2025 Step Up KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Morning KEYNOTE: Amira Barger,
Executive Vice President | Head of DEI Advisory | Health Communications | Edelman
Beyond Nice: Advancing Health Equity with Nerve & Disruption
Join us for an electrifying keynote session with Amira Barger, the award-winning Executive Vice President at Edelman and a leading voice in DEI and strategic communications. Amira will delve into the powerful theme of her upcoming book, "The Price of Nice," set to be released in October 2025.
In her talk, Amira will challenge us to rethink the concept of "nice" and how it can obscure power dynamics, perpetuate inequities, and hinder transformative change. She will introduce the concept of nerve—the courage to confront discomfort, speak truth to power, and disrupt the status quo. Amira will empower us to recognize and dismantle systemic barriers, emphasizing that we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable world.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a thought leader who combines deep expertise with a passion for social justice. Amira's insights will not only inspire you but also equip you with the tools to drive meaningful change in your own spheres of influence.
Get ready to be moved, motivated, and mobilized by Amira Barger's powerful message!
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Amira Barger is an award-winning Executive Vice President at Edelman, the world's largest global communications firm, offering top-tier reputation management and communications counsel globally. Recently honored as Woman of the Year by Women Health Care Executives and listed among 50/50 Women on Boards' Top 50 Women to Watch for 2024-2025, Amira is a recognized thought leader with over 20 years of experience in strategic communications.
Her expertise spans pharma/healthcare communications, corporate branding, social media, media relations, team management, sustainability, and DEI. Amira has worked with notable clients like CVS Health, Pfizer, Genentech, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kaiser Permanente, Nike and FEMA. She is a data-informed, organizational architect who leverages design thinking to advance DEI and solve complex challenges.
Amira is also a professor at California State University East Bay and lectures at UCSF. She leverages design thinking to advance DEI and solve complex challenges. Before joining Edelman, she was Senior Vice President at Ogilvy, supporting equity-centered practices for diverse clients. Her nonprofit work includes roles at the Public Health Institute and Feeding America.
Amira is a contributor to MSNBC, Fast Company, and more. She is also the author of "The Price of Nice: Why Comfort Keeps Us Stuck—And 4 Tactics for Real Change," set to be released in October 2025. She writes extensively on topics like Black women in the workplace, Black motherhood, and steps toward Black liberation.
In her spare time, Amira and her family are avid travelers, collecting stamps in their National Park Service Passport Cancellation Book with a goal to visit all 417 national parks in the U.S. She lives in Benicia, CA, with her life partner of over 20 years, Jonathan, their daughter Audrey, and their two beloved dogs, Bucky and Potato.
Actively involved in professional organizations and community service, Amira serves on several boards and contributes thought leadership through various platforms.
Discover more about her work here: www.clippings.me/users/amirabarger
Afternoon KEYNOTE: Grant Harris, MBA, GTH Consulting LLC
Neurodiversity in the Workplace from the Boardroom to the Mailroom
Join us for an inspiring afternoon keynote with Grant Harris as he explores the powerful impact of neurodiversity in the workplace. In his talk, "Neurodiversity in the Workplace: From the Boardroom to the Mailroom," Grant will challenge us to envision a world where every brain, no matter how it operates, is irreplaceable.
Discover how embracing neurodiversity can fuel innovation, strengthen resilience, and shape the journeys of all employees—from strategic leaders to those navigating daily challenges. Grant will dive into the transformative power of neurodivergent thinking and being, revealing:
Why Neuroinclusion Works for Everyone: Learn how companies that embrace cognitive diversity see higher productivity and innovation rates.
Leadership Lessons from Real-World Neuroinclusive Environments: Hear impactful examples from Fortune 500 companies and practical strategies your business can implement today.
How Small Changes Can Create Big Outcomes: Be amazed by the outcomes when organizations adapt to different ways of thinking.
Grant will pose the big question: Is your organization ready to see neuroinclusivity as a gateway to opportunity, not a roadblock? Some ideas may seem simple, while others will push you out of your comfort zone—that's the point. Together, we'll explore actionable steps to create workplaces where everyone can thrive, regardless of how their brains process the world.
It's time to 'Step Up'. Let’s build organizations that truly reflect the unique strengths of every mind in the room. Join Grant Harris in April and let's move your business "From Compliance to Community"™.
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Grant Harris is the founder and president of GTH Consulting, LLC, a boutique management consulting firm offering customized Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), organizational development, and human capital services to public and private clients. Grant is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®), 3X published autistic author, consultant, speaker, and corporate board member. His work helps institutions move “From Compliance to Community”™ to achieve organizational excellence while promoting neurodiversity in the workplace, from the boardroom to the mailroom.
His experience spans the federal government, K12 and higher education, global corporations, and small nonprofits, reflecting his comprehensive and adaptable approach to various organizational needs. Mr. Harris is a planner, strategist, facilitator, and skilled communicator, focusing on the intent and impact of DEIA principles in workplace practices. His ability to guide organizations through small and large organizational transitions has made him a sought-after consultant for strategic planning and implementation of short- to long-range DEIA goals.
Grant's passion for DEIA is more than professional; it's personal. Living with a disability, he recognizes the power of inclusion and the importance of equipping others with the tools to overcome obstacles. Embracing a #WeNotMe philosophy, his journey is a testament to the unifying force of DEIA, enriching lives and creating a sense of belonging for all.
Grant holds a BA in Psychology from the Virginia Military Institute, an MBA in Organizational Psychology & Development from the American Intercontinental University, and a Post Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership & Administration from George Washington University. He is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®) by the Institute of Diversity Certification, Diversity Management certified by the Management and Strategy Institute, and Pixel 360 Leadership Assessment certified by Pixel Leadership Group.
Learn more about Grant and his work here: https://linktr.ee/GTH_Consulting