SOUTHPORT CT/ May 10, 2012 / The "Champion of Diversity" award is presented annually to individuals in recognition for their creative and innovative strategies that are in place to promote and advance the concept and spirit of diversity and inclusion.

Established in 2007 by DiversityBusiness.com, the "Champions of Diversity" award represent individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to solutions in diversity issues on a global and "national" scale. The honorees have made a significant impact on diversity issues in education, procurement, housing and employment. These unsung champions have not waved a diversity flag but rather have quietly made a difference in the lives of people by positively impacting their lives, and improving the economic conditions for their families and communities.

Eligibility
Individuals that demonstrate a commitment to promoting diversity are eligible for nomination for the award, so long as they have not received it within the last five years. C-suite executives that have spear headed diversity initiatives and all levels of corporate management are invited to participate. CEO, CDO, COO, VP HR, etc.

Selection Process
For purposes of the award selection process, diversity and inclusion initiatives are defined as organizational programs, activities and efforts designed to promote and support differences in people and society, that may include race and ethnic origin; gender, physical abilities, religious beliefs, age, education, sexual orientation and/or other perceived differences.

In order to participate, the nomination form must be completed and submitted by November 30, 2012 .

To access 2013 nomination form, please click the link below: 

The winners will be recognized at a special ceremony during the 13th Annual Business Conference.

Below is the list of the 2012 recipients.

Name Company Title Bill Collins American Airlines, Inc. Vice President, Base Maintenance Floyd W. Pitts American National Red Cross S.V.P. & Chief Diversity Officer Simeon O. Terry Austin Industries Program Manager, Diversity Affairs Diane G. Dempsey BAE Systems, Inc. Intelligence & Security Director, Socio Economic Business Programs Donna Strickland Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Supplier Diversity Manager Victorian Martin Chartis Chief Diversity Officer Maria Cannon Cisco Systems, Inc. Vice President - Partner Business Management Dionisio Ortiz II Corporate Development Solutions, Inc. President & CEO Deborah Rhynehardt Pickens Eaton Corporation Director, Supplier Diversity Fiona Citkin, Ph.D. Expert Ms Inc. Managing Director, Expert MS Inc. & Author Diana Starks Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland AVP, Diversity Officer for the Office of Minority Susan Berkenbush Horizon Healthcare Services, Inc. Director, Sourcing & Vendor Management Brenda Marshall Kelly Services, Inc. Director, Global Diversity Solutions Kim L. Hunter LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS President & CEO Leslie Meacham Saunders LMS Management Principal D&I Strategist and Consultant Nancy Deskins Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems Director, Supplier Diversity Terry J. Lundgren Macy's, Inc. President & CEO Marion Kelly Mayo Clinic in Arizona Director of Community & Business Relations Colleen Mayer MillerCoors Manager, Supplier Diversity Indra K. Nooyi PepsiCo, Inc. President & CEO Mel Jones Skanska Construction NorthWest Diversity Manager Denise R.Thomas The Kroger Company Director, Corporate Supplier Diversity Ruby McCleary United Airlines Director Supplier Diversity Kathy Homeyer United Parcel Service Director of Supplier Diversity Raul Espinosa Fairness in Procurement Alliance (FPA) CVO and Managing Partner, The Umbrella Initiative

|Press Contact: Quantise Rodgers| DiversityBusines.com| 200 Pequot Avenue | Southport, CT 06890| 203-255-8966 | qrodgers@diversitybusiness.com |

About DiversityBusiness.com
Launched in 1999, DiversityBusiness is the largest association of privately owned businesses throughout the United States that provide goods and services to Fortune 1000 companies, government agencies, and colleges and universities. DiversityBusiness provides research and data collection services for diversity including the "Top 50 Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities", "Top 500 Diversity Owned Companies in America", and others. Its research has been recognized and published by Forbes Magazine, Business Week and thousands of other print and internet publications. The site has gained national recognition and has won numerous awards for its content and design.