Ron Busby, Sr. brings a rare blend of private‑sector leadership and lifelong commitment to community economic development. A former successful business owner and nationally recognized CEO, he is a leading advocate for Black‑owned businesses and has served on prominent corporate and public sector boards, including the Pfizer Small Business Council, the SBA Council on Underserved Communities, and the White House African American Leadership Council. His corporate career includes leadership roles at Exxon, Xerox, IBM, and Coca‑Cola USA, as well as five years as President of the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce.

David Pogue, one of the most respected voices on technology, innovation, and the future of work, will take the keynote stage at the 2026 Summit, bringing clarity, insight, and humor to the challenges employers and workers face in a rapidly changing economy. David is known for making complex ideas accessible and actionable — especially at the intersection of technology, workplace culture, and human-centered innovation.

What audiences say:

"David delivered a home run keynote for our attendees."

- Healthcare Financial Management Association

"His insights were engaging and perfectly tailored to the audience."

- Tanglewood Total Wealth Management

"David’s presentation was met with high praise."

- LabCorp

One Size Fits None: How Artificial Intelligence Personalizes Learning & Development for Neurodiverse Teams

Most organizational Learning & Development programs are still built around a single, standardized learner. In this hands-on workshop, HR leaders and employers will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way organizations deliver development experiences to help neurodiverse teams think clearly and make good decisions in high-stress environments. From AI-powered onboarding to adaptive learning platforms, this session moves beyond accommodation to reframe neurodiversity as a competitive advantage. Attendees gain a deeper understanding of AI applications and a concrete action plan they can implement immediately to enhance their Learning & Development initiatives.

Who Is My Neighbor? Moving Beyond Insularity as a Mechanism for Economic Mobility

Insularity is not just a social phenomenon. It is an economic one. Drawing on the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer, this session examines how the narrowing of our networks and neighborhoods limits who rises and who is invited into opportunity — and what we can do about it: brokering trust, deepening regional collaboration, targeted policy change, and slowing down enough to actually know each other. …then we move from data to practice. Through Elizabeth Alexander's Praise Song for the Day, participants will move into small groups to sit with her words and with each other — stanza by stanza — reflecting on the question at the heart of this work: Who is my neighbor? You will leave with an understanding of the impact of insularity on economic mobility, new ideas, and possibly a new connection.

From Classroom to Career: School, Business, and Community Partnerships Powering Career Pathways

Ensuring that students move seamlessly from education into meaningful careers requires more than isolated programs—it demands intentional, cross-sector collaboration. This panel brings together leaders from K–12 education, industry, workforce development, and youth-serving organizations to explore how schools, employers, and community partners are aligning strategy, resources, and accountability to build effective career pathways. Panelists will share real-world examples of partnerships that are expanding access to internships, apprenticeships, career exploration, and work-based learning—particularly for students and young adults historically underrepresented in high-growth and high-opportunity fields. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of what it takes to connect classroom learning to labor market opportunities, and practical insights for strengthening career pathways through sustained, employer-informed collaboration.

As organizations navigate a period of heightened scrutiny and shifting expectations around diversity and inclusion, leaders at all levels continue to play a critical role in sustaining progress and shaping workplace culture. This closing plenary brings together senior HR leaders from across sectors to explore how they are advancing inclusive talent and workplace strategies grounded in values, accountability, and business outcomes—without losing momentum or purpose. Moderated by Dr. Ruben L. Anthony, Jr., the discussion will focus on practical approaches to leadership, culture, and decision making that support strong teams, opportunity, and organizational resilience, while looking ahead to what’s needed to move inclusion forward with clarity and confidence.