In the past decade, we saw a marked shift in the initiatives of many businesses and organizations to embrace and elevate programs supporting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, from internal initiatives such as employee resource groups to external messaging and branding. The addition of a DEI officer in a company’s leadership structure went from an anomaly to a norm. More recently, however, sweeping backlash against DEI in industries, including in higher education and Big Tech has resulted in DEI positions being eliminated, programs abruptly canceled, and the leaders of prestigious academic institutions questioned on Capitol Hill. So, what happened? And what does this backlash mean for the intended beneficiaries of these initiatives, and the future of our community and our country?
Discussion topics will include:
- DEI in the workplace: Is it working?
- Recently, we have seen the divestiture of DEI programs across industries, including Big Tech and higher education; in November 2024, Walmart rolled back its significant DEI policies. What are the reasons behind these changes, and what will the impact be on our businesses and our communities?
Meet our CFO (Chief Facilitating Officer)
Henry Posko led Howard County-based nonprofit Humanim for four decades; under his leadership, Humanim evolved from its beginnings serving adults with developmental disabilities in Howard County to become a major regional service provider whose focus includes workforce development, developmental disability, behavioral health, and youth services.
Henry has received numerous honors and awards, including being named to the Maryland Business Hall of Fame by the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, named Innovator of the Year by the Maryland Daily Record, receiving the Wave Maker Award as a Developer from the Urban Land Institute, and the Associated Black Charities Champion Award for his leadership of Humanim’s work promoting racial and economic equity. He is a former Chair of The Horizon Foundation, Leadership Maryland, and Maryland Works. He has served on the boards of many institutions, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, MICA, and Revere Bank.
Henry is a graduate of the University of Baltimore, received his master’s degree from what is now Loyola University Maryland, and earned his PhD in Organizational Development from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
