On the heels of marking its 75th Anniversary, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana continues its meaningful work in the community by hosting its annual Diversity & Inclusion Awards. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the safety of citizens, this year’s event, normally a luncheon, will be held virtually and will celebrate businesses and organizations that have taken specific measures to uphold diversity and inclusion in the community, workplace and in leadership.
Youth Awards and a Minority Business Leader Award will also be presented. Winners will be recognized during a live broadcast Sept. 9th on the campus of Purdue University Northwest from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
“The pandemic has caused us to rethink how we host events and deliver services,” said Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud, President and CEO of the Urban League of NWI. “No matter the circumstances, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to honor community organizations and institutions that are still demonstrating the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.”
Virtual greetings will be made by Congressman Pete Visclosky and Michael Hooper, President of Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), which is the lead sponsor.
”It is continually important that people feel their values are respected in their workplaces,” said Thomas L. Keon, chancellor of Purdue University Northwest and chairman of the Urban League of NWI board of directors. “The Urban League is proud to recognize these local employers that show their commitment to championing diversity and inclusion.”
Those seeking to view the awards ceremony may watch it live on the Urban League of Northwest Indiana’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/UrbanLeagueNWI or Purdue University Northwest’s YouTube page at www.YouTube.com/PurdueNorthwest. Award recipients have been invited to accept their awards during the live broadcast.
The honorees are as follows:
COMMUNITY AWARD
Reins of Life, Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Girls on the Run of Northwest Indiana
LEADERSHIP AWARD
Horizon Bank
ASW Foundation
WORKPLACE AWARD
Ameristar Casino
YOUTH AWARD
Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Indiana
Muslim Student Association
Unified Sports Youth Awards
MINORITY BUSINESS LEADER AWARD
Chicagoland Popcorn - Dwayne and Modga Walker
“We would like to thank everyone for being so flexible and embracing this modified format,” added Allen McCloud. “Our sponsors, board members, volunteers and community supporters continue to do their part to help the League impact countless lives in the communities we serve.”
About the Urban League of Northwest Indiana
For 75 years, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana’s mission has been to promote cultural diversity and economic opportunities in African American and minority communities. Fueling transformational change in Lake, Porter and La Porte counties, the Urban League has touched more than 3,000 children and youth annually through scholarships, college readiness, and developmental training programs. Additionally, the organization supports civic leadership, civil rights and social justice.
The Urban League also continues to make exceptional strides in providing a better quality of life for citizens across the Region. For more information about the Urban League of NWI or to donate, call 219-887-9621 or visit http://www.ulofnwi.org.