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History of the Statewide DEI Conference




Now in its 26th year, the conference would not be where it is today, without the guidance, hard work, and passion of many state employees over the years who have volunteered their time to help organize this event. Today, the conference's planning committee continues to cultivate the annual event around the spirit and mission developed years ago; to educate State of Oregon employees to promote a more culturally-aware and inclusive workforce.

The conference started out in 1996 as the Department of Transportation's Diversity Conference and has since grown into a statewide professonal development event that welcomes employees from all State of Oregon departments, boards, commissions, and agencies. 

The conference is planned and hosted by volunteers from various departments, who for most the year juggle their primary work obligations with planning efforts for the fall event.