Aurora is the most diverse city in Colorado, and The Aurora Chamber is dedicated to providing businesses with information about creating inclusion in the workplace through cultural competencies, as well as providing resources to diversify business for positive growth. With this intention, The Chamber’s first Diversity and Inclusion Resource Fair was held Oct. 13 at the APS Professional Learning and Conference Center.

The event began at 4 pm with a resource fair offering information and services for diversifying products, services, workplace, and customers; ideas for creating more inclusive work environments; and strategies for expanding business. There were also food and beverage samples from ethnically-diverse local restaurants, and music by the Gayle Leali Jazz Band.

Following the fair, the Resource Talks engaged attendees to learn more about:

• The Importance of Marketing to Diverse Populations, by Christopher LaFleur, Out Front Magazine Marketing Executive
• Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Work Environment that Impacts the Bottom Line, by Nita Mosby Tyler, Children’s Hospital Colorado Chief HR & Inclusion Officer
• “What you don’t know can hurt you” – Understanding Diversity and Inclusive HR Policies and Protecting Your Business, by S. Lorrie Ray, Esq., SPHR, Mountain States Employer Council Director of Membership Development

“Diversity and inclusion goes beyond just having a strong blend of diverse peoples. It enables the organization to tap into the creative minds of individuals with different social experiences and cultural traditions,” said UCHealth Chief Operating Officer, Thomas Gronow.

The Diversity and Inclusion Resource Summit was sponsored by Children’s Hospital Colorado, UCHealth, Out Front Magazine, ConocoPhillips, Kaiser Permanente, Wells Fargo, Fitzsimons Credit Union, Westerra Credit Union, and CSU Global.

The Diversity and Inclusion Council promotes diversity and inclusion in the business community. Meets the second Friday of the month, 9-10 am.

Chair: Shannon Jones, FirstBank Aurora. Chamber liaison: Tamara Mohamed.