases that impact hiring, promotion, and team dynamics.
  • Equity in Education & Workforce Development – Advancing representation in higher education, corporate leadership, and career pipelines.
  • Strategies for Business Success Through Inclusion – Implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion as a competitive advantage.
  • Women in Leadership & Breaking Barriers – Empowering women in business, politics, and executive leadership.
  • Multicultural Leadership Development – Understanding the impact of cultural competency on leadership effectiveness.
  • LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Workplace – Addressing challenges and best practices for fostering LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
  • Community Engagement & Social Impact – Strengthening community relationships through inclusive policies and advocacy.
  • Disability Inclusion & Accessibility – Creating workplaces and communities that embrace individuals of all abilities.
  • Employee Resource Groups & Allyship – Strengthening organizational inclusion through mentorship and advocacy.
  • Civic Engagement & Policy Advocacy – Developing strategies for engaging in policy discussions to promote inclusion.
  • Bridging Generational Gaps in Leadership – Addressing workplace challenges and strengths of different generations working together.

These programs empower professionals, businesses, and community leaders to drive sustainable DEI change and foster equitable opportunities.

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Recognition

HDLC honors outstanding contributions to leadership, equity, and inclusion through prestigious awards recognizing inclusivity, advocacy, and empowerment:

  • Diversity & Inclusion Leader of the Year – Recognizing individuals advancing inclusive workplace policies and leadership initiatives.
  • Corporate DEI Champion Award – Honoring companies excelling in inclusive recruitment, retention, and advancement strategies.
  • Social Justice & Community Impact Award – Celebrating organizations making a meaningful difference in equity and social justice.
  • Women in Leadership Excellence Award – Acknowledging efforts to empower and elevate women in leadership roles.
  • Rising Star in DEI Award – Recognizing young professionals and emerging leaders making an impact in inclusion and leadership.

These awards celebrate leaders and organizations shaping Hawaii’s future through equity, leadership, and advocacy.

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Schedule

The Hawaii Diversity & Leadership Conference Annual Summit features impactful keynotes, hands-on workshops, expert panels, and networking opportunities, culminating in an awards gala celebrating diversity and leadership excellence.

2025: November 17-21, 2025

Day 1 (November 17):
10:00 AM – Inclusive Leadership Development
3:00 PM – Unconscious Bias & Workplace Culture
Keynote: “The Power of Inclusive Leadership in Today’s Workforce”

Day 2 (November 18):
10:00 AM – Equity in Education & Workforce Development
3:00 PM – Strategies for Business Success Through Inclusion
Workshop: “Empowering the Next Generation of Diverse Leaders”

Day 3 (November 19):
10:00 AM – Women in Leadership & Breaking Barriers
3:00 PM – Multicultural Leadership Development
Panel: “Creating a Culture of Inclusion: Strategies for Success”

Day 4 (November 20):
10:00 AM – LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Workplace
3:00 PM – Community Engagement & Social Impact
Networking Event: “Building Stronger Partnerships for Inclusion Across Hawaii”

Day 5 (November 21):
Awards Gala – Recognizing Excellence in Leadership & Inclusion

2026: November 16-20, 2026

Day 1: Keynote – “Diversity as a Business Strategy: The Future of Inclusive Workplaces”
Day 2: Workshop – “Disability Inclusion & Workplace Accessibility”
Day 3: Panel – “How Allyship Drives Organizational Change”
Day 4: Networking Event – “Bridging Inclusion Efforts Across Sectors”
Day 5: Awards Ceremony – Honoring Hawaii’s Top Inclusion & Leadership Advocates

2027: November 15-19, 2027

Day 1: Keynote – “Equity & Empowerment: Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders”
Day 2: Workshop – “Advancing Supplier Diversity & Inclusive Economic Development”
Day 3: Panel – “Building Inclusive Programs That Drive Real Change”
Day 4: Networking Event – “Strengthening Hawaii’s Leadership Networks for Inclusion”
Day 5: Awards Gala – Celebrating Hawaii’s Leaders in Diversity & Inclusion

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