2025

Full Highlights and Insights

The Leadership Symposium, evolving from a 2020 mental healthcare challenge honoring a veteran mental health counselor, has grown into a multi-faceted event fostering inclusion and leadership. Beginning with a focus on data-driven solutions for mental health in construction, the symposium expanded to amplify marginalized voices and drive real change within Google and beyond. This event takes an unconventional approach by weaving together a variety of different lived experiences for a rich and inclusive environment for mutual learning and development that builds community and a sense of belonging.

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Speakers

Session Videos

The following are the sessions that were recorded.

Opening Segment

For Everyone

Get to Know Google's AI Tools

For Everyone

A hands-on session to learn and try some of Google’s artificial intelligence tools.

State of the Union (HBCUs, HSIs and TCUs)

For Everyone

A “real talk” conversation about the role and impact HBCUs, HSIs and TCUs can have in today’s context.

We Got 5 On It

For Everyone

A “real talk” conversation about the 5 generations of employees in today’s workforce and how we can thrive, together.

Afrorithms: Be the Signal

For Everyone

A design-thinking and storytelling immersive experience to inspire us to take personal agency over our stories and our futures. Check out this example!

Real Talk: Leading From The Front

For Everyone

We’ll dive into the critical skills of how to evolve and adapt in our current context for continuing impact that matters, so that we can be the change we want to see and experience.

“You’re on Mute! Can You Hear Me Now?”

For Business Professionals

A “real talk” conversation about the dynamics that create friction in the corporate world that can keep us on mute, invisible and marginalized.

What You Don’t Know Is Hurting You: 4 Keys to a Phenomenal Career

For Business Professionals

We’ll have a “real talk” conversation about ways to level up your career journey. Inspired by the book, “What You Don’t Know Is Hurting You: 4 Keys to a Phenomenal Career”

Culture Is Big Business

For Everyone

Culture has become more than just expressions of pride. Its passion and purpose, through unique personalities that have contributed to profitable enterprises.

Each One, Teach One

For Everyone

All of us bring value to the table. How are we honing our value and paying it forward?

Heart, Soul, Mind & Body Workshop

For Business Professionals

Practical workshop to teach breathwork and resilience skills to help manage stress in a healthy way.

Power of the Pivot

For Business Professionals

All of us are on a career journey. Knowing how to effectively navigate our journey is critical. We’ll explore the signs & signals to help us recognize the time for career pivots and how to make the right moves.

Home Away From Home

For Everyone

Imposter syndrome often stems from a lack of belonging and can show up for us in many ways. We’ll have “real talk” about how we can bring our lived experiences into new spaces to create belonging, and how the power of community can support us.

Rise Together

For Business Professionals

Informed by the African Indigenous Philosophy of Ubuntu, we’ll examine the power of community and what the corporate world can learn from this centuries old philosophy.