[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2017 Columbia Values Diversity Award winners announced

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sarah Dresser
Program Specialist, Office of Cultural Affairs
573-874-6487
OCA at CoMo.gov

2017 Columbia Values Diversity Award winners announced

COLUMBIA, MO (January 12, 2017) - The 20th annual Columbia Values Diversity Awards were presented at the Columbia Values Diversity Celebration on Jan. 12. The awards are given to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions promoting appreciation for diversity and cultural understanding in Columbia.

Diversity Awareness Partnership was awarded the 2017 Diversity Award for groups

In the spring of 2015, Diversity Awareness Partnership (DAP)Â launched its first regional expansion with the opening of its Columbia branch to support local diversity and inclusion efforts. Led by Regional Manager Nikki McGruder, the expansion came at an important time for more concerted and sustained efforts for diversity and inclusion to improve communities across Missouri and throughout the country. DAP offers the three pillars of impact to the community: training and education, youth programs and awareness campaigns. DAP exemplifies the determination that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was known for, by having those hard conversations and being creative in their programs in order to build a more inclusive community.

The 2017 Diversity Award for individuals was presented to Bill Thompson and Carla London

Bill Thompson demonstrates the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through his compassion and concern for everyone in the community, his commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Columbia, and his selfless service to many community programs. Retiring from the City of Columbia in March 2017, Bill has spent his 35 years of service to the Parks and Recreation Department providing direction to youth, teaching positive activities through recreation, and providing a safe space for kids to have fun and learn.

Carla London is the Columbia Public School District's director for student services. She coordinates the district's suspension center, which helps students continue their education while they are serving a suspension. In addition to her day job, Carla serves on the board for Nora Stewart Early Learning Center. She leads equity trainings for university and community partners, and she facilitates restorative practices trainings with community groups. Dr. King was a civil rights leader who did not accept no. He sought to find a better yes. Carla London exemplifies that same belief.


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