CEOs Commit to Racial Equity in DSM
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020) — Leaders from across the region are encouraged to consider signing the CEO Commitment to Racial Equity in DSM. This was developed by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and its Inclusion Council with input from The Directors Council through its One Economy Blueprint for Action, as well as Capital Crossroads leadership. CEOs and top-level leaders of companies, organizations and public entities in DSM are encouraged to consider signing onto this commitment to racial equity and to create equitable, inclusive and diverse workplaces and communities.
“Our region’s leadership has helped us earn national recognition on so many ‘best of’ lists, and this is just one step in creating a more equitable region to help ensure everyone from all backgrounds, races and cultures are experiencing our region’s success,” said Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and a Co-Chair of the Capital Crossroads regional vision plan. “We believe in the One Economy Blueprint for Action goals and are committed to prioritizing these efforts by including them in our strategic goals and metrics.”
A number of business leaders, organizations and public sector leaders have already joined the growing list of leaders who are making this public commitment to racial equity and to build on current DEI initiatives in their organization as well as expand their efforts. See the list of more than 100 early adopters on The Partnership’s website.
“As the statement says, ‘we have reached a critical moment in our nation and region’s history,’” said Mike McCoy, CEO of NCMIC Group, Inc. “I encourage leaders throughout DSM to take this moment to make a powerful public statement, committing to help drive change for years to come.”
This represents one of the DEI efforts of The Partnership and its Inclusion Council, which are partnering with United Way of Central Iowa to host the Inclusion Summit on Tuesday, Nov. 10 and the upcoming 21-Day Equity Challenge.
“We believe that this will be a powerful signal to our workplaces and the community that DSM leaders are committed to DEI,” said Kate Hightshoe, Director of Hubbell Community Management and Chair of The Partnership’s Inclusion Council. “Although DEI efforts need to happen at all levels of the community and workplace, it takes a commitment from the top.”
The CEO Commitment to Racial Equity in DSM supports The Directors Council’s One Economy Blueprint for Action, which includes key indicators and metrics focused around the areas of Employment, Financial Inclusion, Education, Housing and Health to help eliminate racial, economic and other disparities in the African American community. The statement also had significant input from the leadership of the Capital Crossroads regional vision plan.
“DEI takes a community-wide effort, and this is a powerful statement that leaders at the top are committed,” said Teree Caldwell-Johnson, Chair of The Directors Council and Co-Chair of Capital Crossroads. “We must work to make DSM a place that is equitable for the Black community; this is the first step toward ensuring an equitable and welcoming community for people of all backgrounds and races.”
CEOs and top-level leaders of companies, organizations and public entities in DSM can sign on to the CEO Commitment to Racial Equity in DSM here, and their names will be included on The Partnership’s website.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.