Community Engagement

By now, it should be readily apparent that we consider real estate as a critical component to addressing the widening wealth gap between Black and brown households and white households in Central New York. While commercial real estate and land development offers tremendous potential, it is important that we increase residential home purchases as it is vital to addressing this barrier as well. For this reason, our CEO has chosen to serve as a board member to several local housing agencies and retains a board position as secretary of the Syracuse Industrial Development Agency.

At the heart of this work and central to our mission is the ability to impact the lives of the the community we serve It serves our organization to be actively engaged in conversations and initiatives that are economically beneficial and directly address the impediments to closing the existing wealth gap such as real estate and homeownership We are selective and intentional in the areas in which we volunteer and devote time.

Models of Success

The following organizations have contributed mightily to the success of our various programs by providing us support through paid internships, administrative and financial support, and by actively working with us to increase procurement opportunities for minority and women owned companies.

Paid Internships/Project Rise Lead Organization

ASM Global Mercy Works

Advocacy in Action

Onondaga County Prime Contractor Partner in Diversify-NY diversity initiative.

Paid Internships/ Entrepreneurial Assistance

Van Dyke Norris is a fast rising, newly certified New York State MWBE firm located in Syracuse, NY. Founded by company owner LaTerese Mathews, Van Dyke Norris Cleaning is a highly competitive and growing company with 13 employees

LaTerese allowed Diversify-NY to assist her through the New York State certification process whereby she was certified as an MWBE with the State of New York in 2022. Subsequently, Diversify-NY provided technical assistance navigating potential contracting opportunities and helped Van Dyke Norris secure in excess of $68,000 to date

Van Dyke Norris is the quintessential example of our post certification advocacy and a prime example of why the work we do is so critical to bridging the gap between New York State certification and the economic disparities faced by minority and minority women-owned businesses in Central New York

$68,000