The Iowa City (I.C.) Better Bridges Institute is a day-and-a-half day event designed for business owners and managers to learn more about identity, bias, and strategies to have inclusive customer service. Each participant will receive a toolkit during this section. Upon completion of the institute, participants will receive a certificate and formal recognition from the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the annual Diversity Catalyst Awards and Reception.
Key partners in the initiative are the UI Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Iowa City Downtown District, UI Tippie College of Business, UI Office of Outreach and Engagement, City of Iowa City, Undergraduate Student Government, Iowa City Area Development, and Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce.
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In response to the 2015-2016 climate sessions, University of Iowa and Iowa City community members partnered to increase education and training for downtown businesses to become more culturally intelligent.
The inaugural Iowa City (I.C.) Better Bridges Institute is a day-and-a-half event designed for business owners and managers to learn more about identity, bias, and strategies to have inclusive customer service. The inaugural Institute was held January 10 – January 11, 2017.
The training consists of content from the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) training session on Leadership for Equity & Inclusion, socially just customer service, equitable hiring practices, leading and managing a diverse team, and inclusive marketing. Each participant also receives a I.C. Better Bridges Toolkit and has the chance to apply for a Micro Grant to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at their organizations.
“Diversity and inclusion are crucial concepts for owners, managers, and the general business person. Working with a diverse team means new ideas, innovation, and (ultimately) increased profit, but only if that team is well supported and different experiences are acknowledged and valued. This institute provided a wonderful opportunity to discuss those experiences, and receive informative training on best practices,” said Brianna Marcelo, director of Diversity Resources in the Chief Diversity Office. “We appreciate all who participated, and we look forward to continuing to work together with our partners to talk about and implement steps we can all take to continue to improve the climate both on campus and in Iowa City for all members of the community.”
Representatives from the following businesses/organizations received their certificates:
Cedar Rapids Community School District
FilmScene
Hayek, Moreland, Smith & Bergus, LLP
Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
Iowa City Area Development Group
Johnson County
Rape Victim Advocacy Program
Summer of the Arts
Think Iowa City
Representatives from the following businesses/organizations received their certificates:
Beadology Iowa
City of Iowa City
Cole's Quality Foods
Englert Civic Theatre
High Ground Cafe
Hills Bank and Trust company
Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
Iowa City Downtown District
JMI Laboratories
Johnson County
Leepfrog Technologies, Inc.
Prince International
The Java House & Heirloom Salad Co.
Yotopia Frozen Yogurt
Zion Lutheran Church
If you have any questions about this program, please contact Bria Marcelo., diversity resources director at diversity-resources@uiowa.edu, 319-353-2388.