Echoing a statement attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world," the slogan for the Western Pennsylvania Diversity Initiative's first Diversity and Inclusion Conference exhorts, "Be the change you want to see ... in Pittsburgh."

The conference, being held Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at PNC Park, will bring together representatives from business, education and the non-profit sector to explore the challenges and rewards of diversity and inclusion.

Melvin J. Gravely II, managing director of the Cincinnati-based Institute for Entrepreneurial Thinking, a consulting firm specializing in minority business development and supplier diversity, will give the keynote presentation on "Leadership and Diversity + Inclusion."

Small panel presentations in the morning and workshop sessions in the afternoon will focus on a wide range of topics, including cultural competency, sustainability and retention.

An evening reception will feature the Metamorphosis Performing Company, a Reading, Pa.-based troupe that performs interactive programs to illustrate principles of communication and conflict resolution.

Steve Spolar, a WPDI co-founder and director of human resources at the Post-Gazette, said he anticipates a turnout of 200 to 300 people.

But attendance is not the only metric the group will use to measure the success of the conference.

Executive Director Dina Clark will consider the conference a success "if people walk away with a resource, a new contact and some information that they've never heard before that will assist them with their current role with their company."

WPDI board chairman J.W. Wallace spoke in terms of laying a foundation for the next conference.

"Next time, the key component will be 'Where has the difference been? What change have I made?' " he said. "It's about not just coming and enjoying yourself and talking. It's actually taking what you've learned and applying what you've learned."

For more information about conference, visit www.wpdiversity.org.

The Western Pennsylvania Diversity Initiative arose from the work of Eric Cottle and Mr. Spolar, who were co-chairs of the community outreach task force of the Allegheny County Bar Association's Diversity Initiative in the early 2000s. Their long-term goals included getting together with other professionals who shared a concern for diversity.

They began meeting with members of associations such as the Allegheny County Medical Society and the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The initiative was formed in the summer of 2005, and hosted its first event that September.

"An Evening at Dowe's," held at the now-defunct Downtown jazz club, featured a panel discussion on diversity that included broadcaster Chris Moore and Campos Inc. CEO Yvonne Campos, and provided a networking opportunity for local professionals.

In April 2006, the group sponsored a half-day seminar on diversity within professions at UPMC Shadyside, and in August 2007, it joined with the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh to provide the educational component for the DiverCity Festival, a four-day celebration of diversity.

In an ideal world, there might eventually be no need for such a group. But in the real world, Ms. Clark said, "I hope the organization evolves with the companies we serve as diversity and inclusion evolve."

By Elwin Green

Echoing a statement attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world," the slogan for the Western Pennsylvania Diversity Initiative's first Diversity and Inclusion Conference exhorts, "Be the change you want to see ... in Pittsburgh."

The conference, being held Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at PNC Park, will bring together representatives from business, education and the non-profit sector to explore the challenges and rewards of diversity and inclusion.

Melvin J. Gravely II, managing director of the Cincinnati-based Institute for Entrepreneurial Thinking, a consulting firm specializing in minority business development and supplier diversity, will give the keynote presentation on "Leadership and Diversity + Inclusion."

Small panel presentations in the morning and workshop sessions in the afternoon will focus on a wide range of topics, including cultural competency, sustainability and retention.

An evening reception will feature the Metamorphosis Performing Company, a Reading, Pa.-based troupe that performs interactive programs to illustrate principles of communication and conflict resolution.

Steve Spolar, a WPDI co-founder and director of human resources at the Post-Gazette, said he anticipates a turnout of 200 to 300 people.

But attendance is not the only metric the group will use to measure the success of the conference.

Executive Director Dina Clark will consider the conference a success "if people walk away with a resource, a new contact and some information that they've never heard before that will assist them with their current role with their company."

WPDI board chairman J.W. Wallace spoke in terms of laying a foundation for the next conference.

"Next time, the key component will be 'Where has the difference been? What change have I made?' " he said. "It's about not just coming and enjoying yourself and talking. It's actually taking what you've learned and applying what you've learned."

For more information about conference, visit www.wpdiversity.org.

The Western Pennsylvania Diversity Initiative arose from the work of Eric Cottle and Mr. Spolar, who were co-chairs of the community outreach task force of the Allegheny County Bar Association's Diversity Initiative in the early 2000s. Their long-term goals included getting together with other professionals who shared a concern for diversity.

They began meeting with members of associations such as the Allegheny County Medical Society and the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The initiative was formed in the summer of 2005, and hosted its first event that September.

"An Evening at Dowe's," held at the now-defunct Downtown jazz club, featured a panel discussion on diversity that included broadcaster Chris Moore and Campos Inc. CEO Yvonne Campos, and provided a networking opportunity for local professionals.

In April 2006, the group sponsored a half-day seminar on diversity within professions at UPMC Shadyside, and in August 2007, it joined with the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh to provide the educational component for the DiverCity Festival, a four-day celebration of diversity.

In an ideal world, there might eventually be no need for such a group. But in the real world, Ms. Clark said, "I hope the organization evolves with the companies we serve as diversity and inclusion evolve."

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