Multicultural Speaker Series Featuring Cory Holloway

Our aim for this series is to provide an opportunity for individuals and organizations to engage diverse residents and employees from multiple sectors in the Quad Cities region, broaden their networks, and enhance their awareness of diversity issues.

Title:  Let's Keep the Conversation Civil

Description: In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, incivility has become more prevalent, affecting our workplaces, communities, and personal interactions. This presentation will explore where we stand as a society regarding civility and highlight the impact of uncivil behavior on individuals, relationships, and overall well-being. We will discuss actionable steps to foster a more civil environment by encouraging empathy, active listening, and respectful communication. Key to this transformation is learning how to address problems without attacking individuals, focusing on resolving issues while preserving the dignity of everyone involved.

About our speaker, Cory Holloway: 
Cory Holloway is currently a Gear Up Lead Coach and formally the Equal Opportunity & Diversity Manager at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. With a robust background in DEI work, Cory has a proven track record of fostering understanding, civility, and empathy within organizations. His role involves preparing students for life after high school and developing comprehensive programs that support underrepresented communities.

Cory's commitment to DEI extends beyond his current role. At MRA and Vivint Smart Home, he led meaningful DEI trainings, establish policy changes, assist C-suite members and key stakeholders in making data driven decisions for holistic change and has been a DEI facilitator for local organizations. His approach focuses on meeting organizations where they are to tailor solutions that drive authentic, impactful change.

As a family man devoted to shaping a bright future for his children, Cory believes in the power of individual actions to create meaningful change. As he often says, “We can’t change the world, but we can change our world.” This philosophy underpins his DEI work, guiding him to be a voice for those who feel unheard and to promote cultures of inclusion and belonging.

Cory holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management and has earned certificates in Diversity and Inclusion from e-Cornell and ESSEC Business School. His extensive community engagement includes roles with the local SHRM chapter (DEI Director for GRHRA), United Way of the Quad Cities (AALS member), and a board member of QC Narratives.