On Tuesday, October 28th, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce will host an important conversation as part of its DEI Program: Building and Retaining Diverse Talent. The event will be held at the Chamber from 10:00–11:30 a.m., brings together leaders from across our community to discuss the value of building strong, diverse teams.

The program will be moderated by Samantha Harkins, CEO of Lansing 5:01, with panelists including Laura Stoken, Partner and President at Rathbun Insurance; David Douglas from Lansing Board of Water & Light; and Candace Williams from LAFCU. Together, we will share insights on creating inclusive workplaces where people not only want to join but also want to stay and grow.

At Rathbun Insurance, we believe a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve is essential—for our team, for our clients, and for the future of our industry. But diversity is more than representation alone. When people bring different backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives to the table, it breeds innovation. Diverse teams are better at problem-solving, more creative in their approaches, and more adaptable to the challenges of today’s fast-changing world.

These conversations and commitments are part of how we live out our vision statement: Being There Matters Most. By valuing diversity of people and diversity of thought, we’re building a stronger agency and a stronger community.

A Call to Action

If you are an LRCC member, we encourage you to join us for these meaningful discussions. By coming together as a business community, we can create environments where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Thank you to the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce for hosting this program and to all those who participate in advancing this important work.