Van Jones and Robby Starbuck to Engage in Dynamic Panel Discussion on Inclusion & Diversity at SHRM BLUEPRINT 2025

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ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 9, 2025--

Today, SHRM – the trusted authority on all things work, workers, and the workplace – announced thought leaders Robby Starbuck and Van Jones will deliver exclusive insights during a panel discussion moderated by Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. at SHRM BLUEPRINT 2025, taking place October 26-29 in Louisville, Kentucky.

The event aims to create an environment where differing perspectives can be heard and thoughtfully considered, recognizing diversity isn't just about who is in the room – it's about the willingness to hear diverse points of view.

Robby Starbuck is a Cuban-American music video director, producer, and conservative commentator. He gained recognition in the entertainment industry for directing videos for high-profile artists across music genres, building a career in creative production. In recent years, he has become more prominent in politics and media as an outspoken conservative voice, advocating on cultural and social issues. In 2022, he ran for Congress in Tennessee’s 5th District, highlighting his shift from entertainment into political activism. He is now the Head of Capital Markets at Heritage Foundation.

Van Jones is an Emmy Award–winning CNN host, bestselling author, and social entrepreneur dedicated to justice, opportunity, and sustainability. A Yale-educated attorney, he served as a White House adviser under President Obama and has co-founded several influential nonprofits, including the Dream Corps, which works on criminal justice reform, clean energy, and economic equality. Jones is also a sought-after public speaker and commentator, known for bridging divides and driving national conversations on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

“SHRM BLUEPRINT 2025 comes at a pivotal time for HR professionals, offering fresh opportunities to navigate evolving compliance requirements in today’s dynamic political and legal landscape,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, SHRM President and CEO. "To address these emerging challenges, BLUEPRINT is featuring a dynamic panel with two nationally recognized thought leaders—each bringing unique perspectives for a lively, authentic exchange. This conversation goes beyond scripted talking points, inviting real dialogue and actionable solutions. Bridging ideological divides, fostering genuine understanding, and demonstrating our commitment to equipping HR professionals with practical tools, strategic insights, and proven methods for building inclusive, diverse workplaces is key. Advancing inclusion and diversity is a bold journey—one that calls for courageous conversations, open-mindedness, and a willingness to grow through discomfort to provide professionals with practical tools, strategic insights, and proven methods for building better workplaces for a better world.”

BLUEPRINT emphasizes three core pillars: legally compliant, workplace unifying, and business accretive diversity. Attendees will have access to comprehensive working sessions to help senior HR, legal, and diversity leaders design the next era of I&D strategies.

Registration for SHRM BLUEPRINT 2025 is now available on the SHRM website for in-person attendance October 26-29 in Louisville, KY at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

About SHRM BLUEPRINT

SHRM BLUEPRINT is an inclusion & diversity-focused event designed to provide HR professionals, CHROs, in-house legal counsel, and I&D leaders with the tools and insights needed to design actionable organizational strategies. Rooted in the core pillars of legally compliant diversity, workplace unifying diversity, and business accretive diversity, SHRM BLUEPRINT equips attendees with tangible solutions and practical knowledge. Through thoughtful programming and hands-on, small working sessions, SHRM BLUEPRINT empowers business leaders to create workplaces that are not only legally sound but also inclusive and dynamic, driving long-term value for their organizations.

Journalists and media are invited to attend BLUEPRINT. Press registration is required. For interview requests and press credentials, please contact: [email protected].

About SHRM

SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.

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CONTACT: Media Contact: Eddie Burke

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KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA KENTUCKY VIRGINIA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HUMAN RESOURCES

SOURCE: SHRM

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PUB: 09/09/2025 05:03 PM/DISC: 09/09/2025 05:03 PM

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