For a decade the Diversity Roundtable of Central Indiana (DRTCI) has been uniting professionals of different cultures on the path to success.
The Diversity Roundtable will celebrate that success with its first Diversity Awards Luncheon and Business Fair on Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Murat Shrine Ballroom.
The event will feature a special keynote address by award-winning journalist Tavis Smiley, host of the Tavis Smiley program on PBS television and the Tavis Smiley Show on PRI radio.
“During the luncheon we will honor a number of key companies that have exhibited the principles of outstanding achievements in the area of diversity,” said Lori Morgan, a board member of the Diversity Roundtable and spokeswoman for the organization.
Smiley, an Indiana native, will also be given a lifetime achievement award for outstanding contributions in the fields of social advocacy and diversity initiatives.
The Diversity Roundtable is a non-profit organization dedicated to achieving diversity in the workplace and establishing constructive communication about diversity issues in the Indianapolis area.
Over the past ten years the DRTCI has contributed to the growth of Indianapolis by providing a forum for leaders and advocates of organizational diversity to network, enhance diversity competencies and advocate for diversity sensitive policies and practices.
Roundtable membership currently includes leadership representatives from corporations, manufacturing, government agencies, staffed professional societies/associations, trade associations, educational institutions, legal, and non-profit organizations.
For $50 (individuals) or $150 (for a group of four) members enjoy monthly meetings with opportunities for networking and professional development at a centrally located meeting site, access to diversity professionals, invitations to special events, and opportunities to apply for grant funds.
Tamiko Razika, a five-year Diversity Roundtable Board member, believes the organization’s monthly meetings dig deeper than the surface of typical discussions about diversity.
“They provide an interactive forum for individuals and organizations to get together and take on “the elephant in the room” or the barriers that can get in the way of a company or organization truly achieving the goal of diversity,” said Razika.
The Diversity Roundtable meets each Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Citizens Energy Group, 2950 Prospect St.
“There’s a lot to enjoy about being involved with the Diversity Roundtable,” added Razika. “It is never the same thing, there’s always different areas and topics that can be covered. Being involved with the organization is a very rewarding experience.”
For more information about the Diversity Roundtable of Central Indiana call (317) 717-1783.
