AAAED Access, Equity and Diversity Awards for 2019

Every year, during the AAAED National Conference and Annual Meeting, AAAED confers awards named for historic figures in the civil rights, affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity fields. The following individuals will receive the AAAED honors on June 12, 2019, at the 45th National Conference and Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, IN, because of their outstanding leadership, commitment and contributions to the cause of access, equity and diversity.

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Drum Major for Justice Award

A special acknowledgement of the extraordinary contributions that an organization or individual, including a public servant or one who has held an elective office or appointment to public service, has made to the cause of access, equity and diversity.

The 2019 AAAED Drum Major for Justice Award Honoree is the Honorable Gregory W. Porter, State Representative, State of Indiana.

Gregory W. Porter

Gregory W. Porter is a member of the 120th Indiana General Assembly. He is now serving his 13th term for the 96th House District in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is currently ranking minority member of the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee. Based on his distinguished record of achievement over a period of twenty-five years in elected office, Mr. Porter was elected by his colleagues and peers across the nation to serve as President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL), an organization that leads nearly seven hundred African American state legislators across forty-six states, the District of Columbia, and the U. S. Virgin Islands. NBCSL is designed to enhance the effectiveness of legislation that impacts, either directly or indirectly, the general welfare of African American constituents within their respective jurisdictions.

Mr. Porter also holds the position of Sr. Vice President of External Affairs for the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County. As Sr. Vice-President of External Affairs at Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County, Porter advises the president on strategies from communicating to and involving the community at large within the corporation's goals, facilitates relationships between the corporation and external stakeholders, and acts in the capacity of a community liaison.

As member of the Indiana General Assembly he and his legislative colleagues authored Resolution No. 56 that renames the section of Interstate Highway 65 from Seymour, Indiana to Johnson County the Tuskegee Airmen Highway. Mr. Porter has received numerous awards not limited to but including the 2018 Dr. Mozel Sanders Drum Major for Political and Social Justice, NAACP 2015 Pathfinder Award, Martin Center Distinguished Sickle Cell Champion Award, Indianapolis Urban League - 2015 Servant Leadership Legacy Award, Prevent Child Abuse of Indiana Leadership Award, Indiana Early Care Education Legislative Award, Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education Award, Indiana School Counselors Association Friend of Youth Award, National Black Caucus of State Legislators Award, plus an Eagle Award from the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Eli Lilly Legislator of the Year Award, Indiana Minority Health Coalition Legislative Award, and the Marion County Commission on Youth Holiday Honors Award.

He is a native of Indianapolis, a graduate of Shortridge High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Earlham College where he received the Outstanding Alumni Award. He has also been inducted into the Shortridge High School Hall of Fame and the Indianapolis Public Schools Hall of Fame. He graduated from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government Executive Program in 2001 and served on the Harvard working group on early childhood science and policy. He has an honorary doctorate degree from Martin University, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Arthur A. Fletcher Lifetime Achievement Award

Arthur A. Fletcher

Named for the "Father of Affirmative Action" former Assistant Secretary of Labor Arthur A. Fletcher, who established the Revised Philadelphia Plan requiring goals and timetables in the construction industry - the precursor for what became “Affirmative Action," the Arthur A. Fletcher Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a career devoted to promoting and advocating for affirmative action, EEO and diversity.

The 2019 AAAED Arthur A. Fletcher Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree is Marshall Rose, M.S.W.

Marshall Rose, M.S.W., has been a member of the American Association for Affirmative Action, re-named the American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity (AAAED), since the early 2000Ã's. He served as President of the association from 2014-2016, and previously, was a member of the AAAED board as Region V Director. Marshall also served on the board of United for Equality and Affirmative Action Legal Defense Fund (UEAA-LDF). Marshall Rose has been an untiring advocate of affirmative action and equal opportunity throughout his entire career.

Marshall held senior responsibility for monitoring diversity and AA/EEO compliance at Bowling Green State University and Central Michigan University. He retired from BGSU in January 2011. Marshall has done numerous presentations and speeches on diversity, affirmative action, EEO and associated topics. He has also done training for educational, nonprofit and private industry organizations. A few of these include Toledo American Red Cross, Henry Ford Community College, City of Toledo, National Basketball Development League, Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority, Western Illinois University, University of Missouri at Rolla, the Saginaw News, the Monroe County Independent School District, and the Kiwanis Club of Fostoria, Ohio. He routinely speaks and/or participates in programs honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as celebrations and activities commemorating African American History.

Marshall has received a number of honors in recognition of his community and professional contributions. They include: Volunteer of the Year from the Toledo Chapter of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals, Impact Newsmaker Award from the Northwest Ohio Black Media Association, 2010 Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth Humanitarian Award from the State-of-the-State Conference, 2011 Drum Major for Peace Award from the Human Relations Commission of Bowling Green, Ohio, and the 2012 President's Award from the American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and a Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Cesar Estrada Chavez Award

The award is named for Cesar Estrada Chavez, an American labor leader and civil rights activist who, along with Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers union, UFW) in 1962. The Cesar Estrada Chavez Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated leadership in support of workers' rights and humanitarian issues.

The 2019 AAAED Cesar Estrada Chavez Award Honoree is Tomás D. Morales, President, California State University, San Bernardino.

A nationally recognized leader in the higher education community who is noted for his commitments to diversity and excellence, Dr. Tomas D. Morales was selected as the president of California State University, San Bernardino in May 2012. He is the university's fourth president since it opened in 1965. His commitment to student success has led to various innovatory summer bridge and orientation programs for area students. In addition, he has spearheaded the first truly bi-county initiative to address education and career preparedness beginning with K-12 through baccalaureate degree attainment. This effort resulted in a successful $5 million California Governor's Innovation Award.

Previously, Dr. Morales was president of the College of Staten Island, The City University of New York (CUNY), since 2007. From 2001 to 2007, Morales served in various capacities at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, including Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Student Affairs, and professor of education. While at Cal Poly Pomona, he established the Kellogg Honors College, realigned the division of Academic Affairs and played a key role in completing a $23 million expansion of the Bronco Student Center, among other projects.

Prior to joining Pomona, Dr. Morales was Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at The City College of New York/CUNY from 1994 to 2001. From 1992 to 1994, he was Assistant Dean of the School of Education at the State University of New York (SUNY), New Paltz. Dr. Morales holds a B.A. in history from SUNY, New Paltz and earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in educational administration and policy studies from SUNY, Albany. Selected by Latino Leaders Magazine as one of the 100 most influential Latino Leaders in the country, Dr. Morales has served as president of the board of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. He has held leadership positions in the three largest public university systems in the nation: The California State University, The State University of New York, and The City University of New York, and before taking his current position at CSUSB, he served as the President of the College of Staten Island, in the City University of New York from 2007 to 2012. He also previously served as Vice President for Academic Affairs at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California.

Rosa Parks Award

Named for the civil rights icon who refused to surrender her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus and sparked not only the Montgomery Bus Boycott but the ultimate end of racial segregation of public facilities, the Rosa Parks Award recognizes an individual who serves as a role model and leader for others through his or her personal achievements, excellence in a chosen field; commitment to human, civil rights and social issues and contributions to the betterment of society.

The 2019 AAAED Rosa Parks Award Honoree is Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole.

Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole is a Principal Consultant with Cook Ross, Inc., a consulting firm located in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. Before assuming her current position, she served for eight years as the Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. When she retired from the museum on March 31, 2017, Dr. Cole was given the title of Director Emerita.

Johnnetta Betsch Cole received her undergraduate degree from Oberlin College. Her M. A. and Ph.D. in anthropology with a specialization in African Studies were received from Northwestern University. After holding teaching and administrative positions at several colleges and universities, Dr. Cole served as the president of both historically Black colleges for women in the United States--Spelman and Bennett Colleges-- a distinction she alone holds. She has authored or edited several books and numerous articles for scholarly and general audiences.

Dr. Cole was the first African American to serve as the chair of the board of United Way of America. She formerly served on several corporate boards. She currently serves on the board of Martha's Table in Washington, DC.

From 2015 to 2016, Dr. Cole was the president of the Association of Art Museum Directors. She recently co-chaired the American Alliance of Museum's Working Group on Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion. She is a fellow of the American Anthropological Association and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is currently a Senior Consulting Fellow at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Dr. Cole is the National Chair and Seventh President of the National Council of Negro Women. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Links, Inc. Dr. Cole has received numerous awards and is the honoree of 68 honorary degrees.

Edward M. Kennedy Community Service Award

Named for the former Senator from the State of Massachusetts who was a lifetime champion of civil rights, disability rights and other issues on behalf of disadvantaged persons, the award is presented to an individual or organization demonstrating outstanding community service.
The 2019 AAAED Edward M. Kennedy Community Service Award honorees are National: Deb Dagit, President, Deb Dagit Diversity, LLC, Washington, NJ and Local: BOSMA Enterprises, Navigating Blindness, Indianapolis, IN

Deb Dagit

Deb Dagit. Deb Dagit started her own business in 2013 to deliver the consulting services and products she wished were available when she was a Chief Diversity Officer. She focuses on offering practical, just-in-time resources, tools and support for diversity practitioners. As Merck's CDO for 11 years, Deb was responsible for global equal opportunity, employee relations, recruiting and staffing, and diversity and inclusion. Under her leadership, the company was recognized for its exemplary work in diversity and inclusion by DiversityInc and Working Mother magazines, the Families and Work Institute, and the Human Rights Campaign. Merck also received the Department of Defense Freedom Award (veterans) and the Department of Labor New Freedom Award (people with disabilities) during her tenure.

Prior to joining Merck, Deb was the leader of Learning Communications and Diversity at Silicon Graphics and head of Strategic Cultural Initiatives for Sun Microsystems. She played a key role in the passage of the American with Disabilities Act through her lobbying efforts in both California and Washington, D.C. Deb was invited to speak on diversity and inclusion at the December 2008 “Citadel of Free Speech" City Club of Cleveland, which was broadcast live on NPR. She also testified in July 2011 before the U.S. Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions committee regarding best practices for improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Bosma Enterprises

Bosma Enterprises: Navigating Blindness. With roots that reach back to 1915, Bosma Enterprises has decades of experience in helping Hoosiers with vision loss achieve independence. Bosma's rehabilitation program helps nearly 800 people each year. “As we plan for the future, we're looking forward to assisting even more of Indiana's almost 160,000 people who are blind or visually impaired."

Through its rehabilitation services and its job training and employment programs, Bosma teaches people experiencing vision loss how to successfully navigate their lives and jobs. In doing so, it is helping its clients grow their abilities and confidence - a journey that its trainers call “progressing from tears to cheers." Bosma is helping them achieve true self-sufficiency, challenge misperceptions and break barriers.

Roosevelt Thomas Champion of Diversity Award

This award was named after the late R. Roosevelt Thomas Jr., known for developing and implementing innovative concepts and strategies for maximizing organizational and individual potential through Diversity Management. The award is therefore given to an organization or corporation for outstanding achievements in promoting diversity in the workforce.

The 2019 AAAED honorees of the Roosevelt Thomas Champion of Diversity Award are Cummins, Inc., Columbus, IN; and Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN.

Cummins Inc.

Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company's products range from diesel and natural gas engines to hybrid and electric platforms, as well as related technologies, including battery systems, fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.A.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 62,600 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves customers in approximately 190 countries and territories through a network of approximately 600 company-owned and independent distributor locations and over 7,600 dealer locations and earned about $2.1 billion on sales of $23.8 billion in 2018.

Cummins ranked 12th on the DiversityInc. List of the top 50 Companies for Diversity. This is out of 1800 companies that competed for the honor. Every company that participates receives a free report card, assessing its performance versus all competitors overall and in four key areas of diversity management:

  • Talent Pipeline: workforce breakdown, recruitment, diameter of existing talent, structures
  • Talent Development: employee resource groups, mentoring, philanthropy, movement, fairness
  • Leadership Accountability: responsible for results, personal communications, visibility
  • Supplier Diversity: spend with companies owned by people from underrepresented groups, accountability, support

"The more we grow and expand globally, the more important it is that we attract and develop employees from around the world who have the knowledge and skills to work effectively in the markets in which we do business," said Kelley Bertoux Creveling, Executive Director - Global Diversity and Right Environment. “We're at our best when we fully include those unique perspectives, experiences and languages - truly leveraging the power of diversity and inclusion."

Eli Lilly

Eli Lilly & Company ranked #6 on the DiversityInc list in 2018. According to DiversityInc: "Eli Lilly moved up 10 spots last year and continues the strong momentum this year, moving into the Top 10. The company has twice as many Blacks in the top two levels of management than the national average for U.S. companies." It also ranks highly on other DiversityInc specialty lists:

  • No. 4 Employee Resource Groups
  • No. 5 People with Disabilities
  • No. 8 Supplier Diversity
  • No. 9 Mentoring

"We believe embracing diversity means understanding, respecting and valuing differences. At Lilly, our commitment to diversity spans our workplace, marketplace and relationships with suppliers. We are proud to be recognized for this important ongoing work."

Emerging Leader Award

This award is given to an individual who is becoming a leader on the national stage and who has demonstrated excellence in his/her workplace and/or community. This is the first year that the award will be conferred.

The 2019 AAAED Emerging Leader Award honorees are Taylor Dumpson (National) and Karina Garduno (Local).

Taylor Dumpson

Taylor Dumpson is a candidate for the Juris Doctor and is a Public Service Scholar. She has interned with the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law's Stop Hate Project (Washington, DC); Capitol Hill Office of Congresswoman Fredericka S. Wilson (D-FL) (Washington, D.C.; Wicomico County Office of the State's Attorney (Salisbury, MD); and the Office of Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes of Maryland's District 37-A (Salisbury, MD).

In spring 2017, while pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Society at American University in the Nation's Capital, Ms. Dumpson became the first black woman to serve as president of the Student Government in the University's 124-year history. In the wake of her ground-breaking election, she was the target of a racially-motivated hate crime on her first day in office, followed by cyber-harassment by members of white supremacist groups.

Since then, and in an effort to raise awareness about the physical, emotional and mental health impacts of hate crimes, Ms. Dumpson has given a TEDx Talk, testified before Congress, and been featured in interviews with various print, television and radio broadcast media such as CNN, NBC, The Washington Post, The New York Times, WTOP, and WAMU.

Ms. Dumpson's personal story is featured along with the narratives of other survivors of hate crimes in a newly released book, "American Hate: Survivors Speak Out" edited by Arjun Singh Sethi. Ms. Dumpson is a 2018 honoree of the Lawyers' Committee's Frank R. Parker Client Award, for her "unwavering courage and commitment to standing up against racial and gender-based hatred and promoting diversity and inclusion for all."

In her spare time, Taylor enjoys focusing on social justice issues specifically concerning girls, women, and people from marginalized identities, as well as youth leadership, and education. Following law school, she plans to pursue a career in civic-engagement and civil rights litigation, with a long-term goal of opening a non-profit community center.

Karina Garduno

Karina Garduno joined the IUPUI (Indiana University Purdue University of Indiana) Multicultural Center in June 2015. As the Assistant Director for Multicultural Programming, Karina works in several areas within the Multicultural Center including: multicultural programmatic efforts, developing retention efforts and outreach for diverse student populations, administration of the JAGversity Peer Educators program, accountability for affiliated student organizations, and support and advising in the MC. Karina also works with University College to promote the success of first-year students at IUPUI.

Prior to joining the Multicultural Center, Karina served as the Coordinator for Social Justice Education in the Office of Student Involvement. While in her coordinator role Karina helped to develop the major programming for Social Justice Education through events such as IUPUI's cultural heritage month programming, cultural dinners, and the social justice education workshop series. Before coming to IUPUI, she taught high school in the Indianapolis area for five year. Karina is a proud alumna of Indiana University- Bloomington. In 2005 she received her B.S. in Secondary Spanish Education from IUB and in 2013 she received her M.S. in Higher Education Student Affairs.