Urban League Hosts 14th Annual Excellence in Workforce and Economic Development

The Urban League of Greater Madison (Madison, WI) held its 14th annual Excellence in Workforce and Economic Development May 6 at the Monona Community and Convention Center.

The summit is a day-long venture that bridges attendees with speakers and workshops in issues in economics, workforce and community development. Its larger goal is to push a collective effort to advance talent, opportunity and growth through experts in various careers like business, tech, human resources, consulting and many more.

“The energy in the room, the exchange of ideas and the collective commitment to making a difference, has truly been uplifting. This has just been a very impactful day,” said Dr. Ruben Anthony, CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison. “These types of gatherings remind us of our shared vision and our collective strengths that we bring to the table. There were so many good things brought out today that I think we can take away with us.

Main features of the summit were a panel discussion and addresses from two keynote speakers in the morning and afternoon.

The panel discussion, “Depoliticizing DEI,” saw Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Black Oxygen podcast host and TruStage Chief Diversity Officer Angela Russell and President of United Way of Dane County Renee Moe dissect the current political landscape of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Mayor Rhodes-Conway affirmed Madison’s continued support for DEI initiatives in the city despite continued political pressure from the Trump Administration. 

“I have trouble with the language. What even is DEI? I don’t think we know what they mean when they say that,” Mayor Rhodes-Conway said. “It hasn’t changed what the city is doing.”

The Mayor notes that the city does still want to receive federal grants if doable. She points at the language on social media from the Trump Administration not lining up with the language that is still being put in grants. Chiefly, the bottom line is that city’s like Madison are being pushed to follow federal law — which Mayor Rhodes-Conway affirmed is still in line with legal requirements. ‘’

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