Diversity as many define it means difference. Diversity enriches our organizations and communities. We all learn from those whose life experiences, beliefs, and perspectives are different from our own.

CRITERIA AND PROCESS

What is the Workplace Diversity Award and why is it offered?
To recognize those organizations and/or companies who foster an inclusive work environment in which all employees are inspired to contribute their best through their different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences.  Award an organization who has been a role model in their local community as a strong advocate for diversity.  This award will be based on organizational achievements.  The Workplace Diversity Award is presented to the recipient at our WI State SHRM Conference that is being held October 6th- 8th in Appleton.

Who is eligible?
Organization/company nominated for this award should:
• Have displayed diversity in their local community.
• Be a role model for others in their advocacy of diversity.
• Have demonstrated leadership in championing the cause of racial, cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and other aspects of diversity within the human resources profession and community.
• Be an organization, company or division of an organization/company that is based in the State of Wisconsin.

Who can nominate?
• Nominations may be submitted by a member of the Wisconsin State Council of SHRM (e.g., SHRM Chapter Presidents, Functional Directors, Regional Directors, or Officers)
• Nominations may also be submitted by a Chapter Diversity Advocate/Chair from a Wisconsin SHRM Chapter. (Local Chapter Members and Chapter Board Members may prepare nominations for submission by their SHRM Chapter President or Chapter Diversity Advocate/Chair.)
• An organization can self nominate by submitting the application to the board of their local chapter or directly to the WI State Council Diversity Director.

***Please remember that if you are nominating an organization other than your own, to work with that organization to fill out the nomination forms.  We want to ensure that the organization has had the opportunity to add initiatives, etc. to the application.

How can one nominate?
• Complete & download the nomination form - Click HERE

When are nominations due?
• A completed nomination must be received by August 1, 2010, for consideration.

How are recipients selected?
• Nominations will be reviewed by a Diversity Awards Committee of the Wisconsin State Council of SHRM.

Completed nominations should be sent electronically or in hardcopy to:
Pamela M. Lassiter, JD
Diversity Director, Wisconsin State Council – SHRM
c/o Equity & Affirmative Action
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
800 Algoma Blvd., D211
Oshkosh, WI 54901
lassitep@uwosh.edu
FAX: (920) 424-0448

2009 Diversity Award - Workplace Diversity Advocate Winner

The 2009 Wisconsin SHRM Workplace Diversity Advocate Award was presented to Quarles and Brady, LLP. Quarles & Brady weaves diversity throughout their entire organization. Diversity comes naturally to them and is imbedded into their culture; it is part of their every day activities and processes. They truly believe that it starts at the top and is lead by one of the National Law Journal’s 50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers. They have diversity outreach programs, minority liaison programs, ongoing diversity training & retreats and diversity & inclusion councils.

 

Some of the community initiatives they provide are:

Quarles & Brady is truly a diversity leader. From their Diversity Business Plan to their community involvement, they are a role model for others.

 

Quarles has chosen Centro Legal to receive the $500.00 donation on behalf of the WI State Council in honor of them receiving this award. Centro Legal’s mission is to provide affordable legal representation to Milwaukee families so they may maintain stable homes and remain employed in the face of legal difficulties.