Home » About Us

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

Executive Officers

Tracie Longpre – Board Chair
Cipriano S. Beredo, III – Past Board Chair
Jeri Chaikin – Vice Chair (Governance)
Sheryl King Benford – Vice Chair
Orlando Alvarez, Jr. – Vice Chair (Strategy)
Greg Skoda, Jr. – Vice Chair (Finance)
Azadeh Hardiman – Vice Chair (Programs)
Steffany Larkins – Vice Chair
Tony Weber – Vice Chair (Marketing)
Mark Swaim-Fox – President & CEO

Board Directors

Allan Goldner
Alyson Fieldman
Anthony Battle
Arlene Anderson
Bonnie Kristan
Cindy Fisher
Gregg LeBar
Harlin Adelman
Jill E Hennessey
Kate McManus Vlasek
Rev. Kenneth W. Chalker
Leighton McCoy
Lisa Grdina
Robyn Minter Smyers
Shannon Jerse
Uleto Fuentes

Life Directors

Allan D. Rosskamm
Bernard A. Finkelstein
Cynthia Bassett
David Hooker
James A. Schoff
John G. Nestor
Hugh E. McKay, Esq.
Larry Pollock
Margaret W. Wong
Michael J. Salkind
Neal Malicky, Ph.D.
Robert D. Gries*
Robert J. King, Jr.
Robert M. Wolff
Stephen M. O'Bryan
Stuart F. Kline
Terry C. Stewart
Thomas W. Adler
William E. MacDonald, III
William B. Sommers, Jr.

*of blessed memory

What Our Connections Have to Say

LeadDIVERSITY is a life-changing experience. This program takes DEIB from concept, to practice, to application. I have gained knowledge and skills that will serve me in my work and my daily life for years to come. I’m forever grateful to this program and the opportunity to learn with and get to know my classmates.

I learned about the impact different life experiences have on identities, and obviously these identities shape how my classmates go about their everyday life. [This program was] very insightful.

It is important to recognize that the impact of stereotypes and biases often extends beyond one’s intentions, affecting both the targeted and the unintended communities. Addressing these issues involves not only understanding the underlying motivations, but also actively working to mitigate the harmful effects of such biases and promote understanding and inclusivity among diverse communities.

I’ve attended several programs like this before, but I wanted to say that this is the first time I’ve felt really safe and comfortable. This was definitely the best I’ve attended. I learned a lot, this was great!

LeadDIVERSITY provided a place for me to truly take my understanding of and advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion to the next level. Having open and honest small group discussions with professionals from various fields and backgrounds was incredibly valuable and impactful.

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!