COMMUNITY Creating a Stronger Cleveland Diversity Center’s humanitarian awards acknowledge the dedication of community leaders. by jill sell
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iversity makes us stronger. That theme was repeated and emphasized throughout the 67th Humanitarian Award Virtual Celebration this past fall. Presented by the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, the event brought together community leaders and emerging leaders who echoed the center’s vision: “to make Northeast Ohio a just, diverse and inclusive community for all.” The Diversity Center’s 2021 Humanitarian Award honorees are Craig Arnold, chairman and CEO, Eaton, and Andrew Berry, executive vice president of football operations and general manager, Cleveland Browns, and the Cleveland Browns Organization. It’s hard to resist describing the event’s award presenters and speakers as a “star-studded group,” but the participants did include many of Cleveland’s best-known individuals. That was evident beginning with the honorary co-chairs: Christopher Connor, retired chairman and CEO, Sherwin-Williams Co.; William Lacey, president and CEO, GE Lighting, a Savant company; and Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Haslam Sports Group, owners, Cleveland Browns. Cipriano Beredo III, chair, Diversity Center’s board of directors and partner, Squire Patton Boggs LLP, 30 COMMUNITY LEADER | FEBRUARY 2022
spoke at the celebration as well. Those honored at the event “exemplified leadership in civic, charitable and professional organizations,” according to Rick Chiricosta, chair, president and CEO, Medical Mutual of Ohio.
“We believe in bringing people of different faiths, color, ethnicities and thought together to find common ground and common values.” — Peggy Zone Fisher The annual celebration is a major fundraiser for the Diversity Center’s Fund a Need initiative, which supports the center’s school and youth programs. Peggy Zone Fisher, president and CEO of the Diversity Center since 2006, says the organization has exceeded its budget goals. “At times like this, people really step up,” says Zone Fisher, adding that donations are accepted year-round and more information can be found at the center’s website. “They realize that in this environment, the people who would be hurt most if we were not doing this work are not you and me. But, they are the young people who would be left behind.”
About 16,000 students in 11 Ohio counties, mostly in kindergarten through 12th grade, are served by the Diversity Center each year. Remote learning has also made programs available to individuals across the country. “Diversity makes our classrooms stronger,” says Sheryl King Benford, deputy general manager, chief legal officer, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and Diversity Center Board director. “As we partner with schools throughout the community, we hear countless stories of division, hate and cruelty. Just as there is a demonstrated increase in hate crimes across the country, acts of hate in schools are plentiful and on the rise. When students experience acts of hate and bullying, they do not feel safe and their learning is hindered.” King Benford notes that through programming provided by the Diversity Center, “we can increase culture competency, develop leadership skills and create an inclusive environment that fosters learning and educational success for students.” Owen Ganor, a Rocky River High School student and the evening’s Student Diversity Champion Award Recipient, agreed, saying “Diversity education allows people to think beyond their own
