Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber is dedicated to strengthening the communities of the Mahoning Valley's minority-, women-, veteran- and disability-owned businesses.

We are committed to making Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion a priority for our region’s business community. By recognizing and utilizing our differences, we strive to create unrestricted, inclusive, and equitable access to economic opportunities for all of our businesses. It is important that we value each business’s qualities, and we are dedicated to building networks of opportunities that provide diverse businesses with available resources and support.

We will promote inclusive growth through our practices, policies, membership services, and community engagement as we support our members and partners throughout the region. As part of our commitment to diversity, we seek to build an inclusive workforce and membership that reflects the diversified communities we serve. We are committed to ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across all levels of the organization, making sure we’re reaching the cultural spectrum for all positions, including our Board of Directors.

Quicklinks

Take the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Survey!

Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, Veteran-Owned and Disability-Owned Member Directory

How To Do Business With Anthem

Small Business Resource Guide

We present the following Small Business Resource Guide as a starting point to help entrepreneurs, startups and existing businesses with navigating through the myriad of resources available in our local area. Service providers listed within this guide are dedicated to ensuring businesses have the resources needed to become sustainable and build our local economy.

New Initiatives

Opportunity Ready Regional Chamber Certification

Opportunity Ready is dedicated to fostering economic opportunity, scaling businesses, building capacity, and promoting supplier diversity. With our certification and educational framework, diverse businesses gain access to expert guidance, mentorship, and training, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive their business's growth, all while gaining access to Regional Chamber resources and support.

Up to 12 businesses may be assigned to one of three 10-week cohorts planned annually.

INC COLLAB

The Inclusion Collaborative advocates for policies and initiatives that support a more inclusive economy and sustainable business environment. The Inc Collab will promote the growth and success of under-represented and under-utilized local minority, women, and veteran-owned business enterprises (MWVOBEs).

Inclusion Advocates

Steve Jones
Silvestor Frazzinni
Candice Dukes
Mandy Forlina
Tayana C. Smith
Tyler Williams
Stephanie Gilchrist
Scot Loveland
Stacey Grant
Alyssia Shaw
Charles Colvin
Ryan Kelly
Dionne Dowdy-Lacey

The Role of Inclusion Advocates

Advocate for a more inclusive and sustainable local business economy.
Advise DEI Council to expand the voice of local MWVOBs.
Advance economic opportunities for MWVOBs.
Promote bridge-building activities within their networks toward Regional Chamber affiliation and program engagement

DEI Council Membership

Terrell Washington
Owner & Operator H. L. W Fast track inc. (Chairman)

Vern Richberg
Director, Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Initiatives

Tyler Williams
Managing Partner Twin Realty and Leasing LLC

Troy Rhoades
Manager of External Affairs First Energy (Vice Chairman)

Kareem Maine
Plant Director Ultium Cells

Derek Penn
Charles Schwab

Brian Kennedy
Commissioner. Mahoning County Veterans Services

Mike Latessa
Executive Director, The Rich Center for Autism , Youngstown State University