Manufacture Alabama has launched Diversify, its initiative to foster diversity and inclusion.

Diversify addresses multiple dimensions of diversity, specifically those linked to conditions resulting from prejudice and discrimination. Diversify was established to provide resources and promote strategies to achieve a culture that values diversity as evidenced by attitudes, policies and practices within a manufacturing facility and beyond, said Manufacture Alabama President George Clark.

“Diversify addresses one of the most important challenges that the manufacturing industry must address – creating a culture of inclusion and diversity from the highest ranks all the way down to the shop floor,” Clark said. “Manufacture Alabama is committed to the progress of diversity and inclusion through this important initiative. Promoting a diverse culture of inclusivity is crucial to the ongoing success of the association and to the success of our manufacturers.”

Diversify will be led by a council of state industry leaders with diverse backgrounds who have a passion for sustaining an inclusive environment within their companies and beyond.

The steering committee includes:

• Napoleon Bracy, manager, Diversity & Inclusion, Austal USA.
• Quentin Riggins, senior vice president of Governmental and Corporate Affairs, Alabama Power.
• Angela Martin, Organizational Development manager, Hunt Refining Co.
• Richard Lehr, shareholder, Lehr Middlebrooks Vreeland & Thompson, P.C.
• LaShaunda Holly, Communications and Workforce Development manager, BASF.
• Ashlen Loban, Administrative coordinator, Manufacture Alabama.

“I’m honored to work with partners committed to the hard work of finding solutions which promote unity, fairness and acceptance of all people in the manufacturing industry,” Riggins said. “No matter what company or industry we represent, we all have a responsibility to foster an inclusive culture and embrace diversity in order to build a better Alabama.”

Manufacture Alabama’s mission is to create a business and political climate that promotes a positive, competitive environment and enhances the opportunity for growth of Alabama manufacturers.

“The Diversify Council is made up of an impressive and diverse group of leaders who have pledged to put visions into action and are committed to the growth of Diversify,” Clark said. “The contributions of this committee will benefit manufacturers throughout the state and beyond.”

Manufacture Alabama has recently taken important steps to support its members and COVID-19 displaced workers, helping the Alabama Workforce Stabilization Program (AWSP) secure $17.8 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

Manufacture Alabama works to make Alabama the best business and political location in the United States for manufacturers. The organization is the only trade association in the state dedicated exclusively to the competitive, legislative, regulatory and operational interests and needs of manufacturers and their partner industries and businesses. To learn more, visit ManufactureAlabama.org.