Diversity is a top priority at the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. In fact, diversity is incorporated into all the Chamber does, internally and externally.  The Diversity Council is an internal council tasked with promoting diversity and dialogue within the membership.

On October 20, the Chamber held a kick-off event for the newly formed Diversity Council at the Community College of Aurora.  The event began with a pre-reception, including networking and ethnic refreshments.  Introducing the vision, mission, purpose, and goals of the Diversity Council were FirstBank Executive Vice President Shannon Jones, who serves as the Diversity Council chair, and Arapahoe County Commissioner Nancy Jackson, who is on the Diversity Council executive committee.

Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker and Attitude Expert Alvin Law

ConocoPhillips Director of Stakeholder Relations and Chamber Board Director Louis Salazar sponsored Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker and Attitude Expert Alvin Law.  Alvin was born without arms, due to a medicine (Thalidomide) that was given to many women in the 1960’s.  His foster parents, Hilda and Jack Law encouraged him and believed in him.  His life took a turn when he discovered his musical ability and he joined the school band.  He played the trombone, piano and drums, becoming an award winning musician and graduated with honors from high school and college.  Alvin, spent the evening telling powerful stories of his life, with a message that we should focus on what we do have, rather than what we don’t, and what we can do, rather than what we can’t.  His ambition to change the way people think, inspired everyone in the room.

The purpose of the Diversity Council is to encourage business to business networking, improving the business climate and making the community prosperous, economically attractive and a desirable place to work, live, and buy local.  The intention is to transform the diverse business community into environments where all businesses are valued for their uniqueness and differences, and are confident that their contributions matter.

The mission is to promote diversity and inclusion in the business community through education, outreach, networking, mentoring, and recognition programs that engage the entire community and support business leaders.  The goals of the Diversity Council are to educate, advocate, and develop; by educating members through monthly structured meetings on topics related to enhancing opportunities in the diverse business community; serving as a diversity advocate and providing recommendations to leadership on diversity strategies and direction; and develop by supporting the membership as they seek to strengthen themselves through professional development in the areas of diversity awareness and training.

We welcome the membership to join the first meeting on Fri., Nov. 13 at 9 am at the Chamber Office.

Please contact tamara.mohamed@aurorachamber.org or call (303)344-1500 for registration and details.