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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

DEIB Committee Positioning Statement

The following DE&I position provides direction for all Traverse Connect efforts:

  • Traverse Connect champions diversity, equity, and inclusion with an intentional approach to inform people, policies, and practices that strengthen access and opportunity in the business and non-profit community across the region.
  • We recognize that data and evidence show a competitive advantage for businesses and communities that demonstrate the values associated with a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment including increased profitability, thriving commerce, and a more engaged workforce. 
  • We are committed to providing leadership and resources to help area businesses successfully integrate DE&I practices into their business and community strategies.
  • We acknowledge that barriers exist and commit to an active pursuit of inclusion, including with limit: race, gender identity, age, religious beliefs, physical/mental ability, nation of origin, veteran status, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic class, and/or criminal history.   

Join us for the 2022 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Summit

DEIB COMMITTEE

Pam Amundsen

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

Nick Beadleston

Commonplace

Michael Brown

Burdco Incorporated

Warren Call

Traverse Connect

Katherine DeGood

Traverse Connect

Rick Ellery

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery

Mary Garcia

Hagerty

Carol Greilick

Northwest Education Services

Carla Gribbs

Retired, DTE

Valarie Handy

Handy Enterprises LLC

Tya Harrison

Lake Ann Barnwood

Camille Hoisington

Traverse Connect

Ellie Hudson

Independent Consultant

Molly MacGirr

Traverse Connect

Jillian Manning

Writer & Editor

Matthew McClellan

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

Tifini McClyde-Blythe

Interlochen Center for the Arts

Liz Petrella McKellar

Traverse Connect

Brenda McLellan

Traverse Connect

Connor Miller

Connor Miller

Aspire North REALTORS

Shannon Owen

Grand Valley State University

Mandy Sentieri

Traverse Connect

Ginger Smith

TCAPS

Trevor Tkach

Traverse City Tourism

Henry Wolf

Traverse Connect

*APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED AT THIS TIME AS THE COMMITTEE IS FULL

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee works to understand the challenges our community faces, is committed to educating ourselves of the current state of diversity and inclusion in our community and state, we inspire and challenge all and we connect to bring those together for sustainable change. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee is leading the community through change by producing a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Summit that is sustainable and meaningful to all aspects of our community.