DEI Leadership Exchange

Join the 2025 DEI Leadership Exchange cohort

Greater Rochester Chamber's virtual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Exchange program carves out an exclusive space for leading diversity advocates within the Greater Rochester community. This group convenes to exchange ideas, hone skills, and forge strategies that mold business practices and usher in impactful change within their organizations and the wider community. This distinctive program fosters a robust discourse on DEI in the contemporary workforce, engaging prominent leaders well-positioned to translate these discussions into actionable initiatives.

Applications for the 2025 Cohort are now open!

Please contact Gena.Stein@GreaterRochesterChamber.com to learn more.

Application Form

Greater Rochester Chamber's DEI Leadership Exchange offers:

Confidentiality

This exclusive program is operated with complete confidentiality.

Exceptional Value & Added Benefits

This 10-month virtual DEI Leadership Exchange program is offered for only $1,000 for Greater Rochester Chamber members or $1,500 for non-members, a fraction of the cost of other leadership development programs. This program also allows opportunities to connect in person at social gatherings to foster relationships with fellow program members. Access to our Business Made Socials at no cost, exclusive discounts at our Colors of Success Leadership Awards event, and enjoy special rates for the Q&A section in both the printed and digital versions of the Awards magazine.

Convenience

This program is designed to fit your busy schedule, meeting once a month, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in a virtual format. No travel needed, except for some in-person social gatherings to further relationships among your peers within the DEI Leadership Exchange program members.

Personalized Approach

Professional facilitation and a carefully selected group of peer leaders create a confidential and supportive environment, enabling open and candid discussions around challenges, initiatives, and new ideas in a safe space.

Meet our exclusive expert facilitator for Greater Rochester Chamber's DEI Leadership Exchange program

This program was created based on the framework provided by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and in collaboration with Sesha Yalamanchili, a highly successful facilitator who has led thriving, sold-out Leadership Exchange programs for over five years in the Buffalo and Rochester regions.

Focused on driving results, Sesha leverages her extensive background in sales, marketing, operations, and innovation to influence organizations of every size and scope. From entrepreneurial startups to large corporations, Sesha’s vast real-world experience spans careers in consumer goods, technology, banking, healthcare, and insurance.

Sesha possesses an innate ability to understand the myriad issues and challenges that organizations face in today’s world of constant change, disruption, and uncertainty. Passionate about empowering others with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to make an immediate impact, Sesha works with business professionals to achieve sustained, long-term results in their organizations.

As a seasoned leadership consultant and trainer with nearly two decades of business experience, Sesha specializes in equipping leaders with the knowledge, tools, and resources to foster inclusion and harness the potential of their teams. “Understanding real-world challenges from the human perspective is key to helping professionals accelerate their growth as leaders,” she says. Sesha is dedicated to helping leaders create workplaces where fairness, opportunity, and respect are paramount, ensuring that everyone’s talents can shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DEI Leadership Exchange program?

The DEI Leadership Exchange is an executive-level initiative designed exclusively for leaders spearheading Diversity, Equity & Inclusion endeavors within their organizations. The group serves as a platform for sharing ideas, tackling challenges, and presenting methodologies aimed at propelling DEI initiatives forward.

The DEI Leader Exchange unites the collective expertise of the region's most motivated and energized leaders, regardless of organizational scale or sector. Participants will collaborate to develop and implement strategies that create inclusive environments, drive engagement, and leverage diverse perspectives for better team performance.

How will it benefit you?

The program extends a range of benefits tailored to leaders who find themselves immersed in the ongoing and occasionally daunting endeavor of advancing inclusive initiatives:

Collective Wisdom and Support: Experience candid and confidential discussions and feedback sessions with seasoned peers drawn from the entire region.
Exchange of Best Practices: A proficient facilitator takes the reins of each session, guiding the group toward fortifying dedication, resilience, and overall effectiveness in their pursuits.
Cultivating a Cultural Shift: Acquire tools and inventive strategies for instilling and nurturing inclusive efforts, ensuring they thrive as a cornerstone of your organization's ethos.
Strategic Visioning: Collaborate with fellow leaders in your vicinity to magnify the impact of DEI endeavors within your organization.
Additional Benefits: Enjoy exclusive discounts to Chamber events, participate in our Business Made Socials and, a 10% discount for our annual Holiday Party. These socials are a platform for networking with fellow program participants and members. Receive additional benefits from dedicated promotion of the Inclusive Leader Exchange cohort on our social media channels, and access a variety of other valuable advantages.

What makes this program different?

The DEI Leadership Exchange Program offers a confidential and professionally facilitated forum. This exclusive community gathers inclusive leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds in monthly group sessions, fostering discussions on ideas, challenges, accomplishments, and avenues for growth.

Our experienced facilitator works with DEI leaders, providing essential tools to achieve lasting results, addressing specific obstacles inherent to their roles and responsibilities.

How is the program structured?

The DEI Leadership Exchange is designed for an intimate community of up to 16 participants, who will convene virtually on a monthly basis from January through December. These sessions, which exclude July and August, are slated for weekday mornings, spanning from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Each group is a thoughtfully selected mix of peer leaders, guided by expert facilitators who tailor discussions and activities to focus on timely, relevant topics that meet the group's specific needs.

What are the dates/times for the 2025 DEI Leadership Exchange program?

Participants will virtually meet monthly from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the following dates:

The zoom link will be added to each participant's calendar.

Who should join the DEI Leadership Exchange program?

Eligible participants for this program should hold positions as key DEI decision-makers within organizations located in the Greater Rochester nine-county region. This program is specifically designed for leaders whose job titles explicitly encompass diversity, equity, and inclusion. It's also intended for professionals in fields like Human Resources or talent management who are tasked with spearheading DEI initiatives within their organizations.

It's important to note that only one representative per organization is eligible to participate in this program.

In order to maintain a fair and balanced program, we do not extend invitations to DEI consultants and trainers whose primary role predominantly involves conducting DEI training in addition to their DEI responsibilities within the organization.

The program is best suited for DEI leaders responsible for:

Leading with Empathy and Awareness: Responsible for fostering an organizational culture where every individual feels valued and respected, understanding that diverse perspectives drive creativity and innovation across teams.
Championing Inclusion and Belonging: Charged with creating a sense of belonging throughout the organization, ensuring that no group or individual is unintentionally excluded, and building an environment where everyone can thrive.
Committing to Continuous Improvement: Accountable for driving the evolution of DEI strategies and programs by seeking out best practices, learning from industry experts, and continuously enhancing the organization’s approach to equity and inclusion.
Driving Engagement and Organizational Impact: Tasked with leveraging the diverse talents and perspectives within the workforce to maximize engagement and deliver measurable, impactful results that contribute to the overall success of the organization.

What is the program cost?

What if I am not a Greater Rochester Chamber member?

Meet the 2024 DEI Leadership Exchange Cohort

To learn more about Greater Rochester Chamber's DEI Leadership Exchange program contact the Director of Events, Training & Affiliates, Susan George.

Email Susan

Click register to apply for the 2025 DEI Leadership Exchange program.

Greater Rochester Chamber's DEI Leadership Exchange program is supported in part by the Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation.