Rachael Breck is the senior director of talent management at Gallup. She leads Gallup’s global talent consulting division, which includes client-facing CliftonStrengths® coaches and talent analysts, helping Gallup’s clients select and coach their top talent for top performance. Rachael also leads Gallup’s global talent resources team, focusing on recruiting and hiring strategies in selecting associates who bring their talent to Gallup. Rachael is passionate about building thriving teams internally at Gallup and with our global clients across industries. She is responsible for the strategy, delivery and alignment of resources for Gallup’s Hiring Analytics practice. She brings teams together and plans for the future by optimizing processes to drive excellence. Rachael has extensive expertise in people and process management and working with associates across various roles and levels of experience. She has a master’s degree in management from Bellevue University and bachelor’s degrees in finance and economics from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

As the Founder and CEO of Mindpower Strategic, Angela Cooper empowers organizations to create inclusive, high-performing cultures. With over 20 years of experience in business strategy and change management, Angela is a recognized leader in driving organizational health and performance. She speaks, teaches, and consults on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, serving as a trusted advisor for business leaders committed to fostering positive change.

As an immigrant from Iran, Dr. Fagan has first hand experience with being stereotyped.  As the head of Diversity and Cultural Competence at Bryan Health from 1999-2008, she has first hand experience with the herculean efforts involved in creating inclusive organizations. As a researcher and professor, she has first hand experience with teaching and researching what it takes to develop an inclusive mindset.  As a consultant and executive coach she’d guided others on their journey.

Sam has a passion for leadership development and inclusion. This has guided her work within consulting and talent solutions through building diverse teams, strategizing solutions to complex problems, and developing others. She has earned her Master’s degree in Leadership Education, as well as co-authored research on inclusive leadership published in the Journal of Leadership Education in 2022. In 2023, she and her team launched the Becoming Inclusive Journey, a twelve-month inclusive leader development process for strengthening emotional intelligence and the attributes of inclusive leaders. She leans into this work alongside Dr. Helen Fagan for the simple reason: Because People Matter.

Dean of Arts and Sciences and Professor of English at Creighton University. A champion for the transformational power of the liberal arts, Bridget has led efforts to improve student success, develop innovative, Interdisciplinary curriculum, and support faculty and student research.  She serves on the national board of Phi Beta Kappa, is a member of the Executive Committee of the board of ACAD (American Council of Academic Deans) and editor of the ACAD Leader and serves locally on the board of Marian High School.

Professor of Communication Studies and the A.F. Jacobson Chair in Communication at Creighton University. She is an advocate for inclusivity and belonging in higher education, organizations, and society. She studies and publishes in the areas of diversity|equity|inclusion|belonging, the intersections of working and personal life, and social change. She teaches courses on race, social justice, organizations, and communication and has trained and facilitated for numerous organizations on these topics. She also teaches Jazzercise and is a proud parent to Meredith and Sam. 

Jimez Ashby Jr. is an Industrial-Organization Psychology and HR/DEIA Practitioner who embodies the spirit of innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey is not just a tale of professional progression but a testament to the transformative power of strategic insight combined with a human-centric approach. Jimez’s expertise stretches across the vast expanse of – to include human capital, holistic organizational growth, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA), digital transformation and human experience optimization.

Mark Booker co-founded GoodGames and has a degree in Communications with a minor in Psychology. That has allowed him to design sessions using social gamification and interactive elements as he has an uncanny ability to turn any content or subject material into an experience participants will never forget. With over 20 years of facilitation experience, Mark works with clients (like The World Bank, World Economic Forum, International Monetary Fund) to ensure their strategic objectives are met by creating experiences around learning and education goals or adapting existing presentations or curriculum to inject creativity and immersive experiences.

Dr. Laura Brooks Dueland earned her doctorate in Industrial Organizational Psychology with a focus in DEI from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Laura co-founded Inclusion Analytics where she leads projects including compensation studies, data program evaluations, and other data-driven solutions. The Inclusion Analytics team developed DEI assessments targeting organizational policies and employee perceptions that have been used by more than 100 companies across industries and sectors.

Dr. Jaketra Bryant: globally recognized Diversity Strategic Leadership Coach, Consultant, and Licensed Professional Counselor. Empowers individuals through personal transformations, featured in Upscale Magazine and Weightlessdate.com. Radio host, author, and trainer, inspiring compassion across races and genders. Personalized programs address personal and business growth, described as life-changing by clients.

Aimee Gibson is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and former consulting executive with over 20 years of experience. She is sought after as a talented executive coach, consultant, facilitator, and speaker. Aimee has worked in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, representing a wide range of industries. She works internationally and for small and large local and geographically dispersed companies. Aimee is grounded in her values of integrity, learning and growth, inclusivity, well-being, and collaboration.

Marisa Hattab dedicates herself to transforming workforce culture and refining employee engagement strategies. Leading Marisa Hattab LLC, she specializes in fostering dynamic team dynamics, boosting workplace morale, and guiding purposeful leadership. With over eight years of expertise spanning nonprofit and corporate sectors, Marisa delivers tailored services, including dynamic training, conflict management, and leadership assessments. With a proven track record impacting over 10,000 individuals and 50+ organizations, she champions lasting transformations, promoting collaboration and sustainable success.

Matthew Huston (he/him/his) is a proud queer, Chicago-based employee development and DEIB professional. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison and his Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from the University of Hartford. He facilitates with a national DEIB club and has spoken on various soft skills, including communication, career development, burnout, and bias, all through a DEIB lens. He is a forever learner, striving to meet people where they are and empowering them to excel.

Ralph Kellogg is a passionate advocate for workplace mental health, and a senior executive in the human resources field. With a focus on fostering well-being within organizations, Ralph brings extensive experience and expertise to the forefront of organizational development. Ralph’s commitment to promoting a supportive and inclusive work environment has earned him recognition as a leader in the human resources field, driving positive change and empowering individuals to thrive professionally and personally.

Demi Kulper is a dedicated advocate for empowering young leaders and fostering inclusive environments. In her role as the Social Impact and Communications Coordinator at Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska, Demi passionately shares Girl Scout stories while spearheading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Her commitment to creating equitable spaces is reflected in her daily work where she strives to ensure every voice is heard and valued.

Demi’s dedication to DEI extends beyond her professional endeavors. She actively supports LGBTQIA+ communities and champions mental health advocacy. As the Vice President of the Board of Directors of OutNebraska, a member of Big Feels Lab Advisory Board, and member of the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board , Demi works tirelessly to promote inclusivity and provide resources for marginalized groups. Additionally, she brings joy and unity to her community as a member of the River City Mixed Chorus, Omaha’s LGBTQ+ chorus. Demi has also served on the CODE Conference Planning Committee for two years and has found the experience to be profoundly impactful in enhancing her leadership skills. 

Her multifaceted approach to advocacy is grounded in a deep belief that everyone deserves a space where they can thrive. Demi’s efforts in promoting DEI are not just about creating opportunities but also about building lasting relationships and nurturing a sense of belonging.

Request during registration if needed.

Designated priority seating is available in various areas of each breakout speaker room for anyone needing closer access to the stage/speaker area.

If attendees need closer access in the main sessions, please contact the Events Team to make these arrangements.

CHI Health Center has a Lactation Pod located on the 1st Floor of their building. Please see the Info Hub for more questions.

Available upon request at Registration or at the Info Hub throughout the day.

To notify others of your comfort level, stickers will be available in our Registration space for your name badges.

Colors include:

• Green – I’m okay with high-fives & handshakes.
• Yellow – I’m okay with talking, but not touching.
• Red – Hi, I’m keeping my distance.

Pronoun stickers are a great way to assist with introductions and prevent mis-gendering. Add personal pronouns to your name badge found in the Registration space. Stickers include: He/Him/His, She/Her/Hers, and They/Them/Theirs and blank ones for personalized pronouns.