Workplace diversity conference rescheduled for September at Hempfield casino

A workplace diversity conference originally slated for May at Live Casino Pittsburgh in Hempfield has been rescheduled for next month.

The “Make It Matter Regional Conference” — now scheduled for Sept. 19 and 20 at the casino’s Venue Live event space — will feature a variety of speakers and workshops focused on the role diversity plays in business success.

The conference was organized by the Westmoreland Diversity Coalition.

Featured speakers include Melanie Miller, a national strategist with expertise in engagement and inclusion, and Jim Link, the human resources officer for the Society for Human Resource Management.

Other speakers include Heather McLean, outreach coordinator for Mental Health America of Southwestern PA; Lyzona Marshall, assistant professor of business at Seton Hill University; Jeffrey Abramowitz, director of employee and volunteer engagement for the Westmoreland Food Bank; and Ryan Wynett, exhibit manager for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Westmoreland County Commissioner Ted Kopas will moderate an open discussion on the diversity and inclusion issues discussed by the speakers.

A schedule of events can be found at makeitmatter.info/schedule/.

Attendees can earn professional development credits through the Society for Human Resource Management.

One-day passes can be purchased for $150 and two-day passes can be purchased for $250 until Aug. 31 — after which tickets will increase to $200 for a one-day pass and $350 for a two-day pass.

Attendees also will receive a ticket to a Sept. 27 talk at the casino by Rocky Bleier, former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient.