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Creating a Stronger Cleveland
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
Creating a Stronger Cleveland
the dedication of community leaders. by jill sell
Diversity 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, 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.
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
common values.” — Peggy Zone Fisher
Andrew Berry Peggy Zone Fisher Craig Arnold
SAVE THE DATE
The 20th annual Walk, Rock and Run is scheduled for Saturday, May 7. The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio’s fundraiser and get-off-the-couch event enables programs that empower youth and educators to help fight bias, bigotry and racism. More information for individuals and teams that wish to participate can be found at diversitycenterneo.org.
prejudices and their own experiences.”
NaNetta Hullum is the Diversity Education and Citizenship Leadership Award recipient. She is also chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for Gilmour Academy.
“Right now, it is imperative that we fight for what we believe, what we know is right, preparing our students for a more humane and just society,” says Hullum.
Zone Fisher passionately emphasizes that critical race theory (CRT) is not taught as part of the Diversity Center’s school and youth programming.
“Across the nation, some parents have mistakenly been led to believe that a little- known academic theory known as critical race theory — that is sometimes taught in colleges and law schools — is the same as the diversity education and programming we have provided for many years in our middle and high schools,” says Zone Fisher. “Dedicated teachers, administrators, board members and parents increasingly are being forced to defend themselves against something that is not even happening.”
Zone Fisher says the Diversity Center does not believe or teach “that participants should feel discomfort, guilt or anguish because of their race, sex or other identities.”
She adds, “We believe in bringing people of different faiths, color, ethnicities and thought together to find common ground and common values.”
Adults are role models for children whether they intend to be or not. But, words and actions teach not only children, but also adults in the workplace and community. This year, the Diversity Center recognized individuals and an organization that set high bars for themselves and itself.
Eaton, a global power management company with 85,000 employees in 175 countries, was recognized in 2021 by the Human Rights Campaign. At the end of 2020, U.S. minorities comprised 54% of the company’s global leadership team. Locally, Arnold also was singled out for his dedication to helping bridge the digital divide during the pandemic and bringing computers and access to those without.
“The Diversity Center has addressed the problems that have plagued our city for decades. It is because of their efforts that I remain hopeful one day we will create the diverse and equal community we deserve,” says Arnold. “I am asking the business community to do more to lift up others and do what they do for your owners.”
Berry calls the game of football “a unique unifier of people” that draws from a diverse group of people. The Cleveland Browns brings together people of different races, genders, generations and ethnicities, according to Berry. “Be a part of the solution,” he says.
The Haslam Sports Group, owner of the Cleveland Browns, provides a yearlong Diversity and Opportunity Fellowship Program. The selected diverse group of recent college graduates work in administration, marketing, operations and sales. This is the second year for the program.
Rebecca Scina, the PwC LeadDIVERSITY Alumni Award recipient, comments on the power of diversity in the workplace:
“Diverse teams tend to be smarter than homogonous teams. They often think through things more logically and are better at thoroughly processing facts,” says Scina, cloud delivery manager, Hyland, and president of Hyland Pride Alliance. “Diverse workplaces can outperform any competition, at any industry, at any time. And, when we attract diverse talent to our workplaces, we are at the same time creating a diverse community that extends beyond the office.”
Sally Gries, community leader, activist and a past Diversity Center honoree, also spoke during this year’s Humanitarian Awards and realistically noted, “Deep wounds have yet to heal.”
But, like others who are committed to the work of the Diversity Center, Gries expressed optimism that the center’s mission will be understood and encouraged.
