RESI: Expanding DEI Work in 2023

Posted On
February 27, 2023

Image
Resi Column Web Graphic

It’s been a busy month for the Racial Equity and Social Impact (RESI) team. We’re putting the finishing touches on our Equity Day for Nonprofits seminar; lead an exciting training at the United Way of Central New York; and are partnering with Healthy Alliance to drive social change in the Albany area.

Last summer, CenterState CEO celebrity drivers raised funds for the CenterState CEO Foundation to help nonprofit organizations access and engage in critical diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) services through our RESI portfolio. Thanks to the Race for Equity drivers and donors, the event was a success and has allowed us to create our first Equity Day program for nonprofits.

Equity Day: A Special Training for Nonprofit Leaders, Employees and Staff

Thursday, March 30

Collegian Hotel & Suites | 8 a.m. to noon

Register info coming soon.

It is vitally important that the planned growth for Central New York reinforces the attraction, engagement and retention of a diverse workforce, diverse leaders and diverse families. Therefore, we are bringing together a cross section of nonprofit leaders and stakeholders to discuss equity and inclusion strategies, tactics and plans, and how they intersect with the services, opportunities and resources they provide to our community.

RESI wants to help organizations serving these communities to think critically about issues and challenges that may be impacting diverse populations. This is a unique opportunity for the RESI team to share strategies and discuss the recommendationsthatwe have communicated with business leaders with our local nonprofits. It is also a great opportunity for RESI to learn more about the growing challenges in our area.

Nonprofits are Already Benefiting from RESI Services

The RESI team recently embarked on a yearlong engagement with Healthy Alliance, an Albany-based nonprofit. Our facilitators are working with eight diverse leaders to help them think about what change looks like in their community through the Changemakers Fund awardees, community organization. RESI is working with them to identify the challenges they are facing, suggest how they can drive change, and offer resources to assist them.

The RESI team also recently completed a two-day Race Dialogue series with more than 45 people affiliated with the United Way of Central New York. The experience focused on developing key strategies for driving change within their organizations and the community. Participants’ feedback included:

  • “… ready to have more conversation around this topic.”
  • “… a safe environment for learning.”
  • “I appreciate the historical anchoring in the conversation and presentation flow.”

Is your company creating or enhancing its DEI plan to coincide with CNY’s growth? Let us know.  We engage a team of experts from some of the country’s most prominent institutions and dynamic organizations to help you get the most out of our customized  RESI’s DEI trainings and consultation options.

-Dr. Juhanna Rogers, SVP, Racial Equity & Social Impact

 

 

More Ways to Engage

Racial Equity & Social Impact Leadership Sessions

Women and Community Engagement, March 15

 

CenterState CEO presents a Screening of Cluster Luck, April 17                  

Onondaga Community College Theatre, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse

Stay tuned for registration details.

Other
CEO News

Image
INSPYRE Innovatoin Hub
CEO News | 04/22/2025

INSPYRE Innovation Hub is the New Name of CenterState CEO’s Expanded Business Incubator

CenterState CEO announced at its 2025 Annual Meeting the new name of its expanded business incubator in downtown Syracuse: CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub.

Image
M&T Bank sign lighting at INSPYRE
CEO News | 09/09/2025

M&T Bank Named Founding Sponsor of CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub

M&T Bank is the Founding Sponsor of INSPYRE Innovation Hub, helping to enable the growing startup ecosystem.

Image
FLJ Speaker Graphic Rectangle
CEO News | 09/02/2025

Felicia Legette-Jack Will Serve as the 2025 Economic Champions Celebration Speaker

CenterState CEO will host Felicia Legette-Jack as the keynote speaker for its 2025 Economic Champions Celebration event, Oct. 29, 2025.

Image
SU Chancellor Departure Graphic
CEO News | 08/27/2025

CenterState CEO Shares Statement on Syracuse University Chancellor's Plans to Depart

CenterState CEO acting president and CEO Ben Sio issued the following statement on Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud's plans to depart.

Image
New Hires Photos 082025
CEO News | 08/15/2025

CenterState CEO Announces New Hires

Recent hires include the appointment of Brian Bund as the Executive Director of the GSBDC.

Image
BMC classroom
CEO News | 08/13/2025

Bridge to Manufacturing Careers Graduates Second Cohort

Bridge to Manufacturing Careers hosted the graduation ceremony for its second cohort at SUNY EOC.

Image
GNY9 Finalist Graphic
CEO News | 08/11/2025

Empire State Development Announces Finalists for GENIUS NY Cohort 9

Empire State Development announces five uncrewed systems startups for GENIUS NY Round 9.

Image
GNY8 Completes program graphic
CEO News | 07/30/2025

GENIUS NY Cohort 8 Completes Yearlong Accelerator

The five companies making up GENIUS NY’s eighth cohort finished their time in the yearlong accelerator for uncrewed systems this July.

Image
CenterState Signal Graphic
CEO News | 07/30/2025

CenterState Signal: Syracuse Delivers

CenterState Signal is a quarterly column by CenterState CEO's Jared Shepard that takes a closer look at economic trends and their impact on the regional economy.