From Katherine Harrington, President & CEO | West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce recently held its fourth annual DEI Workplace Excellence Awards, shining a spotlight on businesses, organizations, and individuals who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. The honorees this year were recognized for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Honorees
- DEI Student Leader of the Year: SirMichael Carrington Williams-Thomas
- DEI Emerging Leader of the Year: La Toshia Burrell
- DEI Leader of the Year: Heather Schott
- DEI Ally of the Year: Dr. Erlin Kakkanad
- Small Business: The Joy of Curls
- Medium Business (50 – 249 employees): Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency
- Large Business (250+ employees): Turner Construction
- Nonprofit: Polk County Housing Trust Fund
- Education: Iowa Juneteenth
- Government: West Des Moines Human Rights Commission
- Best Inclusion Initiative: 2024 Aspire to Inspire ERG Conference (Iowa Safe Schools)
Words of Wisdom and Key Takeaways
Throughout the evening, honorees shared their thoughts, insights, and challenges for the audience and the collective wisdom left a profound impact. These words encouraged the audience to act, reflect, and continue pushing for a more equitable society. Here are some of the key takeaways shared at the event:
- Recognize, Learn, Act: The journey toward true inclusion begins with recognition of inequity, followed by learning and action to address it.
- Embrace Humanity: At the core of inclusion is a deep recognition of our shared humanity and the need to care for each other with empathy and understanding.
- Educate Yourself: Continuous education is crucial to fostering an inclusive workplace. We must all commit to learning about diversity and challenging our biases.
- Empower the People Around You: True leadership is about empowering others and ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
- Conviction, Commitment, Care for All: These values are essential for creating lasting change in inclusive initiatives.
- We Are All America: Inclusion means recognizing that every individual, regardless of background, is a vital part of our collective story.
- Charity Toward All: A call to extend kindness, empathy, and support to everyone, particularly the most vulnerable in our communities.
- See Something, Say Something: Addressing inequality begins with speaking up when we witness it, ensuring that silence does not perpetuate harm.
- Find a Way to Connect to a Foster Child: A reminder to reach out and make a difference in the lives of those who may need it the most.
- Be Open-Minded: Approaching people and situations with an open mind allows for greater understanding and innovation.
- Be Curious: Curiosity about others’ experiences and perspectives fosters deeper connections and greater inclusivity.
- Make Sure Everyone Has a Chance: Equality of opportunity is key to building inclusive workplaces and communities.
- Disrupt for Good: Meaningful progress often requires disruption of the status quo to ensure more equitable outcomes for all.
- Give a Damn: Passion and care for others drive the most significant changes in the world.
- Find Your Voice: It’s essential to speak up, whether advocating for yourself or others, and to encourage open dialogue.
- Encourage Open Dialogue: Honest and open conversations help move organizations toward positive change.
- Set an Example for Future Generations: By leading with integrity today, we pave the way for a more inclusive future.
- Use Challenges as Fuel for Positive Change: Difficulties should inspire us to push harder for improvement as people and organizations.
- The Impact You Have on Others Matters: Ultimately, the greatest measure of success is the positive impact we have on the lives of those around us.
The Path Forward: Turning Takeaways into Action
The evening was not only a celebration but a call to action. The honorees’ collective wisdom challenged the audience to reflect on their own roles and to take steps that will lead to meaningful change. From recognizing the humanity in everyone to empowering those around us, the night was filled with actionable insights that resonated deeply.
The honorees exemplified the best in leadership and vision, and their challenges inspired the audience to continue working toward a future where everyone is included and valued. By taking these words of wisdom to heart, we can all contribute to a more just and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.