City of Columbus Office of Diversity and Inclusion

🗓️ Join us on Wednesday, September 18, for a lively celebration marking ten years since the Long St. Bridge was revitalized and the Cultural Wall was unveiled, reconnecting the vibrant King-Lincoln District and Near East Side to downtown Columbus.

Enjoy guest speakers 💭 groove to live music 🎶 explore local art 🎨 indulge in delicious bites from food trucks 🍔🍕and discover community resources 🤝

🎉 It's a party you won't want to miss!

Join us for a day filled with insights and resources designed to elevate your supplier diversity and procurement strategies! Network with government agencies, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and seasoned professionals spanning diverse sectors. Attend enriching educational sessions focused on enhancing supply chain sustainability and uncovering valuable funding avenues. Reserve your seat today by clicking the link in our bio or visiting www.bit.ly/2024SDPS.

Excitement is building as the Opportunity Rising Career and Resource Fair approaches! City of Columbus - City Hall has partnered with Ohiomeansjobs Columbus- Franklin County to host the event. You can apply for positions, meet with hiring managers, and attend workshops. Come and shape your professional future! We'll also have FREE lunch for career fair attendees from Flavor 91 Bistro while supplies last!
LEARN MORE ▶️ https://Bit.ly/2024CBUScareerfair

🎉 Exciting news, Columbus! Join Columbus City Council Member Nick Bankston, Columbus Department of Development and ODI for an event spotlighting the victories of our small and minority businesses in 2023. 🌟 Let's celebrate our partnerships and dive into what's ahead for 2024. Don't miss this chance to have your voice heard and shape the future of Columbus businesses. Visit the link in our bio to register!

Congrats to our Director for receiving this incredible award from Columbus Business First! Thank you Mayor Andrew J. Ginther for your recognition and unwavering support. Your leadership empowers us to continue championing inclusivity in our community🏅

Diversity in Business Awards: Here are the 20 individuals and organizations making a difference in 2024 - Columbus Business First Columbus Business First is honoring another class in its Diversity in Business Awards program, which recognizes inclusive organizations and individuals in Central Ohio.

So appreciative of Women's Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley's partnership in this endeavor. We're working hard to help advance Mayor Andrew J. Ginther's Equity Agenda!

Columbus makes commitment to work with more women-owned businesses - Columbus Business First In 2022, the city spent roughly $27 million with women-owned businesses, or 6.8% of its total spending, according to the city.

Started the day off sweet with our amazing high school intern team from Cristo Rey Columbus High School! Happy holidays from the City of Columbus family to yours 🎁❄️ Department of Neighborhoods Columbus CelebrateOne City of Columbus - City Hall

The City of Columbus Office of Diversity and Inclusion, in collaboration with the Columbus Crew, invites business owners to join us as we showcase upcoming bid opportunities from:

• Columbus Recreation and Parks Department
• Columbus Public Utilities
• Department of Finance and Management
• Columbus Public Health
• Columbus Department of Development
• Columbus Department of Public Service

This event will be an opportunity for businesses to engage with local agencies and learn the benefits of becoming certified with The City of Columbus.

Come network 1-on-1 with professionals and take your business to the next level!

Scan the QR code to register or visit: https://bit.ly/odicrew

Do you want to work for the City of Columbus - City Hall? The City is hosting a Career and Resource Fair this Saturday, January 28th. More than 600 full-time, part-time, seasonal and student jobs available including positions like police officers, social workers, equipment operators and more. Register at columbus.gov/civilservice

Our inaugural Summer Internship, the Diversity Youth Entrepreneurship Program was a big success! We ended graduation day with a business expo where the students pitched their individual businesses and some even sold products. Congrats to all of our graduates and we’re excited to see what local youth have in store for us next summer!

Did you know about the new Columbus Small Biz Hub? The Hub is an online portal that connects small business owners to organizations, resources, events and the small business community to support all stages of business ownership.

Plus, it’s free to use! Visit www.CbusSmallBizHub.com to create your profile and connect to the resources in our ecosystem!

Thank you Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and Chris Cozad with Alternative Auto Care for helping us launch our newest certification program for LGBTQ+ businesses on Wednesday!

We will be joining Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and other organizations tomorrow for the first Columbus International Summit at the Linden Community Center! Join us from 10am- 2pm for a variety of free resources and discussion of topics including transportation, education, health, and housing!

Visit https://www.morpc.org/event/columbus-international-summit/ to learn more!

This we're celebrating diversity, because when you have a seat at the table, our city is stronger for everyone!

The City of Columbus Office of Diversity and Inclusion's Diversity Youth Summer Entrepreneur Program (DYEP) provides training and development opportunities to Central Ohio high school students in grades 10-12. This is a practical work experience with local Minority Business Entrepreneurs and Women Business Entrepreneurs within Columbus.

Apply online today!

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/columbusoh/jobs/3467483/recreation-and-parks-aide-summer-entrepreneur-program-dyep-vacancies

The City of Columbus celebrates Women’s History Month! Meet Heather from Marsh Wagner.

Heather Marsh saw an opportunity in a niche industry to provide engineering, construction management services, and thoughtful design of underground and water infrastructure projects as a woman-owned business. SHE wanted to raise the bar in this field and show younger generations of women that we are on an even playing field in what has historically been a male-dominated industry. SHE says “You may second guess yourself at times, but keep on keeping on and persevere! The MBE/WBE program has been a steady source of support and encouragement.”

Melissa Perkins has always wanted to be an entrepreneur since SHE was a little girl. HER passion drove HER to create Uzuri Kid Kidz, a line of party supplies and accessories for children of color, which has expanded to include custom products to help others promote their brands. SHE says “The MBE/WBE program offerings and networking opportunities have exposed my brand and opened doors to larger business ventures. I encourage others to dare to dream and dream big! Take advantage of programs, meetings and networking opportunities. Paying it forward is a must, and always share the information and knowledge that you acquire with others.”

The City of Columbus celebrates Women’s History Month! Meet Sandra from Dehan Enterprises.

Sandra Moody-Gresham was a single mom when SHE started her business in 1981. SHE desired the time and flexibility that would allow HER to generate income and actively parent HER two daughters, which was HER priority. SHE says “The MBE/WBE program was a critical factor in my early success because the staff connected me to key decision-makers at the City and helped me learn the bidding process. My advice for young business owners is to know where your industry is going and be there before the competition. Dehan Enterprises is a full-service, all lines insurance agency serving hundreds of families and businesses.”

The City of Columbus celebrates Women’s History Month! Meet Sheryl from SavKon Commercial Renovations.

Sheryl Marrero was always driven and determined to do something to help others. Being self-employed is harder than any job or anything that SHE has ever done, but there is an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment and gratefulness knowing that SHE is helping others while doing what SHE loves. SHE says “The MBE/WBE program has created opportunities to build relationships with organizations who support and understand the positive impact of doing business with minority and women-owned companies. SavKon Construction, LLC is a Service-Disabled Veteran and Woman-owned company where renovating is our specialty.”

The City of Columbus celebrates Women’s History Month! Meet Gayle from The Saunders Company.

Gayle Saunders is the founder and CEO of The Saunders Company, a full-service public relations firm specializing in strategic communications planning, media relations, community engagement, diverse outreach, media buying, stakeholder management, and crisis/reputation management. SHE had the dream of owning a PR firm for many years, and in 2014, SHE did it! SHE says “The MBE/WBE program has been immensely helpful - from walking me through the process of securing my MBE/WBE certification, to helping me understand the processes of contracting with the city, to connecting me with other business leaders.”

The City of Columbus celebrates Women’s History Month! Meet Carol from Kiddie Academy.

Carol Haynes, as a mother, leader, educator and nurse, opened the Haynes School, Inc. d.b.a. Kiddie Academy in 2011, infusing Central Ohio with a vision that combines education, play, and community. HER desire to help children and families was the impetus for going into business for herself. Launching Kiddie Academy provided HER with the opportunity to leverage HER strengths while strengthening the lives of others. SHE says “The MBE/WBE program has created a bridge as it relates to consideration for government contracts and funding opportunities. I am not afraid to blaze a trail, because in doing so, I may create a path or provisions for others.”