Charlene Ferguson

The meeting agenda covered several key items, including a call to order, introductions of Task Force Members, CDI Staff, and the public. A section was allocated for public comment on items not on the agenda. Major discussion points included updates and discussion regarding the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, specifically focusing on Strategic Goals & Objectives for Board Diversity. The committee also planned to discuss logistics for the 2025 Insurance Diversity Summit and identify agenda topics for the subsequent meeting.

The committee meeting focused on updates and discussions regarding the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, which is structured around four pillars: Communications and Public Relations, Community Engagement, Access to Opportunities, and Recognition and Accountability. Updates included hosting outreach events, publishing the 2024 Economic Impact Report and the 2025 Insurance Diversity Index, and planning for the 2026 Supplier Diversity Symposium. Task Force members provided feedback, discussing barriers like insurance requirements for diverse suppliers and best practices for engagement. Further discussion covered the recent 2025 Insurance Diversity Summit, emphasizing accessibility, disability inclusion, and methods to increase reach, such as live streaming and better communicating the value proposition of future events. Future agenda items will include lessons learned on supplier support for statewide emergency response and planning for the March 2026 Symposium.

The meeting involved a call to order and the establishment of a quorum. Key discussions focused on the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, noting the recent creation of the Office of Insurance Diversity & Innovation (OIDI) under Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, tasked with promoting supplier and board diversity across four pillars: communications, community engagement, access to opportunities, and accountability. Plans include partnering with the KPMG Board Leadership Center for a webinar and leveraging data from sources like the Selig Center regarding consumer buying power and McKinsey regarding financial returns associated with diverse executive teams and boards. The committee acknowledged the evolution of DEI language while maintaining focus on outcomes, emphasizing the need for a social media strategy for engagement. Future agenda items will be scheduled around the next quarterly meetings. A public comment was made by NeuroTalent Works regarding the challenges nonprofits face in obtaining diverse supplier designation despite female leadership.

The meeting focused on updates and discussion regarding the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, emphasizing the renewed commitment of the Department through the Office of Insurance Diversity and Innovation (OIDI), established in October 2024. Key milestones of the Insurance Diversity Initiative, starting in 2011, were reviewed, including the codification of the Task Force in 2020 (SB 534) and the subsequent expansion to include reporting on LGBTQ+ and veteran-owned businesses. Supplier diversity objectives mentioned included increasing outreach, strengthening partnerships, and analyzing procurement practices. Discussion also touched upon multi-agency partnerships, such as the California Statewide Coalition on Diversity Initiatives, and the upcoming March 2025 California Supplier Diversity Symposium. Future agenda items proposed exploring best practices from utilities and gathering legal guidance resources for suppliers.

The meeting included a call to order, introductions of committee members and staff, and a public comment period for items not on the agenda. Key discussion items involved addressing the demand side for board diversity and updates and discussions concerning the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, including strategic goals and objectives. The agenda also reserved time for future meeting agenda item discussion and a final public comment forum.