The year 2020 brought extraordinary challenges with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing protests that erupted globally over police brutality and the long-standing racial systemic inequities in the United States and abroad. However, looking past this chaos and confusion, what the year 2020 brought us was a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on the way we live our lives and reevaluate what we consider as normal. In many ways, it prompted us to reimagine and envision what a more equitable, compassionate, and inclusive environment could look like. Now as businesses reopen and employees slowly return to the office, organizations are faced with the decision of whether to return to business-as-usual or to seize upon the opportunity to rebuild systems that realize the full potential and value of each individual and the communities they come from. As risk and compliance professionals, it is important that we be active and vocal participants in these discussions. Our insights and perspectives are critical to moving the needle forward and implementing sustainable change. At this year’s inaugural annual summit, our programming will focus on the residual effects of 2020 on businesses, consumers and employees, and the enormous opportunities created to reshape our new normal.
