LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Entrepreneur and founder of the Derby Diversity Business Summit (DDBS) Tawana Bain announced recently the founding of The Global Economic Diversity Development Initiative (GEDDI), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit foundation created to further the diversity, equity, and inclusion work DDBS initiated in 2017 with a specific emphasis on addressing the systemic issues within the black community.
DDBS will now become an annual program of GEDDI (pronounced JED-eye). GEDDI is a 100% black-founded and black-led foundation based in Louisville. GEDDI’s sole purpose over the next five years is supplying economic empowerment, supply chain development and workforce development with a specific focus on creating equity and opportunity for the black community utilizing a proprietary system.
Nikki Lanier, senior vice president, and regional executive of the Louisville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, will serve as GEDDI’s executive board vice president. She shares, “This work requires a strategic and collaborative voice with black leadership and ownership. If we are going to change the system, it cannot be done at the current status quo.”
“This organization has been in the making for the last two years,” said founder Tawana Bain. “We will be the smartest corporate giving choice for racial equity and economic justice initiatives. Racial inequality and civil unrest events across the nation cause organizations and individuals to seek ways to get involved, or take action, to reduce its impact on our mental health, business interruption, relationships, and overall quality of life.”
Bain continued, “Organizations are collectively committing billions of dollars to address systemic issues in the black community. We are now in a position to arm community leaders with investments into opportunities that have never been funded. Some of the smartest minds have worked to prop up this initiative to create Economic Empowerment for black people, to fund black lead initiatives, and to make generational impact. If Kentucky leaders – regardless of their race, or political affiliation are truly morally convicted to see this happen… GEDDI should thrive.”
Bain is beginning the state-by-state initiative in Kentucky. More information about how to contribute and be involved is available at http://www.geddi.org/campaignoverview
About Derby Diversity Business Summit
The Derby Diversity Business Summit (DDBS) exists to bring together the world’s top, diverse suppliers and executives – inclusive of all diverse groups (Minority, Women, LGBTQ, Veteran & Disabled) on a national scale to network, develop and enjoy the Derby. During the week of the Kentucky Derby, guests from around the world participate in development seminars, panel discussions, and hear from highly sought after speakers sharing their experiences in the business world of Consumer Sports Marketing, Supplier Diversity & Diversity and Inclusion. Along with networking opportunities at business sessions, guests will also attend A-List celebrity events and derby festivities with their peers! The 2020 Derby Diversity Business Summit will be September 1-5, 2020, and take place virtually due to the continuing pandemic. Learn more and register at https://derbydiversity.com.
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