When it comes to diversity, there are some companies who do the minimum and others who go above and beyond.
The Indiana Minority Business Magazine, the sister-publication of the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, is honoring 16 individuals, organizations and institutions that have shown tremendous efforts in the areas of diversity and outreach. Amongst the awardees are two distinctive recipients who have gone exceedingly above and beyond in their professional lives and with their outreach statewide.
The distinguished recipients will be recognized during the 9th Annual Champions of Diversity Awards Dinner on Jan. 17 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.
“Every year we recognize individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the state who are leaders in their industry and advocates of inclusion,” said IMBM President Shannon Williams. “All of the award recipients are deserving of this recognition and we appreciate their efforts to break racial, gender and cultural barriers.”
Following are the 2014 Champions of Diversity award recipients:
Cory Redding Foundation
Cory Redding’s vocation is a professional football player, but his passion is serving the community.
The defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts established the Cory Redding Foundation in 2007 and has been working tirelessly to support quality educational, recreational and community assistance programs that promote the development of at-risk populations through the organization’s program called Hearts Outreach Inc.
A few of the programs Hearts supports include the middle school conduct pledge program and annual holiday shopping spree for underprivileged families in Indianapolis.
Green B.E.A.N. Delivery
Food insecurity is becoming a major problem across the United States, however Green B.E.A.N. Delivery is working to change those trends.
While you may have seen the Green B.E.A.N. truck out and about, this food company is delivering more than groceries.
By simply signing up and creating an account, customers receive the freshest local and organic produce and natural groceries right at their doorsteps.
Green B.E.A.N.’s goals also include making healthy and sustainably-grown local food affordable, accessible and convenient.
Hirons & Company
What makes Hirons & Company special is their unique commitment to diversity and community. Tom Hirons, the president and CEO of the company that specializes in advertising and public relations, has created a type of culture that encourages diversity outreach amongst employees and company clients, which include the Indianapolis Zoo and Eskenazi Health.
Hirons is committed to creating a working environment that values and utilizes the contributions of its employees as a reflection of the community. Through an internal “Diversity Matters” team and an external Diversity Advisory Council, Hirons advises and consults with their clients on the importance of diversity through media placement, creative designs, communications consulting and media relations.
Immigrant Welcome Center
A warm welcome is always appreciated when moving to a new city. Central Indiana has become a prime location for immigrant newcomers and because of that, the Immigrant Welcome Center makes certain they are met with Hoosier hospitality.
The Immigrant Welcome Center serves as a resource, services and opportunities hub for the growing community of immigrants and refugees in Indianapolis.
While settling into their new home, the center ensures immigrants and other residents exercise their right and responsibility to contribute to and enjoy the economic, civic, social and cultural vitality and growth of their city and community. They believe communities are at their best when everyone – immigrant and native-born individuals – contribute to the economy, the arts, faith communities and schools.
Indiana High School Athletic Association Inc.
While several regional athletic associations were formed around Indiana in the late 1890s, there was no statewide organization that administered athletics. But in the spring of 1903 the seeds of a state high school athletic governing body were sewn, bringing forth the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA).
The IHSAA encourages, regulates and gives direction to amateur interschool athletic competitions between its 412-member public, institutional, parochial and private schools.
Because they believe that athletic participation is an extension of and an integral part of the educational experience, one of the main purposes of the IHSAA is to assure that every student-athlete, regardless of race, gender or other factors, has a fair opportunity to compete.
Indiana Historical Society
Everyone loves a good story and the Indiana Historical Society (HIS) has been telling Indiana’s story and connecting people to the past since 1830.
As a private, nonprofit membership organization, IHS maintains the nation’s premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana, including the Old Northwest, and presents this in a unique set of visitor exhibitions called the “Indiana Experience.”
The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located along the picturesque and historic Central Canal in downtown Indianapolis.
Indiana State Police
Since 1933, the Indiana State Police has had five distinct goals when it comes to protecting the citizens of Indiana: Protect life and property; uphold Indiana laws; address crimes diligently; ensure safe roadways; and assist the public and all police agencies at any time and in any manner possible. The life Hoosiers enjoy is largely due to their work.
Troopers maintain close connections with the community through public safety campaigns, school safety initiatives, and youth education programs.
Integrity, loyalty and community are the driving principles of service in which they are able to carry out this tall order.
Indianapolis Public Library
We live in an age where technology has become an integral part of life. People can simply reach into their pockets, take out their smart phones and download their favorite magazine or access the newest Stephen King novel on their tablet.
Despite these advances, the Indianapolis Public Library remains as a pillar and essential resource in the community.
It is the community center of knowledge that brings together people, information and ideas to enrich lives and support vibrant Indianapolis neighborhoods.
With a focus on childhood literacy and lifelong learning for all ages, the Library presents free programs and diversified collections at 22 branch locations in Marion County as well as the Central Library located downtown. Outreach services are provided for neighborhoods and institutions where Library access is limited.
IUPUI
Consisting of a special partnership between Indiana and Purdue Universities the Indianapolis-based institution of higher learning commits itself to diversity at every level and believes that a diverse campus community enriches the educational and scholarly environment by bringing varied interests, experiences and perspectives to the teaching, learning and creative activities that constitute its core mission.
IUPUI has been recognized for its ability to embrace a broad definition of diversity including gender, race, ethnicity, veterans, people with disabilities and members of the LGBT community. They’ve also made strides in the enrollment and graduation of minority students; and for putting in place distinctive diversity and inclusion programs to recruit and retain faculty, staff and students from underrepresented groups.
Kimberly Dawkins
Kimberly Dawkins is a positive example of women in leadership positions.
Her career began in 2004 and since then, she has worked her way up to vice president and branch manager at PNC Bank in New Albany, Ind. Since 2006, she’s managed the State & Spring branch with deposits and loans totaling over $131 million based on FDIC reporting.
Due to her performance at PNC, she’s received numerous honors and awards.
Although she has tall professional tasks, Dawkins is very involved in the local community and serves on a number of nonprofit boards.
McDonalds Corp.
Ever wonder why McDonald’s has such lasting power? The company believes it’s because they create the environment and opportunity for everyone to contribute their best.
They do this by cultivating relationships that enhance internal and external brand trust, as well as being courageous leaders in their restaurants and in the community.
In the words of founder Ray Kroc, “None of us is as good as all of us.” McDonald’s embraces these wise words and strive to ensure that the company has a diverse workforce and that they create an environment where different cultures are appreciated and celebrated.
Powers & Sons Construction Co.
Since 1967, Powers & Sons Construction Co. has grown into a multi-million dollar general contractor, construction management and design-builder powerhouse. This is due to excellence amongst their staff.
For more than 45 years, Powers & Sons have built a solid, unblemished record of integrity, quality and cost effectiveness in the industry.
As companies grow, oftentimes they turn their business over. Not in this instance. With offices in Gary, Indianapolis and Chicago, this third generation family-owned company continues to grow and is known as one of the nation’s largest African-American-owned businesses.
Michael Suggs, NIPSCO
The Northern Indiana Public Service Company, better known as NIPSCO is an established company, however Michael Suggs, operations integrations and strategy director, ensures diversity and inclusion is a priority.
Suggs also partners with the chief operating officer to develop the Operations Team, facilitate operating plans and serve as the liaison between Operations and Public Affairs. Suggs joined NIPSCO in 1981.
Suggs serves the community as a member of several very prestigious organizations and is a Lifetime Member of the NAACP.
The Blended Church
The Blended Church is founded upon the belief that God is bigger, better and closer than one can imagine and that the Bible is God’s perfect guidebook for living.
This non-denominational, multicultural, bible-based fellowship with over 30 nations of people is shepherded by Dehner and Kimmy Maurer with a team of pastors and administrators under their wing.
The Blended Church is unique. They really believe God placed people on this earth with a purpose to create positive change and want to help members discover their detiny. At The Blended Church, all are welcome and no one is judged.
Martin Luther King Freedom Award:
The Eskenazi Family Foundation
Over the past few years, the name Eskenazi has become familiar to residents living in Indianapolis. The bearers of this surname, Sidney and Lois, recently provided over $40 million to enhance the system and build a new hospital formerly known as Wishard, located in downtown Indianapolis.
Sidney established a successful real estate development company. He and Lois Eskenazi learned early on the importance of philanthropy. Over the years, they have provided numerous gifts and are recognized philanthropic leaders in Central Indiana.
When the Wishard Foundation approached Sidney about a contribution to the capital campaign, his initial thought was to provide a $250,000 gift. Once he saw how valuable Wishard is, he wanted to do more.
Eskenazi Health officially opened Dec. 7, 2013 as one of America’s five largest safety net health systems, providing care to nearly 1 million outpatient visitors each year.
Rosa Parks
Trailblazer Award:
Deborah Hearn Smith
Deborah Hearn Smith is more than just the CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana. She makes sure girls build courage, confidence, and character and is shaping women of tomorrow who aim to make the world a better place.
Hearn Smith spearheads one of the premier national leadership organizations for girls. As Indiana’s largest girl-serving non-profit organization, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana annually serves more than 40,000 girls and 18,000 adult volunteers in 45 counties.
Hearn Smith is a member of Girl Scouts of the USA’s CEO Thought Partners, a select group of executives who work with national senior management to discuss broad issues. Because of her proven track record in fiscal management, Smith is one of three council CEOs appointed to Girl Scouts of the USA’s retirement advisory group.
