Diversity Lecture Series

The 30th Annual Diversity Lecture Series

The Diversity Lecture Series provides GRCC stakeholders and members of the Grand Rapids community with tangible access to society’s most prolific scholars, thought-leaders, activists and innovative artists. The lecture series aims to connect members of the community with people that hold a compelling interest in shaping a culture of inclusion and social justice.

For over twenty years, the diversity lecture series has helped attendees consider different perspectives through cultural engagement, critical thought and civil discourse. 

• Lectures are free and open to all.
• American Sign Language interpreter or closed caption service available.
• For more information contact WCIMA@grcc.edu.

30th Annual Diversity Lecture Series Line-up

Dr. Shaquille “Shaq” Anthony

• When: September 19th, 2024
• Where: Applied Technology Center, Room 168

The 30th annual Diversity Lecture Series will begin with a thought-provoking conversation with Corewell Health representative Dr. Shaq Anthony. 

Dr. Shaquille “Shaq” Anthony, a native of Muskegon Heights, Michigan,  is a father, speaker, millennial leader, creative, innovator, and author who’s impacted many through his calling and career. The foundation of all that he does is rooted in his passion for leadership, training, and development,  feeling charged to ensure that people have the tools necessary to become and live in the best versions of themselves. Dr. Shaq has a proven track record of innovation, creativity, transformational programming, and community engagement and outreach. 

Today, Dr. Shaq serves as a Lead Organizational Development Specialist at Corewell Health where he leads the strategy for culture and focuses on the internal alignment of the organization and the external representation of the organization as it pertains to building a healthy, inclusive and innovative culture for all team members to thrive in.

Dr. Shaq is the author of Purposefully Afflicted, resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his beautiful wife, Kaylyn and amazing daughter, Sevaya Dr. Shaq’s favorite quote is “The greatest legacy anyone can leave behind is to positively impact the lives of others. Whenever you add value to other’s lives, you are unknowingly leaving footprints on the sands of time that live on, even after your demise.” - Emeasoba George

Register for Dr. Shaquille “Shaq” Anthony's lecture

Johnny Rodriguez, LUAP President 

• When: October 24th, 2024
• Where: Applied Technology Center, Room 168

Juan "Johnny" Rodriguez is a dedicated community leader and son of hard-working Mexican immigrants with Tejano roots. Having grown up in West Michigan and Texas, Johnny eventually settled in Holland, Michigan, where he actively participated in local organizations, sports, and non-profit work.

Despite facing challenges in his youth, Johnny's unwavering commitment to personal growth and community involvement led him to graduate from Holland High School and Hope College in 2009. With 12 years of experience in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition Leadership, Johnny now focuses his passion on supporting the Latino community as President & CEO of Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP), Michigan's oldest Latino organization.

Under Johnny's leadership, LAUP has undergone a significant resurgence and transformation. In just three years, he has tripled the organization's impact, launched new programs like the Educate Elevate! Workforce Development program and the Small Business Hub, expanded the team to seven full-time members, and increased the operating budget by 400%. Johnny's dedication to empowering Latinos and creating a better community for all shines through his advocacy, celebration, and education efforts in West Michigan.

Register for Johnny Rodriguez' lecture

Dave Serio, Arab American National Museum  

• When: November 14th, 2024
• Where: Applied Technology Center Banquet, Rooms 122/124

Dave Serio holds a Master's degree in Near Eastern Studies and Arabic from Wayne State University.  He joined AANM in January of 2011.  As an Educator and Public Programmer, Dave conducts educational presentations and workshops both in-person and online.  He leads the planning and implementation of youth programs and cultural events, such as the SURA Arts Academy, a youth photography program.  He is the Curator of the Arab Film Festival and oversees all film programming at AANM.  He proudly serves on the board of the Anton Art Center, Macomb County Pride, Friends of the Detroit Film Theatre, and DAFT.  Dave identifies as a third-generation Arab American whose family comes from Lebanon.  He dabbles a little in the film industry, is a proud cat dad of two and is always up for a good political debate.

Register for Dave Serio's morning lecture

Register for Dave Serio's afternoon lecture

Ovell Barbee Jr., Human Resources Strategist  

• When: February 20th, 2025
• Where: Applied Technology Center 168
• AskOvell.com

Owner/Principal of Ovell Rome & Associates, Ovell Barbee Jr., is a renowned, visionary human resources leader, consultant and speaker with a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He’s held executive leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies in an array of industries including Motorola, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, General Motors/OnStar, Spectrum Health (now Corewell Health) and Indiana University Health.

In these roles, he drove sustained cultural change and reduced barriers for diverse populations
with a “human-centered” approach that encouraged team members to use their voices as a catalyst for understanding and change. He implemented policies and practices addressing systemic and unconscious barriers and bias to allow everyone opportunities to thrive within a corporate culture.

With his rare blend of experience and expertise in Human Resources and DEI, Ovell is an accomplished and sought-after speaker who chaired the National HR Healthcare Conference in 2022 and 2023. He’s presented at the Healthcare HR Management Institute’s National Forum, the Becker’s Healthcare Annual Meeting, the National Diversity Council’s National Black Men in Leadership Summit and many other local, state and national meetings. He’s been featured in webinars, podcasts, and news articles on Human Resources and DEI topics. He offers guidance and advice on HR and DEI topics through his website, AskOvell.com, where he uses his trademark slogan, “You better ask somebody!”

Background

Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan in a single-parent family that instilled the importance of hard work and education, Ovell began working as a newspaper carrier at age 12. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications, and a master’s in social work from the University of Michigan, then attended Michigan State University for a second master’s degree in HR and labor relations.

He shared his life story, and lessons learned as an African American C-suite executive, in a book titled, “The Big House: A Human-Centered & Progressive Approach to DEI and Positive Workplace Engagement,” which was released in the summer of 2023 earning Amazon’s best seller designation as a new release.

Awards and Affiliations

Ovell has been honored as a Top 100 Chief Diversity Officer by the National Diversity Council; as a Top 50 Under 50 Executive by the National Black MBA Association; and as a Top 100 Human Resources Professionals by OnCon. He was the 2020 recipient of the City of Grand Rapids, Walter Coe Public Service GIANT award.

He has served on the board of the National Diversity Council’s National Coalition for Racial Justice
and Equity and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the
National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), the National Association of Corporate Directors, and a decades-long member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.