The Diversity in Business Forum on April 24 focused on opportunities and challenges for the minority small business owner, entrepreneur and other minority groups climbing the corporate ladder.

Norfolk’s mayor, Kenneth Alexander, welcomed the group. Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, was also a speaker.

Panelists included Gilbert Bland, president and chairman of The Urban League of Hampton Roads; Johnny Garcia, founder and CEO of SimIS Inc.; Dianne Greene, division vice president and general manager of ADP Norfolk; and James White, regional director of Safelite AutoGlass and the chamber’s vice chair for diversity.

When asked how they can make the change to show diversity in leadership, Garcia said it’s about being bold. “We as a minority group have to be audacious,” Garcia said. “We have to be audacious in what it is we do to get into these positions of authority.”