By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Grand Rapids Public Schools’ student population represents 53 countries and 40 languages. An estimated 1,227 African-Americans own businesses here. In Kent County, the Asian-American population has more persons with a college degree than any other ethnic group.
These statistics are not lost on local companies who recruit professionals of color hoping they’ll pursue careers here. Often, those professionals move from colleges where racial diversity is the norm to jobs where they may be the only person of color. Many of them leave because they or their families can’t find commonality in the city.
Through the Multiracial Association of Professionals (MAP), people of all ethnicities create a welcoming atmosphere for these newcomers. They form friendships, help newcomers find clothing stores or grocery stores that fit their cultural needs, and help parents connect their kids with kids of their culture.
“Diversity is alive in Grand Rapids,” says Sonya Hughes, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce VP of diversity initiative programs. “The players have gotten these professionals here and we want to keep our community growing.”
An economical advantage to workforce diversity is that it attracts people to the community; they see a place where their family can connect in a way that feels meaningful.
“MAP is an effective tool in building workforce diversity and a culturally competent community,” Hughes adds. “Companies use MAP as a tool for recruitment.”
A recent survey of MAP members shows that over 90 percent of respondents requested more networking and social events, indicating a strong desire to continue connecting to each other and to the city.
Source: Sonya Hughes, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
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Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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