Manufacture Alabama, the trade association dedicated exclusively to the needs of Yellowhammer State manufacturers, on Thursday unveiled Diversify — an initiative to foster diversity and inclusion.

According to a release from the association, Diversify is committed to addressing multiple dimensions of human diversity, especially those that are linked to conditions resulting from prejudice and discrimination.

The initiative was established to provide resources and promote strategies to achieve a culture that values diversity as evidenced by attitudes, policies and practices within Alabama manufacturing facilities and beyond.

“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,” stated George Clark, president of Manufacture Alabama. “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 consisting of state industry leaders with diverse backgrounds who have a passion for sustaining an inclusive environment within their companies and communities.

The council membership includes the following:

• State Rep. Napoleon Bracy, Jr., Manager, Diversity & Inclusion, AUSTAL USA
• Quentin P. Riggins, Senior Vice President Governmental and Corporate Affairs, Alabama Power Company
• Angela Martin, Organizational Development Manager, Hunt Refining Company
• Richard Lehr, Shareholder, Lehr Middlebrooks Vreeland & Thompson, P.C.
• LaShaunda Holly, Communications and Workforce Development Manager, BASF
• Ashlen Loban, Administrative Coordinator, Manufacture Alabama

Riggins commented in a statement, “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.”

“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,” he added.

Manufacture Alabama represents some of Alabama’s largest employers.

“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,” concluded Clark. “The contributions of this council will benefit manufacturers throughout the state and beyond.”

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn