DEI in North Carolina: Raleigh holds annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Conference amid recent reckoning by UNC System [Video]

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — More than 1,300 people gathered at the Raleigh Convention Center on Tuesday for the city’s annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Conference.

The event, presented by the Triangle DEI Alliance and in conjunction with the Raleigh Chamber, brings together corporations large and small, business executives, and employees to workshop and discuss DEI initiatives.

“We serve people who look different from us…and so it’s important that the company reflects the people that we serve,” said Audrey Barbee, a Durham native and NCCU graduate working for pharmaceutical giant Merck.

Barbee said engaging with other employees and companies at forums like Tuesday’s conference has been eye-opening — and that the message has never been more timely.

“Sometimes our companies forget that we are human and we live human experiences at work. And so we’re not just like robots at work. So it’s important that we’re able to have those conversations,” Barbee said.

The annual event takes place amid …