If your house were on fire, what valuable information or items would you hope are safely stowed away in a fireproof box?

Beth Ridley, Founder and CEO of Ridley Consulting Group, drew this compelling analogy to emphasize the importance of safeguarding an organization’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This was the focal point of the final panel at MMAC’s Region of Choice DEI Summit on June 4.

Corry Joe Biddle, MMAC Vice President of Community Affairs, was honored by the Greater Milwaukee Urban League with its “Young Professional Making a Difference” award Monday. Biddle received the recognition during the organization’s annual Equal Opportunity Day luncheon. She joined nearly two dozen individuals and organizations honored for their efforts in providing and advocating for equal opportunity in Milwaukee.

Biddle has been with MMAC since 2008 – serving as Executive Director of FUEL Milwaukee, a 7,000-member community engagement network serving young professionals in the community. She also leads MMAC’s Region of Choice initiative, which has helped increase African American and Latino employment and advancement among 125-plus area companies since its launch in 2019.

“MMAC is lucky to have someone with the passion and drive of Corry Joe," said MMAC President Dale Kooyenga. "Whether it's championing equity by heading up our Region of Choice program, or facilitating professional development initiatives for the next generation of talent, she is certainly making a difference in our community.

Purchasing inclusively impacts people throughout the community. Whether its day-to-day buying, or more formal supply chain programs and contracts – diversifying those purchases can be felt in all corners of the region. Besides creating economic advantages for all involved, the practice drives innovation, competition and helps attract talent.

Second-chance, justice-involved, formerly incarcerated. Whatever term is used, they are people who just need a job. That simple truth served as the theme of a July 18 Region of Choice meeting to discuss opportunities for employers to hire individuals who have served time. As one of the panelists put it, “Remember, you’re working with people, not labels.”

The program was organized in partnership with the African American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee (AALAM) and Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH).

Since launching the Region of Choice (ROC) initiative in 2019, MMAC has tracked the progress of the 125-plus companies and organizations representing a total of 127,000 employees that have committed to making Milwaukee a Region of Choice for diverse talent by increasing the percentages of Black and Brown employees (by 15% over five years) and managers (by 25% over five years) at those firms. Companies involved in ROC also meet regularly to identify trends and share best practices.