Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diverse business equals
competitive business

A 2018 Harvard Business Review study concluded that companies that prioritized diversity and inclusion had nearly 20% higher innovation revenues. Businesses with diverse team members are better equipped to relate to more diverse customers, while fostering a culture that attracts in-demand talent that can afford to be choosy. The Chattanooga Chamber is the business community’s partner—equipping employers to foster more diverse and inclusive workplaces through education, strategic relationships, and initiatives.

Our Chamber supports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts in various ways:

Events

  • From panel discussions, to business education classes, to our annual DIVERSIFY summit—and more—the DEI program offers employers and entrepreneurs unique opportunities to network among and empower the business community in the Chattanooga region. Register for upcoming events here.

 

Initiatives

  • A strategic partnership between select corporate mentors, diverse suppliers, and the Chamber, the Procurement Pilot initiative is making the business case for diversity and inclusion with the goal of advancing regional mobility, prosperity, and economic inclusion in the region. Learn how you can can support the initiative here.
  • The Chamber’s CEO Pledge for Racial Equity is a commitment by CEOs to intentionally enhance their efforts to achieve equity of opportunity within organizations and the broader Chattanooga community. Read the signatories, make the pledge, and learn more here.
 

 Insights

advisory board

Aletheia Silcott, Astec

Angela Sims, Tennessee Valley Authority

Dalya Qualls White, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee  

 Davvin Gilkey, Unum

 Dionne Jenkins, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union

Karen Collins, City of Chattanooga

Ken Jordon, Hamilton County

Ketha Richardson, EPB

Maeghan Jones, Community Foundation

 Paul Leach, Chattanooga Gas

Quincy Jenkins, Chattanooga State

Sarah Morgan, Benwood Foundation

Stacy Lightfoot, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Travis Lytle, Smart Bank

Val Armstrong, UNUM