Celebrating Conn.’s diverse and talented work force
Workplaces, communities, schools, churches, civic and social clubs and other groups across Connecticut have for years grown increasing more diverse, reflecting the make-up of a changing population. The richness of talents individuals bring to their organizations strengthened by different experiences and perspectives serve us all as we interact each day.
Despite the pressure of an uncertain economy, these businesses are leading the way for greater diversity. From communicating about our products and services in ways all can relate and creating workplace environments where all are encouraged to thrive and contribute, to reaching out to our communities with a helping hand, and more, we are engaging our diversity daily through the regular ebb and flow our personal contact. It’s part of what makes Connecticut a great place to live and work.
In this week’s issue of the Hartford Business Journal, we’re proud to recognize a handful of organizations and individuals who, far from having implemented anything particularly ground breaking, have excelled by simply doing what is right. It is their commitment, consistency and leadership in this area that stand out and which we celebrate.
Our six finalists for the 2009 Hartford Business Journal Diversity Awards include large employers, individuals and small organizations. All are demonstrating in their own ways extraordinary commitment to inclusion through company policies and personal practices. One finalist organization found new depths of human understanding occurring in their work force when opportunities were provided for a particularly challenged employee. Another has implemented multiple cross-sectional employee resource groups designed to ensure that new leaders have an opportunity to emerge from their entire pool of employees. All are sewing the seeds of greater tolerance and acceptance inside and outside their organizations and finding that it leads to greater opportunity for all.
Congratulations to all our winners and finalists. The examples you set extend far beyond conference rooms, loading docks and work stations. You are making a difference in the personal and professional lives of many and paving a road for opportunity and acceptance for generations to come.
Publisher
Stories compiled by Kevin Moore, contributing editor
The 2009 Diversity Awards Finalists:
WINNER: Innovation – Individual
Brian Czaja, Hartford Healthcare Federal Credit Union
RUNNER UP: Innovation – Organizational
Connecticare
WINNER: Leadership – Individual
Curtis Robinson, C&R Development Company
RUNNER UP: Leadership – Organizational
Pfizer Worldwide Pharmaceutical Operations,
Ian C. Read, president and Lori Shafner, vice president
WINNER: Policy/Advocacy – Individual
Luz Rodriguez, Business Resource Center
RUNNER UP: Policy/Advocacy – Individual
George Scurlock, Aetna
Click HERE to learn about the judges.
