Funds raised benefit Project Indy, Mayor Hogsett’s youth jobs program

INDIANAPOLIS (March 30, 2018) – On Thursday, Mayor Joe Hogsett joined the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC) to host the 17th annual Celebration of Diversity Awards. For the second year, the event raised funds for ProjectIndy, Mayor Hogsett’s summer youth employment initiative.

Project Indy provides meaningful opportunities for at-risk youth, giving hundreds of local young people job experience, useful skills, and safe and productive alternatives to crime and gangs over the summer months. The program comes at no additional cost to taxpayers, funded through federal grants, community organizations, and donations from leading corporations such as Genesys and Visit Indy – Title Sponsors of the 17th Annual Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards. This year, the program includes a new workforce preparedness program – Job Ready Indy – designed to provide soft skills training and prepare Project Indy youth for a diverse array of career paths. Visit ProjectIndy.net for more information on how your teen or company can get involved.

Hundreds of community members gathered on Monday to celebrate local businesses that foster a culture of diversity and inclusion. During the ceremony, Mayor Hogsett highlighted the importance of Project Indy and encouraged local business and community leaders to become involved in supporting the next generation of Indianapolis’ diverse workforce.

“Thanks to today’s awardees, our community thrives because of our diversity,” said Mayor Hogsett. “And thanks to Project Indy, Indianapolis will continue to thrive for generations to come. We have the power to make the future brighter each and every day for the City of Indianapolis – and together, as One City, we shall.”

Four awards were presented at Thursday’s ceremony:

Leadership Award: presented to an organization that leads with vision to develop and support diversity strategies that result in diversity at the top of the organization.

Awarded to Citizens Energy Group

Diversity is embedded in the fabric of all work at Citizens Energy Group. In order to create a diverse and inclusive work place, Citizens has implemented a Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan, assembled a leadership team that represents a diverse workplace, and strives to have diversity at all levels of the organization. A 2017 diversity awareness survey indicated that 82 percent of employees surveyed felt that Citizens is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Workforce Diversity Award: presented to an organization that strives to improve diversity at all levels of the organization.

Awarded to United Way of Central Indiana

United Way of Central Indiana believes that their community is best served when diversity and inclusion are embedded in everything their company does. The company has a successful diversity and inclusion training program, provides career development for all employees, and actively recruits interns and graduate students from diverse backgrounds.  United Way of Central Indiana supports and attends the Indiana Black Expo luncheon, Indy Pride Fair, Mayor’s Diversity Luncheon, Diversity Roundtable of Central Indiana Annual Conference, Indiana Latino Institute events, and Asian Alliance events.

Excellence in Youth Employment Award: presented for the first time this year, this award recognizes a business or company that has made a meaningful investment in Indianapolis youth through employment or workforce development opportunities.

Awarded to McDonald’s Faith & Goodness Corporation

McDonald’s Faith & Goodness Corporation, the owner-operator of five Indy-area McDonald’s restaurants, describes their success as being built “upon a foundation of integrity, faith, hope and love.” Longtime supporters of youth employment and community involvement, they aim to create positivity in their neighborhoods through work opportunities and charitable endeavors, especially for young adults.

Sam H. Jones “Best of the Best” Award: named in honor of the Indianapolis Urban League’s first president – a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and racial understanding – this award recognizes exemplary performance in all aspects of diversity.

Awarded to Honda Manufacturing of Indiana

Honda Manufacturing of Indiana believes that diversity strengthens the competitiveness of their company and makes it possible for them to deliver world-class products. In 2017, HMIN was honored by 100 Black Men of Indianapolis at the organization’s annual gala for supporting many programs that impact African American scholars in the Indianapolis community. HMIN has volunteered in local diversity events, such as the Indy pride parade, and nearly 50 percent of HMIN’s philanthropic giving supports diversity initiatives.

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Aliya Wishner
Deputy Communications Director
Office of Mayor Joe Hogsett – City of Indianapolis
aliya.wishner@indy.gov | C: (317) 995-7645