INDIANAPOLIS — On Thursday, Mayor Joe Hogsett, EmployIndy, the Office of Minority and Women Business Development, community leaders, and over 70 local employers gathered at the 25th Annual Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards to recognize employers who are leading the way in creating inclusive and supportive workplaces. This year’s event took place at the Grand Hall in Union Station at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, with over 450 in attendance.    

This event celebrates the work of supporting accessible pathways to quality careers for Indianapolis residents, with proceeds benefiting EmployIndy programs that support job-readiness training, soft-skill development, postsecondary persistence, work-based learning, and access to quality employment.   

“EmployIndy is honored to join the City of Indianapolis in recognizing organizations that are leading by example in creating equitable access to career opportunities,” said Ken Clark, president & CEO of EmployIndy. “When employers and community partners invest in people and their potential and remove barriers so everyone can benefit, we create a workforce that is prepared to thrive and meet the needs of our region and its people.” 

As the event celebrated its 25-year history spanning three mayoral administrations, former mayors Bart Peterson and Greg Ballard joined Mayor Joe Hogsett at the podium to reflect on why the celebration was created and how Indianapolis has remained committed to expanding opportunity and accessibility, recognizing talent, and ensuring every resident can contribute to the community’s success. 

In total, five awards were given at this year’s event with unique focuses including celebrating the quality of services delivered by community-based organizations, excelling in youth employment, and diversity in workforce and leadership.  

This year’s award winners are:   

• The Community-Based Organization Workforce Impact Award was awarded to Fathers and Families Center, for their approach that goes beyond employment, providing wraparound support that includes job and skilled-trades training, case management, and mental health and substance use counseling.  

• The Dr. Polter Excellence in Youth Employment Award was awarded to EM Company, Inc for their belief in investing in young adults as the future of their company, providing opportunities for formal training, mentorship, coaching, and career counseling to help them grow in their chosen fields. 

• The Diversity in Workforce Award was awarded to Morning Light for their intentional work to remove barriers that can prevent residents, particularly those from underrepresented communities, from entering careers in healthcare. 

• The Diversity in Leadership Award was awarded to Community Research and Resource Center for making diversity foundational to its mission, with Black and women leaders at the helm and a commitment to ensuring historically underserved communities have equitable access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. 

• Sam H. Jones ‘Best of the Best’ was awarded to Black Onyx Management for their investment in diverse communities through access to capital, ongoing support for Black entrepreneurs, and philanthropy that strengthens Black-led organizations across Indianapolis. 
  
  

Individuals who are interested in supporting opportunities that connect talent with good jobs across Marion County through EmployIndy can learn more and donate online.