More than 600 people gathered together at the Avalon Manor Banquet Center to recognize those who have made a difference in diversity and inclusion. Urban League of Northwest Indiana hosted its 12th annual Diversity and Inclusion Luncheon on Thursday, November 7.
The luncheon serves as a way for the organization to acknowledge contributions made by businesses, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, civic organizations, and other individuals that advocate for diversity and inclusion in Northwest Indiana communities.
Urban League of Northwest Indiana President and CEO Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud considers this one of her favorite events of the year.
“We look for organizations or individuals in the community who are proactive in promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace,” McCloud said. “This event is amazing because we get to present awards to those who make those efforts in Northwest Indiana.”
Urban League of Northwest Indiana has plenty of team members who regularly conduct training and outreach for diversity and inclusion within Lake, Porter and La Porte Counties. The organization has taken pride in its team and partners being committed to a workplace environment that is welcoming, equitable, diverse, and inclusive.
“We’re happy to get major support from our vendors and other organizations,” McCloud said. “We have our board members and a large staff in attendance this year so it’s very exciting.”
The event opened with greeting messages and a video of the “Star Spangled Banner" before getting into the lunch. Dr. Orville Cocking, senior vice president of NIPSCO, is appreciative to work with Urban League of Northwest Indiana and have a chance to educate others in this space.
“NIPSCO’s ongoing partnership with Urban League of Northwest Indiana is one we hold in high regard,” Cocking said. “We collaborate with many diverse professional organizations. We believe that every move we make as a company must value and advance the interests of the individual, energize the communities, and establish a society where no one is left behind. I’m thankful for this opportunity to share what diversity, equity, and inclusion means.”
Ken Iwama, vice president of Indiana University (IU) Regional campuses, was the keynote speaker for the event. He values a gathering like this for being a great way to instill hope in the community.
“This is a fantastic celebration,” Iwama said. “We live in difficult and polarizing times right now. When you see this gathering of people focusing on the same mission, it provides a great sense of unity. It gives you motivation for the next day that work needs to be done and that we can accomplish that. It’s great to see so many old friends come here to celebrate that today.”
Following the message from Iwama, Urban League of Northwest Indiana transitioned into its award presentations to close out the program. Taghi Arshami, principal of the Arsh Group, conducted the award presentations.
Tony and Connie Blair accepted the Minority Business Award on behalf of the Blind Social Center. Tony Blair is grateful for their organization to receive an honor like this and to continue working hard towards their mission.
“We’re continuing to appreciate those who have an equal appreciation for the work we do in the community,” Tony said. “Things like this keep us humble to know that others see what we’re trying to do. This is just another step on the path we travel.”
Connie Blair is honored to share the ceremony with a large gathering of people who have the same mission of Diversity and Inclusion.
“Receiving an honor like this with so many elite individuals focusing on a better community is wonderful,” Connie Blair said. “Each one of us has our own specialty. We want to help shed light on blindness and allow people to understand how to navigate through life with that disability.”
Project Neighbors received the Leadership Award at the event. Paul Schreiner, executive director, and Lois Reiner, founder, are very pleased to be a part of the process of bringing equity and leadership to Northwest Indiana.
Matt Schuffert, president of Hard Rock Casino Northwest Indiana, is proud to partner with Urban League of Northwest Indiana and contribute to Diversity and Inclusion in local communities.
“It’s an awesome feeling for Hard Rock to be honored with the Moving the Needle Award,” Schuffert said. “This event is a great reflection of the area that we’re in and a nice opportunity to network with other businesses as well.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Edward L. Williams, President of OptiFormance Consulting Services. Williams believes this award is about managing responsibility in the community.
“Whenever you are recognized by your peers for a lifetime accomplishment, it means much more from a personal standpoint,” Williams said. “We’re called upon in the community to volunteer, chair committees, and do our duty as citizens. The more people we can have as volunteers, the better off the city and the state will be as a result.”
Other award winners include the Women’s Care Center with the Community Impact Award, Hilltop Neighborhood House with the Workforce Award, and the Junior Achievement of Chicago and Northwest Indiana with the Youth Award.
Through 12 years of honoring diversity and inclusion, Urban League of Northwest Indiana hopes to continue this tradition for the foreseeable future.
“We’ve been planning this event for months,” McCloud said. “It’s always a highly anticipated event and I’m glad we have such a great turnout of people who care deeply about the community.”
For more information about Urban League of Northwest Indiana, you can visit its website.
