The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio

#IndigenousHeritageMonth, celebrated each November in the United States, honors the rich histories, diverse cultures, and lasting contributions of Indigenous peoples. The celebration originated in 1990, when President George H. W. Bush designated November as "National American Indian Heritage Month" in recognition of Native American communities' profound influence on the country. This month serves as a time to reflect on the traditions, resilience, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous groups across areas like education, governance, arts, and environmental stewardship. It also fosters a deeper understanding of the historical struggles and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous peoples, encouraging support for their continued progress and cultural preservation.

Our SHIFT Consulting team recently facilitated our Creating Inclusive Workplaces program for our friends at the Canton City Public Health Dept. Creating Inclusive Workplaces serves as an introduction to concepts of diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging in the workplace. In this session, participants learned how their own unique identities shape their experiences and impact their day-to-day interactions with others. They learned strategies for recognizing bias and received tools that will aid them in addressing exclusionary behavior when it occurs. One participant shared, "This program was a great reminder to treat people with kindness and to really listen to other's experiences." 

Had an incredible experience today at the #LeadDIVERSITY "Identity" session with my fellow 2025 cohort, hosted by The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio and their community partners at Saint Ignatius High School. We explored the complexity of our identities and how they intersect with privilege, all through the lens of the HBDI Whole Brain Thinking methodology. This session provided an invaluable opportunity to dive deeper into building inclusive teams and understand how our personal and professional experiences shape the way we lead. Feeling inspired by today’s discussions and looking forward to continuing this journey with such a thoughtful and diverse group of leaders. Thank you to the facilitators Jessica Daigler and Jeff M. and to my fellow participants for the engaging and meaningful conversations. #WholeBrainThinking #InclusiveLeadership #DEI #DiversityandInclusion #LeadDIVERSITY2025

Our LeadDIVERSITY class of 2025 meets today with our community partners at Saint Ignatius High School for our "Identity" session. In this session, our leaders are looking deeper into creating inclusive teams and examining our identities alongside their intersections with privilege, all through the lens of Whole Brain Thinking. #LeadDIVERSITY

Today, we celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day! We honor the culture, history, and contributions of our Indigenous friends, family, and neighbors. Let’s all take a moment today to express our gratitude for the countless ways Indigenous people enrich our communities and our lives. The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio's office will be closed today in observance of this date. #IndigenousPeoplesDay

This summer, our SHIFT Consulting team completed the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Strategic Planning process with the SMART Recovery USA Steering Committee.   The Strategic Planning process includes the design and implementation of JEDI initiatives in the workplace. Our team uses Cooperrider’s Appreciative Inquiry model which utilizes a strengths-based approach to develop sustainable action steps that drive meaningful changes.   The SMART Recovery Steering Committee is now prepared to implement the action steps generated during these collaborative sessions, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive work environment.

The cheerleading team at Mayfield High School participated in a YouLEAD series to kick off the cheer season! Students gained awareness of diverse identities, practiced conflict resolution and upstander strategies, and built community through team-building. Just like their cheer pyramids, this team knows acceptance, communication, and community are the foundations for success!

Our School & Youth staff has been busy in schools facilitating programs for students and educators that foster inclusive and brave spaces. Earlier this year, student leaders at Milkovich Middle School attended an all-day leadership conference with guest speaker workshops led by their awesome staff! We were honored to facilitate #RethinkLabels workshops, lead students in discussions around the impact of assumptions and stereotypes, and teach skills with the goal of spreading inclusion and acceptance.

The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio would like to extend a huge thank you to all the amazing new friends we met at Flaming River Con yesterday! Our team had an incredible time, and we can’t wait to connect and grow with each of you. Stay tuned for more from this wonderful event!

¡Feliz mes de la Herencia Latiné y Hispana! From September 15th to October 15th, we celebrate #LatineHeritageMonth, federally known as #HispanicHeritageMonth! The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio is proud to celebrate the rich contributions and diverse cultures of Latiné Americans and all those with Hispanic or Latiné roots.