Centier Bank was recently awarded the 2021 Workforce Diversity Award from the Urban League of Northwest Indiana at the organization’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards earlier this month.
The awards are presented to outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations that embrace and effectively incorporate diversity and inclusion in the organization or their service to our community.
Michelle Maravilla, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Centier Bank, said the company formed five associate resource groups last year to form conversations about diversity and support. These include a Black and Latino Group, LGBTQ+ Group, Women’s Group, Veteran’s Group, and Persons with Disabilities Group.
“The overarching intent is to create an environment for associates to be open, feel like they can come in and be safe and talk about their experiences and really feel that others are there to listen and support,” she explained. “Change starts by meeting people where they are. Empowering and supporting our associates is the gateway to how we can empower and support our clients and inspire our communities.”
Chrisanne Christ, Senior Partner overseeing Human Resources Development at Centier Bank, said diversity Is about progressing beyond tolerance, it is about embracing and celebrating individuals’ many dimensions and qualities.
“It’s vital for our associates to share and hear the stories, perspectives, and experiences of one another,” Christ said. “Our associates are our most valuable resource at Centier Bank, and we want everyone to have a voice. We’re overjoyed that the Urban League of NWI chose us to receive this award."
Other organizations from The Region received awards for community service, leadership, and a lifetime achievement award.
Click here to see video of Centier Bank's Workforce Diversity initiatives
For more information about the Urban League of Northwest Indiana’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards, go to urbanleagueofnwi.org. For more information about Centier Bank, go to centier.com.
