Events
Every year at the BJKLI symposium we employ a variety of lanyards that enable people to have constructive dialogue about diversity and inclusion. These lanyards start conversations and allow participants to demonstrate commitment to advocacy and allyship.
Since its founding in 2014, the BJKLI has customized symposiums that have brought together leaders from diverse industries to have open conversations about the business case for diversity and inclusion. Symposiums have been held at the Museum of Natural History, World Trade Center, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and other inspiring locations.
These symposiums seek to:
- Elevate the dialogue about equity and inclusion as a business imperative.
- Determine the requisite actions required from CEOs and corporate leaders to position themselves as true advocates for equality to meet the demands of a changing workforce.
- Gather influencers across government, academia, non-profit, entertainment, business, sports and other sectors to be a catalyst for action.
- Each year worthy individuals receive the BJKLI Inspiring Leader Award – recognizing them for using their platforms to drive positive change.
PARTNERSHIP WITH WTA CHARITIES
“A Salute to the Original 9”
September 23, 2020
The BJKLI team partnered with WTA Charities to produce the first-ever major fundraising event in honor of the 50th anniversary of the “Original 9.” The virtual event, “A Salute to the Original 9,” included a conversation between renowned broadcaster Mary Carillo and the Original 9 members, special tributes from celebrities such as Elton John and Sarah Silverman, and musical entertainment by Sara Bareilles and Gladys Knight. The fundraiser raised over $1 million in donations which supported COVID-19 relief efforts for women with a focus on women of color.
BJKLI 2019 – Annual Symposium
“Equity Allies”
New York, September 5, 2019
Our BJKLI fundraising event in September 2019 was a more intimate affair given we had partnered with the National Hockey League earlier that year to deliver our Symposium content on the importance of “Advancing Equity”. We invited a group of individuals who we deem our BJKLI “equity allies” and do the work we believe is most impactful in moving the needle towards a more equitable future. At this event we heard from 4 of our major supporters and partners about what each organization is doing to contribute to social change.
Partnership with NHL
“Advancing Equity”
Las Vegas, June 18, 2019
BJKLI delivered the first-ever Summit focused on diversity and inclusion for the National Hockey League as part of The NHL Awards show in Las Vegas. The Summit focused on the advancement of women and people of color in hockey and society. At the outset of the Summit Billie Jean King joined NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Kimberly Davis, Executive Vice President, Social Impact and Growth Initiatives for an authentic discussion on equity and inclusion in sports and the journey the NHL has embarked on to ensure “Hockey is for Everyone.”
BJKLI 2018 - Annual Symposium
On September 6, 2018, we hosted our 5th Annual Symposium “Champions of Equality – Open for Change” at the US Open Tennis Championships. Below is a video recap of the event.
“Open for Change”
New York, September 6, 2018
The Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative partnered with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to host the 5th annual BJKLI Symposium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the US Open and 45 years of equal prize money at the US Open. Robert Iger, Chairman and CEO of Disney, and Good Morning America Anchor Robin Roberts received the BJKLI’s annual “Inspiring Leader” awards.
BJKLI 2017 - Annual Symposium
On September 19, 2017, we hosted a Leadership Luncheon honoring “Trailblazers & Legends” and celebrating the “Battle of the Sexes” film. Below is a video recap of the event.
“Trailblazers & Legends”
New York, September 19, 2017
The Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative convened leaders from a variety of sectors to hear from Emma Stone, Billie Jean King, Shonda Rhimes and Christiane Amanpour on the importance of equity, inclusion and the power of the individual to make change. Christiane Amanpour and Shonda Rhimes were recognized with “Inspiring Leader” awards at the BJKLI Luncheon with Emma Stone.
BJKLI 2016 - Annual Symposium
On November 16, 2016, we held the 3rd Annual Symposium and Gala. Watch Billie Jean King and Marc Benioff on Good Morning America with Robin Roberts, or video recap below.
“Men – playing from a position of power and leveraging their ability to make change”
New York, November 16, 2016
The Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative’s (BJKLI) 3rd annual Symposium and Gala convenes influential leaders from the business community, academia and the non-profit sector in New York to address the critical issue of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the role of male leaders in addressing this issue. Focused on the theme “Men – playing from a position of power and leveraging their ability to make change,” the event calls on attendees to use their positions to further a corporate culture that embraces and promotes diversity. Marc Benioff, Chairman and CEO of Salesforce, and U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team received ‘Inspiring Leader’ Awards at Annual Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative.
BJKLI 2015 – Annual Symposium
On December 9, 2015 we held the 2nd Annual Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative Symposium and Gala. Below is a video recap of the event.
“The Next Chapter of Inclusive Leadership”
New York, December 9, 2015
On December 9, 2015, the BJKLI hosted its 2nd Annual Symposium & Gala made possible by presenting sponsor Goldman Sachs. The symposium was held at Goldman Sachs’ headquarters and was followed by a gala dinner at 4 World Trade Center, New York, where Martine Rothblatt, CEO of United Therapeutics, and Cyndi Lauper were awarded Inspiring Leader Award recognitions.
BJKLI 2014 - Inaugural Symposium
On November 19, 2014 we successfully launched the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative in New York City. Below is a video from this event.
“Launch of BJKLI”
New York, November 19, 2014
On November 19, 2014, the BJKLI hosted its launch event, made possible by presenting sponsor UBS. The event took place at The Powerhouse, at the Museum of Natural History. The afternoon symposium included TED-style talks by leading academics and business professionals and each talk was followed by powerful breakout sessions. The evening event kicked off with a cocktail reception followed by a musical experience, to showcase the importance of inclusion.