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Join us for an enriching and insightful experience at the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference, proudly presented by PNC. Taking place on April 2nd, 2024, this dynamic event is brought to you in partnership with our regional chambers.

Designed to empower and nurture the talents of our area's professionals, this day-long conference promises to be both informative and inspiring. We've curated a lineup of exceptional speakers from our region who will share their expertise and perspectives on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. Join us at the THINK Center in Downtown Wilkes-Barre, where thought-provoking discussions and engaging networking opportunities await. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative dialogue that will shape the future of our community and workforce.

Reserve your spot today for the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference. We look forward to seeing you there!

Introducing our Keynote Speaker: Lt. Governor Austin Davis!

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis is the youngest Lieutenant Governor in the country and the first Black Lieutenant Governor in Commonwealth history. Inspired by the history-makers who came before – leaders like Pennsylvania House Speaker K. Leroy Irvis and state Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Nix Jr. – Austin is determined to motivate a new generation of public servants to break even more barriers. 

Austin’s path to the second-highest office in the Commonwealth started in McKeesport, a former steel town in western Pennsylvania. Growing up, he watched his mom – a hairdresser for more than 40 years – juggle raising a family with putting food on the table, and he watched his dad work hard as a union bus driver. At the age of 16, Austin was living in McKeesport when gun violence came to their doorstep. After a shooting in his neighborhood, he got involved in his community, starting a youth advisory council with the mayor and a youth gun violence prevention program at his high school. 

Austin went on to study political science at the University of Pittsburgh, becoming a first-generation college graduate before pursuing a career in public service. He returned to McKeesport to work for the Allegheny County executive. In that role he helped create the first violence prevention office within the Allegheny Department of Health. By the age of 21, he had earned praise from the Tribune-Review, which called him “a veteran at the politics of helping others.” 

In 2018, Austin successfully ran for the state House of Representatives to represent the Mon Valley and his hometown of McKeesport, becoming the first African American to represent his legislative district. As Lieutenant Governor, Austin presides over the Pennsylvania Senate, chairs the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, leads the Local Government Advisory Committee, and is the chair of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council. Gov. Josh Shapiro has also appointed Austin to chair the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. 

While serving as lieutenant governor, Austin is focused on combating the epidemic of gun violence, supporting small and minority-owned businesses, advocating for working-class Pennsylvanians and being a champion for communities that feel like they’ve been left behind. Austin currently resides in Allegheny County with his wife, Blayre Holmes Davis. They’ve recently welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Harper.

(The Lt. Governor reserves the right to modify attendance in the event of a conflict or unforeseen obligation.)