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Diversity

  • There is increased focus on promoting and highlighting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in Washtenaw County. In fact, Destination Ann Arbor has created a new series called, "Walking the Walk." It puts a spotlight on local businesses living the DEI promise , impacting the local quality of life and making the county a more attractive tourist destination. Destination Ann Arbor's Amy Karbo joined us with all the information on how "talking the talk" is evolving into "walking the walk."
  • The agricultural industry is a tough business under the best of circumstances. Add in systemic barriers to get underway, and it adds up to a lack of diversity in small, family farming. Kathy Sample is co-owner of Argus Farm Stop and is committed to increasing opportunity for minorities interested in agriculture. Because of her work in that realm, she has been named the United Way of Washtenaw County’s 2023 Power of the Purse Woman of the Year. Learn more in Sample's 'Washtenaw United' conversation with WEMU’s David Fair.
  • Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and there are a number of events taking place throughout the community. It is also a day that reminds us that the work for racial equity and social justice is a year-round task. On an MLK Day edition of "Washtenaw United," WEMU's David Fair is joined by Ypsilanti District Library community relations coordinator, Sami Killian for a look at what’s happening on the holiday, and throughout the year.
  • An MLK event planned on the University of Michigan campus Monday is intended to focus on the racial make-up of U-M students - starting when the first African American student attended the university in 1853. WEMU’s Cathy Shafran has more.
  • Sometimes, a small grant can launch a public service group or organization to new levels of community impact. That’s the mission behind the United Way of Washtenaw County’s Opportunity Fund—to be an incubator of sorts. And it's working. WEMU's David Fair checked in with UWWC president and CEO, Pam Smith, to gain better understanding of how the fund has impacted Washtenaw County so far, with an eye towards $200,000 more investment in the 2023 grant cycle.
  • Travis Radina this week was chosen to serve as Ann Arbor’s new Mayor Pro-Tem. As WEMU’s Josh Hakala reports, the 3rd Ward council member is part of a diverse City Council.
  • It has been said, “Change starts at home.” That’s the idea behind the upcoming 2023 Community Equity Challenge. The challenge is put forth by the United Way of Washtenaw County and seeks to help us educate ourselves about implicit bias and the challenges to equity, diversity, and inclusion. WEMU's David Fair talks with Michigan Medicine training manager, Ellen-Copeland Brown, about her experiences with the challenge and the difference it has made in how she approaches life and work.
  • There is a national, state, and local teacher shortage, and demographics show it's a problem that won't be easily solved. In fact, it'll take some innovative thinking to recruit and retain new teachers, particularly those from marginalized parts of our community. EMU assistant professor, Dr. Iman Grewal, is working toward that end with EMU's NEXT Scholars and Hope Partners programs—something she terms a radical redesign of the student teaching experience. Learn more in her conversation with WEMU's David Fair.
  • Embracing Our Differences plants the seeds of diversity, equity, and inclusion in billboard-sized art installations sprinkled throughout four parks in Washtenaw County. Join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact," and meet organizers Nancy Margolis and Lynne Settles to hear more about this exciting project.
  • Nonprofits in Washtenaw County have been heavily reliant on volunteers as we manage our way through a global pandemic. The fact of the matter is, they've always been an important safety net and most are reliant on volunteers. Bridget Herrmann is Vice President for Impact and Advocacy at the United Way of Washtenaw County. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the need for greater participation and the ongoing efforts to better diversify the volunteer force.