Faye Richardson-Green, a long-time diversity and inclusion leader and Steelcase Inc. director of Global Learning & Development, was named 2013 Diversity Visionary Award recipient by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. Richardson-Green will be honored with this prestigious award at a March 20 celebration at the Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
“Faye Richardson-Green has been a true ally and leader in the field of equity and inclusion, demonstrating a strong commitment to issues of diversity-inclusion and racial justice in the Grand Rapids community and beyond,” said Rick Baker, chamber president and CEO. “The Diversity Visionary Award recognizes Faye as a powerful change agent in the community and honors her for the significant contributions she has made in pursuit of equity.”
Created by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce in 2003, the Diversity Visionary Award recognizes an individual or organization for their exemplary efforts, advancements and contributions to ensure diversity, inclusion, and equity within their own institution or community.
With more than twenty-five years of broad community leadership experience, Richardson-Green has been instrumental in a wide range of programs, events, and strategies—influencing the strategic direction of numerous organizations in roles as diverse as co-founder, committee chair, facilitator, and board trustee. These organizations include public and parochial school systems, healthcare systems, leadership institutions, foundations, and nonprofit human services.
Within Steelcase, Richardson-Green has worked tirelessly to create an organizational culture that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive—guiding the research, development, and engagement of diversity efforts and strategies since 1992 and leading the company’s diversity redesign efforts in 2009-2010. She is also the co-founder and a board chair for Partners for a Racism-Free Community (PRFC), which envisions and works toward a community of compassion and justice that promotes racial harmony. She remains an active founding member of the Summit on Racism.
Richardson-Green will accept the 2013 Diversity Visionary Award during the chamber’s annual Diversity Visionary Award Celebration on March 20, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline NE. The event will also feature a keynote from Dr. Chris Benner, professor, researcher, and co-author of Just Growth: Inclusion and Prosperity in America’s Metropolitan Regions.
The public is invited to attend the chamber’s Diversity Visionary Award Celebration. Tickets cost $60 per person, and corporate tables of ten are available for $750. Visit www.grandrapids.org/visionaryaward to register or for more information.
Source: Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
