Columbus Chamber of Commerce Launches Applications for the Third Next Level DEIA Cohort

The business case for equity and inclusion is stronger than ever. That’s why the Columbus Chamber Foundation partnered with the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio to offer a 7-week accelerator that equips organizations with the capability to infuse equity and inclusion into their DNA with the goal of enhancing employee engagement, improving business outcomes, and increasing innovation.   

The Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio renewed its investment in the program as our premiere sponsor, so we’re excited to launch the third cohort in August 2023.  

“Working with the Chamber of Commerce on this initiative has been a rewarding experience for us, local employers, and the central Ohio workforce. As a result of this initiative, participating employers have been able to attract and retain untapped talent. This initiative has improved the lives of individuals from varied backgrounds and impacted the success of the Central Ohio economy. As Stephen Covey proclaimed, “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” 

Windy L Murphy, Associate Director of Business Solutions, The Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio 

“Next Level DEIA is a game changer. While there are DEI programs focused on changing hearts and minds, our focus is making systemic change. It’s about assessing policies, programs, and practices for equity and inclusion, identifying opportunities for change, and being intentional about the solutions.” 

Sherrice Sledge-Thomas, VP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access at The Columbus Chamber of Commerce

Applications for the third cohort are set to close on Friday, July 14, 2023. To learn more, visit https://columbus.org/next-level-deia/. 

The group will be facilitated by Sherrice Sledge-Thomas, Ankit Shah, and Varsey Laurelle – who are experts in the DEIA field. 

CONTACTS:

Sherrice Thomas, VP, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access at The Columbus Chamber of Commerce Foundation
e-mail: sherricethomas@columbus.org

Windy Murphy, Associate Director, Business Solutions, Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio
email: wmurphy@wdbco.org

---

About The Columbus Chamber of Commerce

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a mission-driven nonprofit organization serving more than 2,300 organizations throughout Central Ohio. The Columbus Chamber, founded in 1884, is committed to advancing a thriving Columbus Region and provides support in the areas of research, government affairs, marketing, education, and workforce development. Learn more: https://columbus.org/.

About The Columbus Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s goal is to remove barriers to prosperity and growth in the Columbus Region business community. The themes of our work are Bookend Talent Pipeline Support and Economic Inclusion. Learn more: https://columbus.org/columbus-chamber-foundation/about-the-foundation/.

About the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio

The Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio (WDBCO) is a Non-Profit Organization that plays a leadership role in regional workforce initiatives. Our mission is to partner with area businesses and community organizations on workforce needs so that people are fully employed at their ability and potential in the thriving Central Ohio economy. WDBCO is also the fiscal agent and strategic leader of the local OhioMeansJobs Columbus-Franklin County Job Center, located at 1111 East Broad Street inside the Jerry Hammond Building. Learn more: https://www.wdbco.org/.