Join the Independence Business Alliance (LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce for the Greater Philadelphia Region) on March 27, 2024 for a panel discussion ERGs (employee resource groups): The Power of Community. Join us to learn how Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) leaders and members can partner with internal and external stakeholders to influence organizational culture, policies, and benefits to foster a welcoming and inclusive workplace for our LGBTQ+ community.

Objective of panel:

  • All attendees will gain practical tips for partnering with internal and external stakeholders to influence company policies and benefits that provide a more inclusive and equitable workplace through ERG strategic initiatives.

Who is this panel for?

  • Established ERGs (employee resource groups)
  • Aspirational ERGs (those who are looking to start an ERG in their company or are just starting out an ERG)
  • Anyone that this topic may appeal to! This is not only for those in ERGs; if you're simply interested in attending in learning, you are very welcome to attend! 

Format of this event:

  • This event will run from 6pm-8pm on March 27, 2024
  • The first hour will be a time to network with those in attendance, panelists, moderator, and IBA Board and Staff members
  • Panel will run from 7-7:30pm, with closing remarks and wrap-up networking from 7:30-8pm.

This panel is open to all and registration is free! Please be sure to register ahead of the event so we have have an accurate registration list. 

Thank you to our Corporate Partners, Independence Blue Cross, for hosting us for this panel discussion!

 

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Independence Blue Cross

1901 Market Street, 14th Floor Conference Room

Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

 

Panel Moderator:

Mars Sharrock (They/Them/Theirs or He/Him/His) – Program Director at The Wardrobe is a nonprofit leadership professional with 10+ years’ experience in client and program services. He currently is the Program Director of The Wardrobe, a Southeastern PA local clothing nonprofit aiming to eliminate clothing insecurity by providing good quality free clothing to those who need it. Formerly he was the Program Director of a Philadelphia recovery & reentry cycling nonprofit and has participated in the La Salle Leadership Learning Circle and continuing education in Trauma Informed Care. His professional passions include basic needs access for all community members, prison reform and abolition, and domestic violence services. Sharrock is also on the board of the Independence Business Alliance, involved with TransWork, and on the Steering Committee of their local Community Garden. 

 

Panelists

Moxi Stern (She/Her/Hers) is a Senior Copywriter at Independence Blue Cross (IBX), where she has authored several blogs on LGBTQIA+ health disparities and other topics relevant to the LGBTQIA+ community. She has served as one of the co-leads of IBX’s PRIDE Associate Resource Group since January 2023 and has participated in several LGBTQIA+ panel discussions to shed light on the experience of marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA+. 

Carlo Castruccio Castracani, (He/Him/His) -- PharmD PhD - Clinical Research Study Manager | Division of Hematology – The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

(CAR-loh kah-STROO-choh kah-STRAH-kah-nee) 

After completing his Pharmacy degree in 2016 and earning a Ph.D. in Neurosciences from the University of Catania (Italy) in 2019, Dr. Castruccio joined CHOP as a Postdoctoral Fellow in March 2020. He has since been promoted to Research Associate Scientist I and, in October 2023, to Clinical Research Study Manager. In his current role, he is responsible for managing research projects, which may include multiple clinical trials or studies of varying complexity. He trains and directs staff to handle research administration and identifies adequate coverage for staff across projects. Dr. Castruccio also manages procurement and budgets for clinical trial studies.

At CHOP, Dr. Castruccio is the Co-Executive Officer of PRIDE, the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group. He joined the ERG in 2020, assumed the role of Workforce Development and Recruiting Officer in 2021, and was later selected to share the role of Co-Executive Officer in July 2023.

Jason D. Evans (He/Him/His)

Jason recently completed an MPA from the University of Pennsylvania Fels Institute of Government. In addition, Jason also holds a BA in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania and a Certificate in Law from Penn Law School. Currently, Jason is the Manager of Supplier Diversity for TD Bank. Jason is also a graduate teaching assistant at Penn Fels, and he owns and operates his own consulting and government relations business, J D Evans Solutions LLC. Jason has almost ten years of experience in supplier diversity and procurement, specializing in developing programming and opportunities for minority and diverse businesses. By bringing challenging issues to light and collaborating with other leaders and legislators to solve the most challenging problems in the Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ Communities, Jason is in high demand as a liaison and community activist.  

Jason’s recent honors include City & State Pennsylvania’s 2023 50 over 50 and Pride Power 100 lists, as well as the 2022 Community Heroes Award from the DVLF for his exceptional humanitarian work in addressing complex issues and collaborating with other leaders and legislators.

 

Iveliz R. Crespo (They/Them/Theirs) is a DEI executive with over a decade invested in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Their journey has been a tapestry woven with multifaceted programs and impactful projects. Being at the forefront of initiatives focused on fostering belonging and embracing differences has been both a passion and a commitment for them.

 

Their expertise lies in not just spearheading these initiatives but in crafting strategies that resonate across functions, touching every aspect of the organization.

 

Their career achievements truly stand as testaments to their commitment and impact in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion: This includes, 

  • Producing a podcast that garnered recognition from Business Insider as a must-listen regarding race and white privilege is a remarkable feat. Being acknowledged in such a respected publication underscores the relevance and impact of their work, especially in the crucial realm of discussions about diversity and inclusion.

  •  Spearheading the City of Philadelphia Law Department's involvement in the Mansfield Rule Program signifies groundbreaking progress. Being the first municipal legal department to join this initiative not only sets a precedent but also highlights a commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering inclusivity in unconventional spaces.

  •   Launching a successful series that drew in over 700 attendees is no small feat. Achieving an outstanding 85% satisfaction rate, with attendees rating the content as excellent or very good, reflects the quality and relevance of the program.

IBA ERG Panel: The Power of Community

  • March 27, 2024
  • 1901 Market Street
    14th Floor Conference Room
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    United States
    19103