In a continued effort to champion diversity and cultural understanding, Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee is bringing back the Diversity Dinner this fall for the first time since 2010.
The Committee is currently seeking nominations of individuals and businesses that champion diversity for its annual Diversity Dinner to be held Thursday, Sept. 21 at the Century Banquet Center in Sterling Heights. Nominees should either be Sterling Heights residents, or businesses or corporations doing business in the city.
To be considered for the prestigious honor, individual nominees should:
• Promote understanding among city residents of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Demonstrate appreciation and acceptance of all cultures in his or her every day functions.
Businesses nominated should:
• Recruit, retain and advance people of various ethnicities
• Incorporate workplace diversity into corporate goals and/or performance measures
• Show a commitment to diversity through philanthropic contributions
Nominations are due by Friday, August 4 and can be made by filling out the nomination form online at www.sterling-heights.net.
According to the Ethnic Community Committee, the goal of the Diversity Dinner is to recognize those in the community that champion the cause of diversity.
“As a committee, we recognized that community members were doing so much to further understand and respect the many cultures and ethnicities that call the city of Sterling Heights home,” said Ethnic Community Committee Chairman Mohammed Alomari. “What better time than the present to honor and say thank you to these businesses, organizations and individuals with such a special night.”
Past award winners include General Dynamics Land Systems Diversity Council, Ike El-Alam, owner of Ike’s Restaurant, Comcast, DTE Energy, Beaumont Hospitals, Century Banquet Center, Ishtar Cultural Association, NaFFAA, ICRJ, UAW Community Angels, and the Macedonian Cultural Center; along with several individuals that go above and beyond to promote diversity within their workplace and community.
This year’s guest speaker will be Mr. Bing Goei, Director of the Michigan Office for New Americans. Tickets will be $30 for the event and can be reserved by calling the Community Relations Department at (586) 446-2470.
The 11-member Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee was formed in 1990. The committee’s goals include developing understanding and improving the communication among diverse races and ethnic groups in the city. Media with questions can contact the Community Relations Director Bridget Kozlowski at (586) 446-2471 or bkoz@sterling-heights.net.