The Inclusion Reckoning: What Got Us Here Won’t Get Us There
Inclusion had a moment. But was it a movement?
This candid conversation unpacks the current state of inclusion across creative, corporate, insights, and cultural sectors. What are the unspoken truths about what’s working—and what’s not? What are the risks of stalling out, losing public trust, or leaving behind the very communities inclusion efforts were meant to uplift?
Our panelists are strategists, storytellers, and executives who’ve built programs, changed hiring practices, shifted narratives, powered initiatives, and pushed for accountability. Together, they’ll reflect on what inclusion needs to look like now: honest, dynamic, community-centered, and future-facing.
This isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about rebuilding the system
Featured Panelists & Their Lens:
Adrienne L. Lucas – The Culture Builder
A community-first strategist shaping inclusive ecosystems in the creative industries. Adrienne leads one of the largest diversity conferences in advertising and designs programs that don’t just open doors—they help people thrive once they’re in the room. She brings sharp insight into how creative activism, cultural strategy, and intentional partnership design can turn inclusion into impact that actually sticks.
Chesley Maddox-Dorsey – The Executive Insider
A media powerhouse and CEO who’s led at the intersection of ownership, leadership, and systemic change. Chesley brings decades of perspective on what real representation looks like behind the scenes—and how executive decision-making must evolve if inclusion is to be more than performative.
Janelle James – The Systems Strategist
A trusted advisor and narrative expert who helps brands navigate crisis, culture, communications, and opportunities with authenticity. Janelle offers a sharp, systems-level view of where inclusion efforts tend to stall—and how we can build more resilient, accountable, and human-centered practices moving forward.