Our Takeaways from the 2025 NW Equity Summit
Last month, over 1,000 people from across the Pacific Northwest gathered at the Oregon Convention Center for the NW Equity Summit — a full day of powerful stories, honest conversation, and renewed commitment to building workplaces and communities where everyone can thrive.
We were there, and we left inspired.
Heather McGhee, author of The Sum of Us, reminded us that we’ve faced moments of uncertainty and backsliding before — and that giving up is not an option. Baratunde Thurston offered a powerful call to action rooted in empathy: storytelling, listening, and human connection are the real tools of change.
Local leaders showed up with just as much power. Dr. James Mason, Melinda Rogers, and Patty Groman shared stories of challenge and resilience in their panel discussion, Beyond the Buzzword: Refocusing DEI on Purpose, People and Possibility. What stood out? A shared belief that although DEI efforts have misstepped in the past, we can still move forward with clarity and care. Perfection isn’t the goal — progress is.
For us, the takeaway was clear: Equity work isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about returning to purpose. Listening deeply. Choosing action over performance. And understanding that eveyone benefits when we create spaces where people feel safe, respected, and seen.
In a time when some organizations are scaling back their DEI commitments, the energy at the Summit was a reminder that values-driven leadership still matters. That it’s possible to grow and evolve. And that the work is far from over — but it’s also far from done.
We’ve been proud sponsors of Partners in Diversity for many years, and we’re grateful to be part of the work they’re leading to build a more inclusive and connected business community in our region.
Let’s keep going.
