Inaugural Inclusivity Summit at College of Saint Scholastica

DULUTH, Minn.– Enhancing inclusivity in both the workplace and the community was highlighted today in a gathering at Saint Scholastica.

The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with Saint Scholastica and Lake Superior College for the Inaugural Inclusion Summit.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded a $190,000 grant to the Chamber of Commerce last summer.

In a time when decisions surrounding DEI events are uncertain, this funding secures seminars like this.

Community members and instructors alike got to discuss what it means to draw a larger circle, in your inner circle of peers.

“It’s amazing. I think it’s a reflection of where our world is. And regardless of where people see things or don’t see things, I want people to know that there’s always a space for people to be connected to like-minded individuals, said Jesse Ross, a speaker at this event. “I think it’s very helpful for people to see that there’s like-minded individuals that really want to make change and help serve people in their community.”

The Director of Membership Development and DEI for the Duluth Chamber of Commerce told FOX 21, with DEI opportunities being cut, this is something the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce is trying to avoid in our community.

“The Chamber really remains resolute to advancing diversity equity and inclusion in our community, no matter what landscape we’re facing. Our partners in this work, the College of Saint Scholastica and especially Lake Superior college who has been a huge advocate of DEI, in organization and alongside us to plan this program today. We are not stopping this work. We remain as committed to it as ever,” said Aubrey Hagen, The Director of Membership, Development, and DEI for the Duluth Chamber of Commerce.

Hagen also said by involving several schools in the seminar, it could be a big deciding factor for anyone thinking about moving to Duluth for school.