Champions of Diversity

DEI Future & Beyond Symposium recognizes special companies & citizens

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ur community is filled with numerous people and organizations working diligently to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The DEI Future & Beyond Symposium committee recently announced the winners of the 2021 Inaugural Champions of Diversity. There were five winners: one from a small business category, one from a large business category, one from an education category, and two individual Champion of Diversity award winners. The 2021 Champion of Diversity Small Business Award recipient is PZI International Consulting. As an international organization, diversity is a large part of their company. They encourage and embrace an inclusive work environment where everyone’s voice is heard. PZI helps organizations empower their employees to succeed in global markets. The 2021 Champion of Diversity Large Business Award recipient is NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Marshall Space Flight Center’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity is responsible for contributing to a positive workplace environment for all employees. MSFC is diverse, and maintaining that diversity helps to ensure that their goals are achieved. They were also one of the founding organizations for the DEI Future & Beyond Symposium. The 2021 Champion of Diversity Education Award recipient is The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). The UAH Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s fundamental mission is to facilitate the development, implementation and incorporation of programs, policies and practices that advance the educational benefits that flow from a diverse administration, faculty, staff and student body. UAH is committed to a campus environment that honors the

Debbie McGee, PZI Consulting A HUNTSVILLE/MADISON COUNTY CHAMBER PUBLICATION

Delois Smith, professional consultant

individual, celebrates differences and fosters equal opportunities. Two outstanding community members were recognized for the 2021 Champion of Diversity Individual Award. The first 2021 Champion of Diversity Individual Award recipient is Delois Smith. Smith has been working in diversity, equity and inclusion for many years and is a DEI subject matter expert. She held two successive vice president positions at UAH, initially as the vice president for student affairs and second as vice president for diversity and multicultural affairs. Smith was appointed by the UAH president to serve as chief diversity officer and develop the office of diversity, equity and inclusion for the UAH campus. Today, she continues to serve as a professional consultant to local and national organizations. The second 2021 Champion of Diversity Individual Award recipient is Frank Williams. Williams is the executive manager and managing partner of Landers McLarty, with all of his automotive dealerships being ranked amongst the top dealerships in the country. His philosophy has been branding the community and its people through partnerships, sponsorships, and community involvement. As a local business leader who is active on many boards and has received numerous awards and recognitions, Williams is intentional to create an environment where others can grow and create opportunities. Our community is enriched by these award recipients’ leadership and dedication towards diversity, equity and inclusion. A short video for each winner is located at diversityhsv.org under Champions of Diversity. We encourage you to watch these and learn about the award winners’ DEI initiatives and why they were chosen as the 2021 Champions of Diversity. – Lydia Pennington

Frank Williams, Landers McLarty jun 2021 initiatives

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