The American Association for Access, Equity & Diversity (AAAED) will honor the Arizona Diamondbacks with the Roosevelt Thomas Champion of Diversity Award for outstanding achievements in promoting diversity in the workforce at its 43rd National Conference and Annual Meeting tomorrow at 12 p.m. at the Omni Scottsdale Hotel and Spa at Montelucia.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized as a champion of diversity because it is something we believe in strongly as an organization,” said D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall. “The D-backs represent all Arizonans, so it is important for us to approach everything we do – from employment, procurement and access — with equity and through a lens from every angle.”
“We are pleased to recognize the Arizona Diamondbacks for their contributions to the cause of access, equity and diversity,” said Dr. Myron Anderson, AAAED President. “Great honor is due to these trailblazers who have been outstanding in their field,” added AAAED Conference Chair Rosemary Cox.
Last year, the D-backs became the first team to receive MLB’s Jackie Robinson Most Valuable Diverse Business Partner Award for hosting the 2016 MLB Diversity Business Summit. The Summit brought together more than 1,000 job-seekers, entrepreneurs and small business owners who connected directly with decision-makers of employment and business opportunities from all 30 MLB Clubs, MLB Network, MLB Advanced Media, Minor League Baseball Clubs and MLB’s Central Office in New York City. The 2016 MLB Diversity Business Summit featured event-wide networking, exhibit floor access, workshops, executive roundtable discussions and a special conversation with the Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr.
For three consecutive years, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has inducted the D-backs into the Arizona Million Dollar Circle of Excellence, which recognizes companies leading the way in supplier diversity by spending more than $1 million annually with minority and women-owned businesses in Arizona. The D-backs were one of 28 companies across the state to be inducted.
In 2015, the D-backs were honored by One Community, a member-based coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals who support diversity, inclusion and equality for all Arizonans. In 2014, Hall received the prestigious Torch of Liberty Award from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) which recognizes individuals who have exhibited extraordinary humanitarianism, and whose everyday actions exemplify the principles of opportunity, anti-discrimination, equal rights, community involvement and fairness for all.
Founded in 1974 as the American Association for Affirmative Action, AAAED is a national nonprofit association of professionals working in the areas of affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity. AAAED includes individuals and organizations from the public and private sectors, business, social services, law, government and academic institutions. Nearly one-half of our members work for institutions of higher education.
