MFHA Roundtables
Advancing Multicultural Leaders:
How to Get Diverse Talent to the Next Level
Join MFHA at the 2023 Roundtables to discuss the powerful ways cultivating diverse talent can help your organization get real results from your investment in DEI.
Hosted onsite at some of the leading DEI companies in the industry, the Roundtables offer opportunities to network with industry colleagues, share real-world experiences and best practices, and learn specific actions you can take to make your leadership more inclusive.
Registration is included in your MFHA membership! Number of registrants is allocated based on membership level.
Please contact Nina Mercado for more information.
(Past Event) August 1, 2023
Inspire Brands
Boston, MA
Gold Sponsor: Paycor
(Past Event) November 9, 2023
McDonald’s
Chicago, IL
Gold Sponsor: General Mills
Silver Sponsor: Paradox
Bronze Sponsor: Bama Companies
Registration closed please contact Laurie Fitz: lfitz@mfha.net
Stay tuned for more information on 2024 round tables!
What To Expect
- Implementing recruitment practices that intentionally engage diverse communities.
- Going beyond basic functional skills to prepare candidates for real-world business management.
- Identifying barriers to advancement, from differing cultural norms to internal succession planning and promotion practices.
This year’s Roundtables will help executives and managers who lead people of color understand how to advance DEI work at your company to improve business outcomes, grow your bottom line, and increase employee engagement and retention.
Who Should Attend
- Senior Executives
- Workforce Managers
- HR Professionals
- DEI Representatives
Invite your colleagues!
If you’d like your colleagues to receive an invitation to this event, please submit their contact information here.
Attendance at the MFHA Roundtables is a member-only benefit.
For more information on joining MFHA, please contact Laurie Fitz.
Signage & Printing provided by Hospitality Solutions Corporation & Prisma
2023 MFHA Roundtable Agenda
DAY ONE
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Dinner on your own
DAY TWO
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Roundtable Program will include:
- State of DEI Industry Panel
- Keynote: Multicultural Talent Recruitment, Training and Advancement
- Leadership Spotlight: Advocating for a Diverse Workplace
- Interactive Roundtable Discussions
- Lunch will be provided
Speaker Bios – Chicago, IL, November 9th
Keynote: Multicultural Talent Recruitment, Training, and Advancement
The Latino Leadership Institute (LLI) www.latinoslead.org advances Latinos to positions of influence and power through cross-sector leadership development, entrepreneurship support, and activation of our national Latino professional network. By unlocking the full potential of Latino leaders through access to technical and social capital, we will reach our goal of successfully building power, driving change, and generating wealth.
State of DEI Industry Panel
Gerry Fernandez is President and Founder of MFHA, which he formed in 1995 while an executive at General Mills to advance diversity leadership in the foodservice and hospitality industry. Gerry has held leadership positions with The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Hemingway’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar, and The Capital Grille. A former Trustee of Johnson & Wales University, Gerry holds a bachelor’s in foodservice management, a culinary arts degree and an honorary doctorate in business administration from the same school. Gerry is an honorary Board Member of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and life member of the NAACP and The Women’s Foodservice Forum. He has been recognized as a leader and innovator by Nation’s Restaurant News, the American Culinary Federation, Lodging Magazine, The Black Culinary Alliance, the Rainbow/P.U.S.H. Coalition and Black Meetings & Tourism.
Since joining Cracker Barrel in 2020, Gaby Ivey has worked to change the dialog with senior leadership to focus on the human element, which is a critical factor in driving change and achieving optimal levels of success within an organization. She has served in leadership roles in learning and development for several organizations such as Comcast Cable, Unisys, and Tupperware Brands. Gaby is a solid partner to senior management, designing and implementing innovative programs and initiatives that have consistently strengthened internal competencies, reduced costs, streamlined operations, and delivered measurable improvements to bottom-line productivity. She holds a Bachelors in Organizational Management from Midway College and a Masters of Education in Human Resource Development from Xavier University.
Sheldon Ross, President & CEO, Hospitality Solutions Corporation: Sheldon Ross is the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer for Hospitality Solutions Corporation, a Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) serving the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality markets since 2003. A graduate of Noble & Greenough School, Williams College, Sheldon has more than 35 years of business development, sales and executive management experience in printing, fulfillment and distribution. He currently serves on the Board of Advisors for MFHA and is an active member of other supplier diversity organizations. Sheldon also serves as the Logistics Chief for the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, Reservist Housing Inspector Contractor for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Instructor for the Community Emergency Response Team, and Safety and Emergency Services Captain in the Civil Air Patrol (United States Air Force Auxiliary).
Leadership Spotlight: Advocating for a Diverse Workplace
Reginald J. Miller oversees McDonald’s global DEI strategy with a focus on transformational change around the world. Prior to joining McDonald’s in 2020, Reggie held D&I leadership positions at VF Corporation, Walmart and Tyson Foods. Reggie has worked across disciplines including supply chain, merchandising, international project management and multiple specialties within human resources. A U.S. Army Veteran, he served as a Supply Sergeant with deployments to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. Most recently, he was named to the Power List for Chief Diversity Officers by Color Magazine. Reggie also serves on the boards for several national and regional community organizations. Reggie holds a Bachelors in Education – HR Development and a Masters in Education – Workforce Development from the University of Arkansas. He received his MBA from Webster University.
Reggie Miller, Vice President, People – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, McDonald’s:
Featured Guests:
Michelle Korsmo, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Restaurant Association and Chief Executive Officer, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation: Michelle Korsmo is responsible for delivering value to the Association’s members, 52 state association partners, and the restaurant industry. Prior to joining the Association, Korsmo was president and chief executive officer of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). Previously, Korsmo served seven years as head of the American Land Title Association (ALTA). Prior to ALTA, Korsmo served as executive vice president of the Americans for Prosperity Foundation. She was previously deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Labor. Following her education at North Dakota State University, Korsmo started her career as a business owner in her home state of North Dakota, where she built a public advocacy and political consulting firm representing a consortium of organizations before the North Dakota Legislature.
In 2021, Gifford was recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News the Power List: Reader’s Picks, as one of “The Most Influential Solutions Providers and Operators in the Country.” Prior to joining the NRAEF, Gifford served as the President and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant Association. Gifford began his career working in the U.S. Senate, where he served for seven years on the staff of Senator Robert W. Kasten (R-Wi). A graduate of the University of Maryland, Gifford has served as Chairman of the International Society of Restaurant Association Executives, as an officer on the Council of State Restaurant Associations, and on the Boards of the National Restaurant Association, NRAEF, Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Society of Association Executives.
Rob Gifford, President, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation:
Nicole Vachon is the Senior HR Director of North America Foodservice at General Mills, where she has spent over 20 years making food the world loves. She is passionate about delivering remarkable business results through talent and team development, change leadership and building cultures rich in learning, growing & belonging. Nicole sponsors several D&I Councils within General Mills and externally serves on the Board of Sunshine Montessori School, where she is creating the school’s first D&I strategic plan. Nicole attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she earned her B.S. in Business Administration and her Masters in Human Resources and Industrial Relations.
Nicole Vachon, Senior HR Director, North America Foodservice, General Mills, Inc.:
Speaker Bios – Boston, MA, August 1st
Keynote: Multicultural Talent Recruitment, Training and Advancement
The Latino Leadership Institute (LLI) www.latinoslead.org advances Latinos to positions of influence and power through cross-sector leadership development, entrepreneurship support, and activation of our national Latino professional network. By unlocking the full potential of Latino leaders through access to technical and social capital, we will reach our goal of successfully building power, driving change, and generating wealth.
State of DEI Industry Panel
John Faison has come a long way since his days as a dishwasher at TGI FRIDAYS in 1983. Now, instead of washing dishes, he watches financials. As he has grown with the company, he has worked in more than 42 TGI FRIDAYS® restaurants. John’s greatest satisfaction comes from seeing his employees grow their own careers. Under his guidance, more than 60 people have advanced from hourly positions to careers in management. “Faze,” as John was called back in his days at Rutgers University, has won several awards, including most recently, the Presidential Diamond Star Recipient from Carlson Restaurants Worldwide. John also gives back to the community through the restaurants he manages, organizing school supply drives, holiday giving drives, and breast cancer awareness initiatives.
John Faison, Vice President of Operations, Jackmont Hospitality:
Leadership Spotlight: Advocating for a Diverse Workplace
Donald Semien, Vice President of Franchise Operations, Buffalo Wild Wings – Inspire Brands: Donald Semien is Division Vice President at Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW), supporting all U.S. operations for 532 franchise sports bars and their ownership. He has over 30 years of restaurant, bar, and nightlife venue management experience. He has been with BWW for over 12 years and is currently based out of Houston, TX. Over the years Donald has held many operation roles including those impacting charitable giving and diversity and inclusion, beginning as a General Manager in 2011. He is the executive sponsor and co-founder of the Inspire Brands African American Business Resource Group and a member of the BWW Diversity and Inclusion Council. Donald also serves on the BWW Foundation Board of Directors.
Katy Bunn, Senior Vice President, Leaders and Industry Growth, Paycor: Katy Bunn is the Senior Vice President, Leaders and Industry Growth at Paycor, an HCM company with a mission of empowering leaders to build winning teams. At Paycor, Katy is responsible for the company-wide Leader strategy and the cross-functional Industry Program. Recently, Katy helped Paycor on their road to becoming a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq. Katy is passionate about uncovering what motivates and engages employees while helping companies unlock the power of their frontline leaders to inspire a company culture that drives employee retention and attracts talent.
Speaker Bios – Los Angeles, CA, June 13th
Keynote: Multicultural Talent Recruitment, Training and Advancement
The Latino Leadership Institute (LLI) www.latinoslead.org advances Latinos to positions of influence and power through cross-sector leadership development, entrepreneurship support, and activation of our national Latino professional network. By unlocking the full potential of Latino leaders through access to technical and social capital, we will reach our goal of successfully building power, driving change, and generating wealth.
State of DEI Industry Panel
Angela Simonian has worked for more than 25 years in the foodservice industry and has held positions in restaurant operations and distribution. Since being at US Foods, she has worked in Finance, Merchandising, Marketing, Purchasing, and Sales. Angela is currently the Market Vice President in Sacramento, CA. It is her mission to mentor and encourage associates in the organization, and to help US Foods become an employer that ATTRACTS and empowers diverse talent. Angela believes it is important that a company has leaders who represent the diverse customers they support and serve.
Angela Simonian, Market Vice President, US Foods:
Leadership Spotlight: Advocating for a Diverse Workplace
Jay Hinson, Vice President of Restaurant Operations, The Cheesecake Factory