How to Communicate About DEI and Social Justice Issues: The Fine Art of Not Saying Stupid Sh*t
Once upon a time, companies stayed out of social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) situations. Today, customers and employees expect to be seen, heard, and valued. They expect businesses and their leaders to be transparent about DEI efforts, take a stand on social justice issues, and demonstrate how they’re making the world a better place. Misalignment between what a company says and what it actually does destroys credibility and leads to a host of other consequences, including brand reputation damage, high attrition, difficulty attracting talent, lawsuits, boycotts, loss of market share, and more.
DEI and social justice communications is a new and required skill set for communicators. The key to success is to embed them in your processes from the very beginning. We must acknowledge unconscious bias and learn to think and act beyond ourselves and our own limited experiences.
September 15, 2022
Noon - 1:00 p.m. Eastern
During their September 15 program, Janet Stovall and Kim Clark will discuss the why, what, when, and how to communicate DEI and social justice subjects. They'll introduce a practical tool to help companies craft DEI and social justice and communications aligned with their mission, vision, and values – consistently, proactively, and in ways that are powerful rather than performative.
DEI touches every part of the organization beyond communications, from marketing to sales, human resources to technology. Social justice is no longer something that happens ‘out there, somewhere.’ The business world has the best potential to usher in change that’s long overdue – and now is the time to do it.
About the Speakers
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Janet M. Stovall
DEI Pragmatist, Speaker, Award-winning writer, Social Impact Warrior
Global speaker, facilitator, writer and consultant Janet M. Stovall helps businesses dismantle systemic inequity, especially where it intersects with race. Global Head of DEI at the NeuroLeadership Institute and founder of the DEI consultancy, Pragmatic Diversity, Janet brings deep expertise around DEI communications practices and principles that drive change and build culture in large, complex organizations. She helps leaders shape DEI visions; devise strategies to achieve them; and secure the collective buy-in and accountability needed to make them a reality. Her three TED talks challenging businesses to get serious about inclusion have 2.5 million views.
Kim Clark
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Communications Educator and Consultant
Kim Clark has focused her career on messaging, audiences and how communications shape people's experiences. Her career spans documentary filmmaking, agency partnerships with the Discovery Channel, and leading global internal communication teams at KLA, PayPal, GoDaddy and GitHub. She is known for her ability to facilitate sensitive and yet urgent conversations to make meaningful progress in creating inclusive workplaces. She speaks at conferences, runs custom workshops, and consults with companies on all things diversity, equity and inclusion communications related. She lives in California with her two cats, two kids, and one girlfriend.
Heritage Region
IABC Heritage Region, the northeast region of IABC, supports IABC's mission by serving region members by providing guidance, support, and development opportunities for chapter leaders; fostering growth within the region; and serving as a communication conduit between members, chapters, and the IABC Executive Board. The IABC Heritage Region serves members in 17 U.S. states plus Washington, D.C.
The region covers Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
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Read moreBoard of Directors
| President Alexandra Spooner |
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Alex leads the Communications team at AmeriGas, where she is responsible for the design, execution and continuous improvement of the overall communication strategy in support of the Company’s business objectives. Her role includes overseeing the planning, development and distribution of all internal communications, identifying process efficiencies within the department and establishing Communications business-partner relationships with other corporate functions. Alex has more than 14 years of experience in corporate communications, in areas including employee communication and Public Relations. She spent most of her career at Pep Boys, one of the nation’s leading automotive aftermarket chains, in communications roles of progressive responsibility. Most recently, she served as the Director of Communications. She was responsible all facets of internal communication for more than 20,000 employees in stores, support centers, field organizations and distribution centers across the country and in Puerto Rico. In addition, she led Media Relations and Public Relations activities for the Company. Alex holds a B.A. in Public Relations and a B.A. in French language and culture from Penn State. She likes to exercise and spend time with her family.
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| President-Elect Rick Alcantara |
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Rick Alcantara is executive communications director at Princeton Strategic Communications where he helps clients prepare and test their crisis communications programs. Previously, he founded Tara Communications LLC, a digital marketing agency, led social media marketing for USI Affinity and taught public relations courses at Rowan University. Rick is a member of PRSA’s Counselor’s Academy, past president of the Philadelphia Chapter of PRSA, a two-time PRSA national committee co-chair, and a member of the St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia. He coached youth soccer for 24 years in Southern New Jersey. He holds a master's degree in public relations from Rowan University and a bachelor's degree in communications from Susquehanna University. Rick Alcantara LinkedIn Profile
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Immediate Past President Michael Smith |
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Michael Smith is the Corporate Director of Communications for Acts Retirement-Life Communities, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit providers of senior housing and services, where he leads internal and external communications strategies including brand communications, executive and employee communications, public and media relations, digital/social media, and crisis communications. Michael has more than 20 years of corporate communications and public relations leadership experience in both the private and nonprofit fields. He is a graduate of Temple University and a member of the International Association of Business Communicators and the Public Relations Society of America. |
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Board Member Emeritus Bill Seiberlich |
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Bill Seiberlich, is president of Wedgewood Communications Services, a writing, editing, and communications services company. Bill was part of the corporate communications department of Saint-Gobain Corporation, the world’s largest building materials company, for more than 30 years, where he was involved in employee communications, public relations and corporate philanthropy. He has been a member of IABC since 1983, serving first on the Board of Directors of IABC Lehigh Valley and then on the IABC Philadelphia board since 1988. Bill Seiberlich LinkedIn Profile
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President-Elect Rick Alcantara |
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Rick Alcantara is executive communications director at Princeton Strategic Communications where he helps clients prepare and test their crisis communications programs. Previously, he founded Tara Communications LLC, a digital marketing agency, led social media marketing for USI Affinity and taught public relations courses at Rowan University. Rick is a member of PRSA’s Counselor’s Academy, past president of the Philadelphia Chapter of PRSA, a two-time PRSA national committee co-chair, and a member of the St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia. He coached youth soccer for 24 years in Southern New Jersey. He holds a master's degree in public relations from Rowan University and a bachelor's degree in communications from Susquehanna University. Rick Alcantara LinkedIn Profile
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VP of Programs Donna Cusano |
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Donna has more than 30 years of award-winning communications experience, both internal and external, in the financial services and pharmaceutical arenas. She currently heads U.S. Primary Care Sales Communications at Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, where she leads the development and implementation of strategic communications for the diabetes and cardiovascular field force, as well as executive communications for sales leadership. Donna holds an M.S. in Communications Management from Syracuse University and a B.A. in Communications from Seton Hall University. She also holds a graduate certificate in Organizational Leadership from Rosemont College. She is also a volunteer with the Association of Change Management Professionals.
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Member-at-Large Cathy Toner |
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Cathy is the Assistant Dean for Talent and Staff Development, Community and External Outreach at the Villanova School of Business (VSB) at Villanova University. She is responsible for all communications and marketing for VSB including alumni and advisory council communications, media relations, advertising, sponsorships, marketing of all graduate and entrepreneurial programs including executive and online programs, and rankings communications. She also leads and manages talent development and community and external outreach for the School. She was previously the Director of Communication and Marketing at VSB. During her tenure, the VSB BusinessWeek undergraduate ranking improved from #13 to #1 and the online graduate programs are ranked #2 in the nation by US News & World Report. Graduate enrollment has nearly doubled, from 700 to almost 1,200 students in the past five years. Media hits have increased from 455 to over 3,000 in six years, including national publications and networks such as AP, CNN, NPR, Bloomberg Businessweek, Reuters, and Forbes. Cathy is also an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business, teaching Corporate Responsibility & Regulation and Business Writing at VSB. Before joining Villanova, Cathy worked at the Vanguard Group in various senior roles in legal, marketing and communications; at CIGNA in corporate communications, and at CoreStates Financial Corp in human resources and communications. She holds a Juris Doctor and a Master of Journalism from Temple University and has an undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of Scranton. |
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Board Member Emeritus Christine Kuhinka, ABC |
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Christine Kuhinka, ABC, is a client-focused, results-driven senior communications and management consultant who designs integrated communications and business strategies that drive growth, support engagement and generate profits. With more than 20 years of experience in corporate communications, global team leadership and strategic counsel, she is adept at designing and implementing communications strategies and campaigns, facilitating change management; enhancing corporate reputations, managing complex brands and integrating diverse teams in global matrices. Her experience was acquired primarily at Fortune 100 companies in the pharmaceutical, chemical and consumer packaged goods industries, including Pfizer (Wyeth Pharmaceuticals), Nestlé Nutrition and Dow Chemical (Rohm & Haas).
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Member-at-Large Matthew Taddei |
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Matt is a communications consultant with The Vanguard Group in Malvern, PA, where he has worked in various internal and external communications roles (including copywriting, copyediting, video production, and internal consulting) since 1997. In his current posting with Vanguard’s Institutional Investor Group, he serves colleagues who help people save for retirement. Matt is a graduate of La Salle University and Purdue University. He lives in Malvern, PA, with his wife, Laura, and their children. Matthew Taddei LinkedIn Profile
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Board Member Emeritus Elena Perri |
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Elena is manager of communications and public relations for Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, one of the largest Presbyterian churches in the United States. Her responsibilities include overseeing internal and external communications for the church. Elena previously worked for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as a copy editor and managing editor for The Catholic Standard and Times (now CatholicPhilly.com) as well as serving as a communications director at two Catholic independent schools in the Philadelphia area.
A Temple University alumna, Elena also is a graduate of the Defense Information School where she completed training in photojournalism and public affairs. She served as a photojournalist in an Army Reserve public affairs office for 12 years. Elena has held various roles on the IABC Philadelphia board, including serving as chapter president.
Elena lives in Havertown with her husband Paul, two sons, and Bruno, a rather large but super friendly pit bull terrier/boxer who is not a fan of social distancing.
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| President Alexandra Spooner |
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Alex leads the Communications team at AmeriGas, where she is responsible for the design, execution and continuous improvement of the overall communication strategy in support of the Company’s business objectives. Her role includes overseeing the planning, development and distribution of all internal communications, identifying process efficiencies within the department and establishing Communications business-partner relationships with other corporate functions. |
| President-Elect Rick Alcantara |
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Rick Alcantara is executive communications director at Princeton Strategic Communications where he helps clients prepare and test their crisis communications programs. Previously, he founded Tara Communications LLC, a digital marketing agency, led social media marketing for USI Affinity and taught public relations courses at Rowan University. Rick is a member of PRSA’s Counselor’s Academy, past president of the Philadelphia Chapter of PRSA, a two-time PRSA national committee co-chair, and a member of the St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia. He coached youth soccer for 24 years in Southern New Jersey. He holds a master's degree in public relations from Rowan University and a bachelor's degree in communications from Susquehanna University. |
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Immediate Past President Michael Smith |
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Michael Smith is the Corporate Director of Communications for Acts Retirement-Life Communities, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit providers of senior housing and services, where he leads internal and external communications strategies including brand communications, executive and employee communications, public and media relations, digital/social media, and crisis communications. Michael has more than 20 years of corporate communications and public relations leadership experience in both the private and nonprofit fields. He is a graduate of Temple University and a member of the International Association of Business Communicators and the Public Relations Society of America.
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Board Member Emeritus Bill Seiberlich |
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Bill Seiberlich, is president of Wedgewood Communications Services, a writing, editing, and communications services company. Bill was part of the corporate communications department of Saint-Gobain Corporation, the world’s largest building materials company, for more than 30 years, where he was involved in employee communications, public relations and corporate philanthropy. He has been a member of IABC since 1983, serving first on the Board of Directors of IABC Lehigh Valley and then on the IABC Philadelphia board since 1988. Bill Seiberlich LinkedIn bio |
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VP of Programs Donna Cusano |
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Donna has more than 30 years of award-winning communications experience, both internal and external, in the financial services and pharmaceutical arenas. She currently heads U.S. Primary Care Sales Communications at Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, where she leads the development and implementation of strategic communications for the diabetes and cardiovascular field force, as well as executive communications for sales leadership. Donna holds an M.S. in Communications Management from Syracuse University and a B.A. in Communications from Seton Hall University. She also holds a graduate certificate in Organizational Leadership from Rosemont College. She is also a volunteer with the Association of Change Management Professionals. Donna Cusano LinkedIn profile |
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Member-at-Large Cathy Toner |
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Cathy is the Assistant Dean for Talent and Staff Development, Community and External Outreach at the Villanova School of Business (VSB) at Villanova University. She is responsible for all communications and marketing for VSB including alumni and advisory council communications, media relations, advertising, sponsorships, marketing of all graduate and entrepreneurial programs including executive and online programs, and rankings communications. She also leads and manages talent development and community and external outreach for the School. She was previously the Director of Communication and Marketing at VSB. During her tenure, the VSB BusinessWeek undergraduate ranking improved from #13 to #1 and the online graduate programs are ranked #2 in the nation by US News & World Report. Graduate enrollment has nearly doubled, from 700 to almost 1,200 students in the past five years. Media hits have increased from 455 to over 3,000 in six years, including national publications and networks such as AP, CNN, NPR, Bloomberg Businessweek, Reuters, and Forbes. Cathy is also an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business, teaching Corporate Responsibility & Regulation and Business Writing at VSB. Before joining Villanova, Cathy worked at the Vanguard Group in various senior roles in legal, marketing and communications; at CIGNA in corporate communications, and at CoreStates Financial Corp in human resources and communications. She holds a Juris Doctor and a Master of Journalism from Temple University and has an undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of Scranton. |
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Board Member Emeritus Christine Kuhinka, ABC |
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Christine Kuhinka, ABC, is a client-focused, results-driven senior communications and management consultant who designs integrated communications and business strategies that drive growth, support engagement and generate profits. With more than 20 years of experience in corporate communications, global team leadership and strategic counsel, she is adept at designing and implementing communications strategies and campaigns, facilitating change management; enhancing corporate reputations, managing complex brands and integrating diverse teams in global matrices. Her experience was acquired primarily at Fortune 100 companies in the pharmaceutical, chemical and consumer packaged goods industries, including Pfizer (Wyeth Pharmaceuticals), Nestlé Nutrition and Dow Chemical (Rohm & Haas). Christine Kuhinka LinkedIn profile |
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Member-at-Large Matthew Taddei |
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Matt is a communications consultant with The Vanguard Group in Malvern, PA, where he has worked in various internal and external communications roles (including copywriting, copyediting, video production, and internal consulting) since 1997. In his current posting with Vanguard’s Institutional Investor Group, he serves colleagues who help people save for retirement. Matt is a graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia and Purdue University. He lives in Malvern, PA, with his wife, Laura, and their children. |
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Board Member Emeritus Elena Perri |
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Elena is manager of communications and public relations for Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, one of the largest Presbyterian churches in the United States. Her responsibilities include overseeing internal and external communications for the church. Elena previously worked for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as a copy editor and managing editor for The Catholic Standard and Times (now CatholicPhilly.com) as well as serving as a communications director at two Catholic independent schools in the Philadelphia area.
A Temple University alumna, Elena also is a graduate of the Defense Information School where she completed training in photojournalism and public affairs. She served as a photojournalist in an Army Reserve public affairs office for 12 years. Elena has held various roles on the IABC Philadelphia board, including serving as chapter president.
Elena lives in Havertown with her husband Paul, two sons, and Bruno, a rather large but super friendly pit bull terrier/boxer who is not a fan of social distancing.
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Welcome to IABC Philadelphia
Welcome to IABC Philadelphia - We unite business communicators in the greater Philadelphia area.
Our networking events, workshops and webinars bring together local professionals and influencers in corporate communications, public relations and marketing.
One of 100 chapters of the International Association of Business Communicators, IABC Philadelphia serves Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware.
Attend our September 15 program: How to Communicate About Social Justice Issues: The Fine Art of Not Saying Stupid Sh*t. And join us on October 13 for The Trust Transformation.
The International Association of Business Communicators was founded in 1970 and now has 8,000 members across 100 chapters. It organizes an annual, three-day World Conference, where attendees network and learn the latest tactics in everything from crisis management to employee engagement.
Join us today to expand your network, expertise, and circle of friends.
Check out all our upcoming programs.
About IABC Philadelphia
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philadelphia Chapter is a membership-based trade association for business communicators, who live or work in southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware. IABC Philadelphia represents one of the 100 chapters of IABC worldwide.
Mission
IABC Philadelphia empowers its members to be successful professional communicators by providing learning and development, networking and career enhancement opportunities.
We provide opportunities to further professional development, network with industry peers, and connect communications professionals with local companies and organizations.
The IABC Philadelphia Chapter provides educational programming, networking, job search assistance, job postings, and volunteer opportunities for its members and non-members. We represent a diverse array of expertise and experiences, including:
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IABC Philadelphia Chapter members also represent varied organizations, such as:
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Committed to helping its members advance their professional careers, IABC Philadelphia offers valuable opportunities to students, entry-level, mid-career and executive communicators.
If you would like to expand your knowledge, learn new skills or meet new friends, we invite you to join IABC Philadelphia.
Become a volunteer
IABC Philadelphia offers many opportunities for you to get involved, expand your professional network and improve your communication skills. If you would like to volunteer to support the chapter, please fill out the following form.
Become a volunteer