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Governor's LEAD Conference logo
First image is speaker at a podium, 2nd is an award winner, 3rd is a panel discussionWelcome to the preview page for the Governor's Conference on Leadership, Equality, Accessibility and Diversity (LEAD)! This conference is one of the largest events of its kind in the region. Attendees will hear from a powerful line-up of speakers addressing various topics centered on leadership, equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. 

​Who will be there?​

In 2024, In 2024, the Governor's LEAD Conference featured Brian P. Moran, President and Founder of "The 12 Week Year;" New York Times Best Selling Author; and Leade​rship, Productivity and Execution Expert. As we are currently planning another amazing line-up of speakers and programming packed with topics relevant to current and future leaders in the workforce, check back here for updates and follow us on social media for the latest news on next year's conference.​​


Why should I attend?

This professional development opportunity attracts employees in the fields of management, legal, human resources, administration and diversity from across the U.S. Not only will attendees be provided with diversity and inclusion resources and tools to lead and affect positive change, but some attendees will also be eligible to receive professional development credit. Additionally, we will hold a special presentation of the Charles W. Anderson Laureate Award; George W. Wilson, Sr. Equity Achievement Award; and the I.M.P.A.C.T. Award. For more information or questions about the Governor's Conference on Leadership, Equality, Accessibility and Diversity (LEAD), please contact the Office of Diversity, Equality and Training at 502.564.8000.

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Charles W. Anderson Laureate Award                   


    


This award recognizes the achievements of Kentuckians who have made significant contributions to promoting equal employment opportunities, pioneered diversity initiatives, or significantly contributed to the advancement of any protected class. The Kentucky Personnel Cabinet will present the Charles W. Anderson Laureate Award during the 2024 Governor's LEAD Conference. Since 1989, the Charles W. Anderson Laureate Award recipients have included Governor Steven Beshear, Whitney M. Young Jr. and Muhammad Ali. In last year's Governor's LEAD Conference, Gerina Whethers was named the 2023 Charles W. Anderson Laureate​. ​

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Nominations for the 2025 Anderson Laureate Award are Forthcoming

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IMPACT Award Nomination: Innovation-Motivation-Purpose-Accountability-Collaboration-Transformation   



 The IMPACT Award will recognize one current Executive Branch employee who, within the past year, has made significant contributions toward advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.


Innovation: An inclusive environment encourages innovation, individuals and agencies can flourish, employment satisfaction is enhanced and cost-saving techniques can be employed.

Motivation: Employees are motivated to not only achieve their Cabinet, Department or Office goals and objectives, but also develop an understanding of the important role diversity and inclusion plays in the organizational structure.

Purpose: A strong purpose speaks to every individual and community as a whole. In the context of diversity, equity and inclusion, it creates a shared commitment to building an equitable workforce and effective organization.

Accountability: Infusing accountability at the organizational and individual level is key to building diverse organizations with inclusive cultures.

Collaboration: Everyone must be willing and able to work together in new and collaborative ways. Collaboration positively impacts productivity, fosters understanding among fellow employees and enhances organizational performance.

Transformation: Creating a diverse and inclusive culture requires more than just making a few changes; it requires transformation.

Nominations for the 2024 Anderson Laureate Award are Forthcoming


For more information, please contact the Office of Diversity, Equality and Training at 502.564.8000.​