2024 Building Inclusion Breakfast

Join us for our Building Inclusion Breakfast, formerly known as A Symposium for Building Inclusive Organizations, a partnership between the City of Ames, Iowa State University and the Ames Regional Economic Alliance.

As we work to make Ames and Story County a more inviting place to live, work and do business, it is critical that we assemble programs like this to empower our members and the greater community. Local leaders who impact hiring, decision-making, organizational culture and environment are encouraged to attend this breakfast.

Our featured keynote speaker is nicci port. As a bonus to attending this event, nicci is offering a tailored post-event opportunity that could include individual consultation with institution’s main DEI leader, presentation/guided discussion with organization’s DEI committee/employee resource groups, or presentation for the organization and will be tailored to the needs of the requestor. This opportunity will be coordinated between nicci and each participating organization after the event.

Schedule of Events:
7:30am – doors open, breakfast served
7:50am – opening remarks, keynote speaker to follow
9:00am – event to conclude

Speaker bio:

For over 20 years, nicci port has been an agent of change in Ames. Whether through employment at ISU or non-profit and volunteer work, so many have come to know nicci as a creative and connective problem-solver who brings people together to effect positive change.

nicci cites her proudest moment as organizing employees and students at ISU to advocate for creating an office of diversity, equity and inclusion, where she most recently served as coordinator for outreach and community engagement. In that role, she collaborated with a broad cross-section of campus and local organizations to develop DEI programs and initiatives, effect organizational change and build relationships between those who have similar DEI objectives.

Many organizations in Ames have benefitted from nicci’s consultation and collaboration, as well. She has helped businesses and non-profits diversify their workforce and boards, launch successful DEI committees, create and maintain employee resource groups and scaffold policies and procedures to enhance equity in their organizations.

nicci earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa and attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, studying Counseling and Student Personnel – College Student Affairs. She was born and raised in Iowa and is a fan of movies, live music, her scooter and Cyclones athletics.

Sponsored by: