South Carolina Diversity & Leadership Conference – SCDLC

About

The South Carolina Diversity & Leadership Conference – SCDLC is a premier statewide initiative dedicated to advancing leadership, inclusion, and equity across industries, businesses, and communities. By bringing together executives, educators, policymakers, DEI advocates, and community leaders, SCDLC fosters collaboration and strategic action to drive progress in workplace culture, leadership advancement, and social equity. With a focus on empowerment, representation, and policy impact, SCDLC provides the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to build a more inclusive and equitable South Carolina.

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 South Carolina, where organizations and individuals work together to advance equity, celebrate diversity, and cultivate future leaders.

Training & Workshops

SCDLC 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

SCDLC 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 South Carolina’s future through equity, leadership, and advocacy.

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Schedule

The South Carolina 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: October 6-10, 2025

Day 1 (October 6):
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 (October 7):
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 (October 8):
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 (October 9):
10:00 AM – LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Workplace
3:00 PM – Community Engagement & Social Impact
Networking Event: “Building Stronger Partnerships for Inclusion Across South Carolina”

Day 5 (October 10):
Awards Gala – Recognizing Excellence in Leadership & Inclusion

2026: October 5-9, 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 South Carolina’s Top Inclusion & Leadership Advocates

2027: October 4-8, 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 South Carolina’s Leadership Networks for Inclusion”
Day 5: Awards Gala – Celebrating South Carolina’s Leaders in Diversity & Inclusion

Register