ALL IN: BUILDING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE IN THE EVOLVING ENERGY INDUSTRY
Tuesday, June 18, 2024

9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

John Russell Center

120 Front Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Keynote Speaker

 Cornell Johnson

Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Center for Energy Workforce Development

Cornell focuses on expanding equity and inclusion strategies and policies across The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) and its member companies. Cornell leads the strategy that positions CEWD to be a world class, benchmark company for sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion and align these values with the enterprise’s business objectives. Cornell oversees the implementation of initiatives focused on change efforts to ensure the development of more diverse, equitable, and inclusive energy workplaces. CEWD’s commitment to advancing DEI is rooted in the belief that diversity of experience, backgrounds, and perspectives leads to better outcomes for our members, employees, and communities we serve. Cornell is responsible for the creation and implementation of CEWD’s internal and external diversity, equity, and inclusion global strategy and initiatives as well as expanding the Urban Energy Jobs Program, a joint initiative between The National Urban League and CEWD to increase diversity in the industry’s workforce.

Prior to joining CEWD, Cornell was the Head of DEI where he was instrumental in the growth of the DEI programs and initiatives for Centuri Group, Inc. While with Centuri, Cornell successfully launched programs that contributed to a sustainable more inclusive workforce, oversaw ERG initiatives and the DEI Council for the enterprise, and was a member of various councils that
focused on industry diversification.

Cornell is also very passionate about philanthropy and grass root relationships. Powered by this passion, he currently serves on the board for KIPP DC, The L.E.A.D. Fund and development committee for The Appellate Project making a difference in the lives of tomorrow’s leaders!