Dr. Diane Bergeron is a social-organizational psychologist and current Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Creative Leadership. She has consulted and worked with Fortune 500 companies. She earned her PhD at Columbia University. Her research and consulting areas include women’s leadership, workplace listening, and grief and bereavement in the workplace. Prior to graduate school, she spent two years volunteering in the Dominican Republic. Formerly, she was an associate professor in a business school at a research university. She took two years off work for a family sailing adventure. It was the best decision she ever made.

Dr. Michael Baran is the CEO of Iris Inclusion, a global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) firm. Dr. Baran draws on his own social science research to inform his DEI speaking engagements, writings, consulting, leadership development, and eLearning. After teaching at Harvard University, he has been supporting DEI in organizations for 20 years. His work has been covered in the New York Times, BBC, Forbes, CNN, NPR, and more.

His recent book, Subtle Acts of Exclusion, was named by Forbes as one of “The 11 Books To Read To Be A More Inclusive Leader” and has won several awards.

Dr. Michael Baran is the CEO of Iris Inclusion, a global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) firm. Dr. Baran draws on his own social science research to inform his DEI speaking engagements, writings, consulting, leadership development, and eLearning. After teaching at Harvard University, he has been supporting DEI in organizations for 20 years. His work has been covered in the New York Times, BBC, Forbes, CNN, NPR, and more.

His recent book, Subtle Acts of Exclusion, was named by Forbes as one of “The 11 Books To Read To Be A More Inclusive Leader” and has won several awards.

Barbara Aloni joined The Standard in 2002 and has over 27 years of experience in group disability insurance. In her current role as Workplace Possibilities Program Director, she champions the administration of The Standard’s Workplace Possibilities Program and ADAAA Accommodation Services while leading a team of consultants who implement and manage these solutions for employers. Beyond her insurance experience, Barbara has worked for a non-profit organization and in human resources. Barbara graduated from Tufts University with a BA in social psychology, holds an MS Ed. in counseling from Fordham University and is a Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS).

Barbara Aloni joined The Standard in 2002 and has over 27 years of experience in group disability insurance. In her current role as Workplace Possibilities Program Director, she champions the administration of The Standard’s Workplace Possibilities Program and ADAAA Accommodation Services while leading a team of consultants who implement and manage these solutions for employers. Beyond her insurance experience, Barbara has worked for a non-profit organization and in human resources. Barbara graduated from Tufts University with a BA in social psychology, holds an MS Ed. in counseling from Fordham University and is a Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS).

Michael Walters is the CHRO for Samsung Semiconductor, a multi-billion dollar provider of leading edge memory solutions and chip manufacturer that powers the critical industries such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and hyperscale datacenters.  He leads all talent related functions for this business and oversees their community relations initiatives.  Michael has served in HR leadership roles in a wide variety of industries to include United Health Group, Microsoft, Roper Technologies, and Nielsen Entertainment

Michael has taught HR management at the University of Washington for twelve years and is a frequent speaker at SHRM events across the country. He holds an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Loyola Marymount University and a bachelor's in psychology from University of California, Los Angeles. 

Michael Walters is the CHRO for Samsung Semiconductor, a multi-billion dollar provider of leading edge memory solutions and chip manufacturer that powers the critical industries such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and hyperscale datacenters.  He leads all talent related functions for this business and oversees their community relations initiatives.  Michael has served in HR leadership roles in a wide variety of industries to include United Health Group, Microsoft, Roper Technologies, and Nielsen Entertainment

Michael has taught HR management at the University of Washington for twelve years and is a frequent speaker at SHRM events across the country. He holds an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Loyola Marymount University and a bachelor's in psychology from University of California, Los Angeles.