Photo Caption: Diversity and Inclusion Committee members Umama Alam, Benny Miles, and Councilmember Gerri Harbison
The City of Montgomery was recently honored with the CLIMB (Cincinnati Lifts Inclusion and Minority Business) Award presented by the Cincinnati Business Courier. The CLIMB Award honors individuals and organizations in Greater Cincinnati who have helped the region achieve greater heights of success through building a diverse workforce, championing equitable practices, and developing inclusive cultures.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Cincinnati Business Courier for the CLIMB award. The award reflects the hard work of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee to help make Montgomery a welcoming community,” said City Manager Brian Riblet. “Montgomery is a special community, and the efforts of the Diversity and Inclusive Committee make it even better,” said Mayor Chris Dobrozsi.
Recognizing the changing demographics in the community, in 2018, the City of Montgomery created the Diversity and Inclusion Committee that quickly began acting. Education sessions and events designed to create space for community dialogue have attracted more than 300 people. The committee is led by citizen volunteers of various races, faiths, nationalities, ages, and life experiences and joined by City Council members and city staff, including the City Manager and Police Chief. The city’s Citizens’ Leadership Academy also includes diversity and inclusion programming and to date has graduated 280 community members over 12 years.