Diversity & Equity

Representatives from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, IFF, KConnect, First Steps Kent, and Grand Rapids Public Schools were among those sharing at the event.

Un informe destaca la necesidad de una atención y educación más completas y equitativas en la primer

En el condado de Kent, estas barreras están perfectamente ilustradas por un informe publicado recientemente, Split by More Than the Grand River: Cómo la Desigualdad en el Acceso al Cuidado Infantil Asequible Divide el Condado de Kent. 

Latest in Diversity & Equity
Moira Branigan has served as the Executive Director of the YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region since 2019. (Photo courtesy of the YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region)
YWCA leader earns award for fighting racism in the region

Moira Branigan, Executive Director of the YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region, receives the Drum Major Award during the Regional Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration later this month.  

Dr. Yang Jiao is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Midland Public Schools
Year in Review: Midland Public Schools DEI with Dr. Yang Jiao

A Year in Review and a Look Ahead with the Midland Public Schools DEI Director Dr. Yang Jiao

Representatives from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, IFF, KConnect, First Steps Kent, and Grand Rapids Public Schools were among those sharing at the event.
Report highlights need for more and more equitable early childhood care and education

WKKF, IFF, KConnect, and First Steps Kent met with other stakeholders to discuss a report that found 20,500 additional slots are needed to meet the Kent County’s demand for childcare.

Heather displays her work at Creative 360.
Creative 360 invites community to explore inclusive Artshop classes

Creative 360 is hosting an Artshop open house event on Jan. 9. The center will showcase its wide range of classes and inclusive programming designed for people of all ages and abilities.

Aaron and Marilee Faist pose with their son, 7-year-old Ian, and daughter, 3-year-old Morgan. The family hopes that sharing the challenges they face for Ian will encourage people to build a more inclusive world. (Photo courtesy of the Faist family)
Faist family is fighting for inclusion

Aaron and Marilee Faist hope that sharing the challenges they face for their son, Ian, helps people see why a more inclusive world is better for all

(L – R) Deidre Fields, community partner, James Gunter, community advocate, and Ashley Hines, executive director of Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation, in front of the African American History Gallery on Broadway Avenue in Benton Harbor.
Bold revitalization plan for Benton Harbor’s Empire Corridor

Community-driven revitalization plan for Benton Harbor Empire Corridor envisions a neighborhood transformed into a vibrant haven for all.

A number of financial incentives for post-secondary education help those interested in an early education career.
Michigan busca crear una mejor trayectoria profesional para los educadores de la primera infancia

Mientras Michigan trabaja hacia un programa PreK para Todos o PreK for All, que ampliará las opciones voluntarias de preescolar para que cada niño de cuatro años en Michigan pueda acceder a una educación preescolar gratuita en 2027, una preocupación que Meyers y otros educadores preescolares plantean es el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral para los maestros de educación preescolar. 

Dr. Colleen Allen, AAoM president and CEO cuts the ribbon.
Autism Alliance of Michigan celebrates grand opening of new Grand Rapids location

On Thursday Nov. 16, the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) celebrated its new Grand Rapids-area office with a grand opening ribbon cutting and open house at its location within the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, about 10 miles south of Grand Rapids proper. 

Sherlynn James works hard to help her Black and brown clients overcome barriers to home ownership.
Dismantling racism means removing barriers to home ownership

Owning a home is a huge part of the American Dream for those that call Michigan home. It is also one of the keys to building wealth, which many Black families have learned and now strive for.

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