The 2022 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Business Honorees
Sam Raudins /Associate Editor / Albany Business Review / May 11, 2022
The Capital Region needs individuals and companies that are taking their diversity, equity and inclusion growth seriously by holding themselves accountable, investing in new measures to improve work culture and regularly assessing their progress.
The Albany Business Review is pleased to recognize three individuals and three organizations who have shown a commitment to promoting practices that advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in the business community. The six honorees were selected from nominations and Business Review reporting.
Roger Ramsammy
Roger A. Ramsammy has served as president of Hudson Valley Community College in Troy since 2018. Under his leadership, the college has greatly expanded international outreach and partnerships across the globe; recruited students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds; expanded on-campus offerings by bolstering the college’s office of diversity, equity and inclusion and creating a new Veterans Resource and Outreach Center; and introduced diversity training initiatives and programs, including both for-credit and non-credit micro-credentials in DEI.
Also recognized for DEI achievements are:
Trent Griffin-Braaf
Trent Griffin-Braaf is the owner of Tech Valley Shuttle and GB Logistics. Tech Valley Shuttle started a Get-To-Work program three years ago that’s growing in popularity as it helps transport employees to employers in “transportation deserts.” Griffin-Braaf has also been working to share the business lessons he’s learned with the next generation of women- and minority-owned businesses,
Christa Grant
Christa Grant currently serves as assistant dean for intercultural affairs and one of the four chief diversity officers at Union College. Prior to working at Union, she was the director of the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center at Siena College. During her tenure at Siena College, Grant played an integral role in transforming its campus culture by implementing programming and DEI workshops for students and employees. She’s provided coaching on how to lead difficult conversations to bridge differences across cultures and beliefs.
ACES Incubator
The Albany Center for Economic Success Incubator — ACES — provides affordable space for entrepreneurs and organizations at the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region in Albany’s Sheridan Hollow neighborhood. It has hosted startups such as the the Hearts and Mind Training Center, which is helping train people for health care jobs, and organizations like Building Blocks Together, which is working to increase homeownership in neighborhoods that suffer from disinvestment.
Hill & Markes
Hill & Markes partnered with New York State Industries for the Disabled to diversify its workforce as well as its customer base. The company took over NYSID’s distribution and delivery operations. The six-month process included investment in new infrastructure and equipment at Hill & Markes’ Amsterdam facility and a shift in perspective to allow for more flexibility in an integrated workplace. Hill & Markes is now preparing for phase two, which involves working with NYSID as a partnership in the private sector.
Mission Accomplished Transition Services
Mission Accomplished prepares rising young professionals and entrepreneurs for the workforce by providing access to industry-specific coaching, mentoring and sponsorship. The organization coaches, develops and supports people to find purpose, develop skills and become leaders. Mission Accomplished founder Carmen Duncan is also a board member for Advance Albany County Alliance, where she’s a voice advocating for people from underrepresented groups so that they can share in the prosperity that results from economic development projects.
The honorees will be recognized at an event on June 24 at the Hilton Garden Inn Troy.
Published: Thu, 12 May 2022 12:20:57 +0000 by d.gardner