2026-10-20 | Belonging Drives Engagement, Creating an Inclusive Culture Unlocks Potential

2026-10-20 | Belonging Drives Engagement, Creating an Inclusive Culture Unlocks Potential

North Canton, OH

October 2026 Chapter Meeting - IN PERSON

Join us on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 11:15 am to 1:00 pm for: Belonging Drives Engagement, Creating an Inclusive Culture Unlocks Potential. How can you combine these efforts to support organizational success? Presented by Devray Kirkland.
Courtyard by Marriott / 4375 Metro Circle NW / North Canton, OH 44720

11:15am - Registration Opens
11:30am - Lunch starts serving*
11:45am - Program begins

Cost

SCHRA Members $25.00

Non-members of SCHRA $40.00

Student Members - Full Time Students Should contact Jami Swain (jswain@walsh.edu) for a special offer.

Retirees (Honorary) and In-Transition members $15.00

SPECIAL MEAL REQUESTS: Please e-mail Freda Martin at fmartin@omjwork.com no later than October 16, 2026.
NOTE: Registration closes the Friday before the meeting at 5 pm.

Session Description: Employees are most engaged when they feel valued, connected, and empowered to contribute. This presentation explores the powerful relationship between inclusion, belonging, and employee engagement, demonstrating how organizations can create environments where diverse perspectives are welcomed, psychological safety is fostered, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Participants will learn how an inclusive culture strengthens well-being, builds trust, enhances collaboration, and unlocks the full potential of employees, ultimately driving stronger business performance and organizational success.


Speaker Bio: Devray Kirkland is the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity for Cardinal Health, a Fortune 14 company with revenue of $204+ billion and over 50,000 employees in 30 countries. His key responsibilities include the development and implementation of a comprehensive, enterprise-wide diversity strategy through related programs, initiatives, and projects. His area of focus and responsibility also covers the organizations “Supply Chain Inclusion” program, that support external vendor relationships and partnerships. He also provides direction to business segments on tactical programs and systems related to attracting, retaining and promoting a diverse workforce, while establishing an inclusive work environment in the support of Cardinal Health’s corporate values, policies and practices. His involvement was key in the development of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Cabinet that provides recommendations to the organization on how DEI efforts can be operationalized and embedded in the business. He is also responsible for the support of seven employee resource groups that operate within the United States and seven multi-cultural communities that have been established to provide support internationally at Cardinal Health.

Devray joined Cardinal Health in 2012 in the Talent Management group and moved onto the DE&I team in 2016. He fosters critical dialogue and strategic counsel across the business to continue to build and sustain an inclusive work culture. He has held several roles in the Human Resources space throughout his 20-year career.

Rooted in community and servant leadership, Devray volunteers his time by serving as a Board Member of the Midwest Regional Board of the American Heart Association as well as holding the positions of Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Mount Carmel College of Nursing. He is also a coach for high school student athletes in Handshake America and he and his wife are parent volunteers with the Westerville South football team. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and has earned a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Howard University in Washington, DC and a master’s degree in Human Resource Development from Bowie State in Bowie, MD. He resides in Westerville, OH with his wife Nicky and son Devray II. He is an avid sports fan and loves traveling and working with youth in the community.

This meeting is pending for recertification credits from HRCI and SHRM.