Central Ohio Belonging Consortium

Breaking Barriers: Advancing Disability Inclusion in the Workplace
2025-10-09 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Halifax) | Columbus College of Art & Design, Design Studios Building, 60 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the Central Ohio Belonging Consortium invites you to a transformative discussion on inclusive hiring, equitable employment practices, and the power of disability inclusion in the workforce.
Discover the Power of Inclusive Hiring
Join us for a dynamic and inspiring event that explores how disability inclusion can transform workplaces and unlock untapped potential. This isn’t just a panel—it’s a movement toward equity, belonging, and innovation.
Why You Should Attend
People with disabilities bring unique perspectives, skills, and resilience to the workforce. Yet, systemic barriers continue to limit access to meaningful employment. This event will spotlight real-world strategies and lived experiences that challenge the status quo and offer a roadmap to inclusive success.
What to Expect

Engaging Panel Discussion featuring professionals with lived experience and expertise in inclusive hiring and accessibility.
Actionable Insights on how to rethink recruiting, enhance workplace accessibility, and foster a culture of belonging.
Networking Opportunities with advocates, HR leaders, hiring managers, and changemakers committed to building inclusive workplaces.

Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional, or passionate advocate, you’ll leave with practical tools and renewed inspiration to make a difference.
Confirmed Panelists:

TyKiah Wright-Wilson MBA, CDP- CEO/Chief Mentor for WrightChoiceMentoring– Moderator
Margaret D. Finley-President for Central Ohio Belonging Consortium– Panelist
Julie Lasher-Business Relations Specialist for Southeast Ohio for Division of Employer and Innovation Services at Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)– Panelist

Let’s Move from Awareness to Action
This event is more than a conversation—it’s a call to reimagine what’s possible. Together, we can break down barriers, challenge biases, and build workplaces where all talent is seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Venue Details
Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) in the Joseph V. Canzani (JVC) building,located at 60 Cleveland Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43215 (Corner of E. Gay Street). The event will be held on the 2nd floor in the Multi-Purpose Room directly across from exiting the elevator. Free parking will be available in the lot located adjacent to the main entrance with wheelchair ramp accessibility.
https://centralohiodiversity.networkforgood.com/events/88581-breaking-barriers-advancing-disability-inclusion-in-the-workplace

Beyond the Algorithm: Reclaiming Humanity in the Workplace
2026-03-24 17:30 - 19:30 | REVEL IT, 4900 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, OH, 43017, United States
As technology reshapes the workplace, the organizations that succeed will double down on what makes us human: empathy, connection, and inclusive leadership. Join us for an engaging panel discussion with local cross-industry leaders focused on designing human-centered workplaces that thrive through change.
You’ll learn to:

Explore human-centered design trends and workforce transformation.
Understand how belonging fuels innovation, retention, and trust.
Apply inclusive leadership behaviors that future-proof your culture.

Culture by Design: Turning Values into Competitive Advantage
2026-06-24 17:30 - 19:30 | TBD, 4900 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, OH, 43017, United States
Culture is not incidental—it’s strategic. Hear from leaders who have embedded belonging into their business models and walk away with practical frameworks to align culture with business goals.
You’ll learn to:

Audit and align culture with organizational strategy.
Review case studies of culture-driven growth.
Use frameworks to scale inclusive practices across teams.

Belonging Beyond the Walls: Building Regional Talent Ecosystems
2026-08-27 17:30 - 19:30 | TBD, 4900 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, OH, 43017, United States
Talent thrives in ecosystems. Join cross-sector leaders to co-design strategies that build inclusive pipelines—bringing employers, educators, nonprofits, and civic partners together to expand opportunity and mobility in Central Ohio.
You’ll learn to:

Understand the role of community partnerships in talent development.
Co-design inclusive workforce initiatives with local stakeholders.
Explore replicable models for regional collaboration and economic mobility.

Rooted in Gratitude, Rising with Purpose: COBC’s Year-End Celebration & Vision Reveal
2026-12-17 18:00 - 21:30 | TBD, 4900 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, OH, 43017, United States
Join us for an evening of reflection, recognition, and renewal. We’ll celebrate the people and partnerships who made 2026 meaningful, share stories of belonging in action, and unveil COBC’s strategic vision for 2027. Expect inspiration, connection, and a call to co-create what comes next.
You’ll experience:

Recognition of volunteers, members, and business champions.
COBC’s 2027 strategy reveals plus opportunities to get involved.
Networking, celebration, and forward-looking conversation.
