American Association for Affirmative Action Announces 32nd Annual Conference “Pathway to Diversity” in Tampa, Florida

Association features outstanding diversity and civil rights specialists at meeting of equal opportunity and affirmative action professionals.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) April 11, 2006 -- The American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA), an association of equal employment opportunity (EEO), diversity and affirmative action professionals founded in 1974, announced its 32nd Annual Conference “Pathway to Diversity,” which is being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Tampa, Florida, April 26-29, 2006. AAAA also hosts its Professional Development and Training Institute on April 24-25, 2006 at the Tampa Hyatt. “This is the premier conference addressing issues of equal opportunity and diversity through affirmative action,” said Robert Ethridge, President of AAAA.

The conference features outstanding diversity and civil rights specialists and offers training on initiatives to bridge the opportunity gaps in the American workplace. Featured speakers include Julianne Malveaux, Ph.D., economist, author and commentator; Attorney Willie E. Gary; Rep. Cynthia McKinney; Stuart Ishimaru, Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Charles James, Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor; and Luke Visconti, Founder and Partner, Diversityinc.com. Robert Grey, Immediate Past President of the American Bar Association, will assist in opening the conference and R. Roosevelt Thomas, a leader in the field of diversity management, will share his views on affirmative action and diversity in the workplace.

Leaders in higher education, civil rights and corporate America will address the status of affirmative action since the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in 2003. Among the featured panelists are Marvin Krislov, vice president and general counsel, University of Michigan; and Jerry Blakemore, general counsel of Southern Illinois University. Attorneys who have filed or defended major civil rights cases will also share their views on “risk management” and federal agency officials representing the EEOC and the Department of Labor will provide an update on policies regarding affirmative action and EEO compliance. The AAAA conference will also feature a discussion about international affirmative action initiatives with representatives from Canada and South Africa.

“The 32nd Annual AAAA conference will provide the necessary updates on EEO laws and policies for affirmative action and diversity professionals and will inform the general public about the myriad challenges we face in promoting equity in an increasingly diverse nation,” said Shirley J. Wilcher, AAAA Interim Executive Director. “We encourage all who seek information about the methods and opportunities to promote equal employment opportunity, affirmative action and diversity to attend this important event,” said President Ethridge.
For more information, go to www.affirmativeaction.org.

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