It is always a positive step when a company, organization or agency discusses how to become more diverse.
Real progress, however, can be made only when these institutions actually put their diversity goals into practice and lead by example.
That is why every year Indiana Minority Business Magazine (IMBM) honors those who make sure the word “diversity” is more than just a catchphrase.
Those who receive IMBM’s Champions of Diversity Award are not only leaders in their industry, but are also committed advocates of inclusion. They go beyond the focus of their own success by reaching across racial, gender and cultural ana’s growth has a positive impact on all Hoosiers.
For 2012, IMBM honored individuals, companies and organizations from across the state that have promoted diversity with their hiring practices, outreach programs and other efforts. Two recipients were given the prestigious Rosa Parks Trailblazer Award and the Martin Luther King Freedom Award.
The awardees were honored on Jan. 13 during a reception, dinner and awards presentation at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.
Honorees included:
– Catholic Diocese of Gary; Northwest Indiana outreach programs.
– Cummins Inc. of Columbus.
– The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Foundation; philanthropic outreach in Central Indiana.
– LaTricia Hill-Chandler; board member, Diversity Roundtable of Central Indiana and Director of Supplier Diversity for Indianapolis Public Schools.
– Sally Hutton; first woman mayor of Richmond.
– Laura Kopetsky; Tri-ax Inc. of Indianapolis, construction material transport.
– Lewis Wagner, LLP; prominent Indianapolis law firm.
– John Mellencamp (Rosa Parks Trailblazer Award recipient); Bloomington resident and Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter known for musical diversity and philanthropic work on behalf of children, farmers and veterans.
– Raytheon; defense technology company, Indianapolis.
– Dr. Kathleen Russell; associate professor and scientist, Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis.
– Second Helpings (Martin Luther King Freedom Award recipient); Indianapolis organization that feeds those in need while preparing people for culinary careers.
– Super Bowl Host Committee, Indianapolis.
– Taylor University, liberal arts college in Upland.
– Stephanie TenBarge; Executive Director, ECHO Housing Corp., Evansville
– Vick Strategic (Talmadge Vick); business development, Evansville.
