About Us

A Leader in Diversity and Inclusion Programs in Northeast Ohio

Our Mission

The Diversity Center is dedicated to eliminating bias, bigotry, and racism.

Our Vision

The Diversity Center is committed to building communities where all people are connected, respected, and valued.

The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio is a leader in diversity and inclusion and has been sparking positive change in the area since 1927.

Our History

From our founding in 1927 to the present, we’ve made great strides in initiating positive change in Northeast Ohio. Learn more about our nearly century-long history below.

Mobilizing Citizens Against the Forces Of Violence and Exclusion

Religious leaders met in Cleveland in 1927 in response to organized campaigns of hatred spreading across America. They formed The National Conference of Christians and Jews (NCCJ) to mobilize citizens against the forces of violence and exclusion.

Establishing The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio

In September 2006, NCCJ of Cleveland became The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio and joined the National Federation for Just Communities (NFJC). Our mission — “to eliminate bias bigotry and racism” — remains the same, as do our programs, operations, and governance structure. Today, through our School & Youth Programming, SHIFT Consulting, and LeadDIVERSITY, we strive to reach toward our vision of creating communities where all people are connected, respected, and valued.

Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Diversity Center promotes understanding, respect, and institutional equality on matters of race, age, religion, sex, ethnicity, culture, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. We achieve this via youth programming as well as promoting diversity and addressing institutional bias in the workplace.

Our Board of Directors

Meet the change agents who make key decisions about our organization. These individuals are passionate about sparking positive change in the Northeast Ohio communities where they live and work.

2024-2025 Board of Directors

DCNEO Board of Directors 2024

Executive Officers

Board Directors

Life Directors

*of blessed memory

Our Community Partners

  • ACLU Ohio
  • Cleveland Public Theatre
  • Councilmember Jenny Spencer
  • Council President Blaine Griffin
  • Esperanza, Inc.
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • Flynn Restaurant Group
  • Great Lakes Science Center
  • Honesty for Ohio Education
  • Hyland
  • The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
  • Lincoln Electric
  • Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
  • Medical Mutual of Ohio
  • Near West Theatre
  • Neighborhood Family Practice
  • Parker Hannifin
  • The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Sparrow’s Fortune
  • Thompson Hine LLP

What Our Connections Have to Say

An NFJC Member

The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio is a member of the National Federation for Just Communities (NFJC), a network of like-minded organizations working across America to bring the values of diversity, inclusion, and social justice to our schools, workplaces, and communities.

Are You Ready to Spark Positive Change?

If you are interested in transforming mindsets at the place where you live, work, teach, or go to school, we can help!