Corp July/August 2010 : Page 42SPECIAL REPORT Salute to Diversity and address conflict with conscious, intentional process.” www.grcc.edu Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) has servedMichigan for 48 years by making a difference in the lives of veterans, their families and the public. Based in Novi, the organiza-tion reaches out on behalf of its mem-bers (veterans with spinal cord injury or disorders), associate members and all people with disabilities to provide the highest possible quality of life in Michigan. MPVA’s diversity milestones included sponsoring Tara Michener, local author of the book series “Who I Am,” which focuses on diversity and self-esteem. Michener launched the first “The Dimensions of Diversity Alliance” on Feb. 25, which brought many Michigan-based professionals to the MPVA chapter headquarters to dis-cuss how they could partner together to better their communities by creating positive perceptions and awareness regarding diversity issues. MPVA also hosted a meeting in May where atten-dees learned more about Michigan’s Prisoner Reentry Program. The meet-ings were just a springboard for the Dimensions of Diversity Alliance, says Michael Harris, MPVAexecutive direc-tor, noting, “As human beings, we all have the same basic needs — to be accepted and cared for.” The alliance promotes dialogue to promote inclusion and togetherness throughout Michigan. The DDA offers a platform for groups and individuals to share professional resources, unify goals and form a strong enough interest on the subject of diver-sity and inclusion to change the world. Nearly one out of every fiveAmericans has a disability, and 70 percent of that population segment is unemployed. The vast majority of them would like to work but can’t find employment. Because MPVA members have a spinal cord injury and/or disease that make them dependent on the use of a wheel-chair for mobility, diversity in the workplace is something the organiza-tion embraces. www.michiganpva.org The Mid-Michigan Hispanic Business Association (MMHBA), based in Saginaw, is a nonprofit organi-zation that was formed in 1984 to rep-resent Hispanic businesspeople. Throughout the year, the MMHBA sponsors or co-sponsors business-to-business and social events where new entrepreneurs, established business owners and community members can share ideas and discuss ways to collab-oratively strengthen the community. The MMHBA is also concerned about the education for future generations of businesspeople. To this end, members have supported local efforts to better the quality of education for all students. www.mmhba.org With a daytime population nearing 175,000 and nearly 27 million square feet of office space, the City of Southfield is home to more than 9,000 businesses and more than 100 Fortune 42 Corp! | July/August 2010 Publication List |
