Oct. 13, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is being saluted for its efforts to support historically underrepresented groups, named a finalist for a Grand Rapids Chamber EPIC Award in the DEI Champion category
The 12 Annual EPIC Awards Gala is planned for Oct. 19, and recognizes outstanding organizations across West Michigan, celebrating those that foster growth, demonstrate innovation, and champion alongside others as mentors and collaborators.
According to the chamber’s blog, finalists were nominated by their peers and the recipients of the EPIC Awards are determined through a rigorous process and selected by community trustees for their contributions.
GRCC is one of three finalists in the DEI Champion – Organization of the Year category.
“The DEI Champion Organization of the Year designation is awarded to an organization that is working to embed inclusive diversity, equity and inclusion strategies for historically underrepresented groups within their organization and the wider community. Underrepresented groups include individuals from various races and ethnic backgrounds, New Americans, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and veterans,” according to the chamber.
Other finalists are Allied Mechanical Services, Inc., full-service mechanical contracting firm that looks to change lives through employment; and Peckham, Inc. a nonprofit vocational rehabilitation organization that provides paid job training opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
The chamber noted GRCC’s commitment to providing skills to help residents change their lives through a quality, accessible education.
“Grand Rapids Community College transforms lives. That’s the shortest answer, but it is also the most accurate. GRCC is Michigan’s oldest community college, serving West Michigan for more than 100 years, focused on helping everyone — everyone – have access to a quality education, whether they are seeking credits for degrees, looking to transfer to a four-year university, or find job-focused certificates and training leading to rewarding careers. We meet people where they are and help them get to where they want to be. That’s always been our mission, and we embrace it proudly.”
Other categories include family-owned business of the year, woman-owned enterprise of the year, minority-owned business of the year, creative business of the year, non-profit of the year, excellence in business, with separate categories for small, medium and large businesses.