How 2022 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Business honorees are making a difference in the Capital Region
Albany Business Review / June 23, 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.
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.”
Christa Grant is the director of staff development at Year Up and previously worked in local higher education institutions with a mission to promote diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives among faculty staff and students.
Roger 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 and recruited students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. (Click on the link above to access an interview with President Ramsammy.)
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. (In photo: Ethel Walker, milliner and owner of The Hat Boutiques at ACES with Linda MacFarlane, executive director of the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region.)
Hill & Markes partnered with New York State Industries for the Disabled to diversify its workforce as well as its customer base. As part of that effort, the company took over NYSID’s distribution and delivery operations. (In photo: Hill & Markes Inc. Chief Executive Jason Packer with Jeffrey Finkle, Neal and Andrea Packer.
Mission Accomplished Transition Services 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. (In photo: Carmen Duncan, founder of Mission Accomplished, left, with Darrell Michael, owner of Lounge De Beauti in Schenectady, a Mission Accomplished graduate.)
Published: Fri, 24 Jun 2022 12:00:05 +0000 by d.gardner