Diversity may be the 21st century buzzword, but diversity is in crisis says Pam McElvane, CEO and Publisher of Diversity MBA Magazine.

The Eighth Annual Diversity MBA Leadership Conference & Awards Gala will honor those who prioritize diversity and forge the charge for change. The conference set for Sept. 16-18, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago at 1909 Spring Rd, Oak Brook, IL is sponsored by Diversity MBA magazine. Diverse leaders in all sectors of business will gather for strategic sessions designed to enhance skill building, best practices, networking and champion the power of diversity.

With the shifting economic climate, Diversity MBA magazine discovered that many companies are not fully integrating diversity and inclusion despite the rapid changes in the US population. White women are better represented today, but people of color are not, McElvane said.

The magazine will recognize top corporations using diversity as a core business practice with their Top 50 Outfront. This year’s honoree is Accenture, the global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Accenture CEO Pierre Nanterme will give the gala’s keynote address and accept the award.

“We focus on impact,” said McElvane, noting that systems, methodology, metrics are just steps in creating diverse environments. “Are you actually driving change in your organization by the programs and the work you have? Are you actually advancing people? Accenture did stand out. They were particularly exceptional this year. They took a deeper dive. They are doing what they need to do in the pipeline to ensure that they develop and retain the talent.”

The conference gala on September 18 will honor the Top 100 Under 50 Diverse Executive & Emerging Leaders in the United States. These individuals will be recognized for their excellence in leadership as well as their commitment to diversity and communities. “We value the importance of recognizing such leaders who appreciate aligning highereducation and leadership,” said McElvane. Honorees will be featured in the magazine’s 2014 Fall issue.

The top 10 companies of the Top 50 Upfront are 1) Accenture 2) AT&T 3) A.T Kearney 4) DIAGEO 5) Verizon Communications 6) Health Care Services Organizations 7) Carolina’s Health Care System 8) Blue Cross Blue Shield, Michigan 9) Colgate-Palmolive and 10) Bank of America. Verizon was the top company in 2013.

Roundtables will focus on healthcare, supplier diversity, transportation, financial services, manufacturing and retail/hospitality. Attendees can also participate in a Wednesday morning fitness boot camp.

The event kicks off with a preconference College Leadership Summit Luncheon on September 16. The luncheon will provide students of all disciplines with an opportunity to meet professionals in their industry. “Students spend their days in front of academics,” McElvane said. “We want to put them in front of professionals.”

Sponsors include Nielson, Kaiser Permanente, The University of St. Thomas, Verizon Communications, AON, Ingersol Rand, Chicago MSDC/United, DIAGEO, Advocate Health, Kraft, Accenture, and Pepsico. To register for the conference go to www.diversitymbamagazine.com. Onsite registration is available as well.

Diversity MBA Magazine, a national leadership publication targeting executives, managers, business professionals, students, and entrepreneurs, is published quarterly, reaching information, visit: http://www.diversitymbamagazine.com.