Welcome to the premier edition of the
Texas Diversity Council's
quarterly newsletter.

Welcome to the premier edition of the Texas Diversity Council's quarterly newsletter. I have developed this newsletter to further my vision to make diversity happen in Texas. I foresee this newsletter developing into a valuable resource for our members and others interested in understanding and harnessing diversity, and in enjoying diversity dividends.

The newsletter is designed to be a medium of
communications addressing: diversity in the workplace,
marketplace and community; diversity benchmarking;
diversity best practices; recruiting and retention; and
recognizing diversity champions and change agents. While
these are some initial areas we would like to highlight, I see us gradually expanding and covering emerging issues. I envision this newsletter filling some of the void in Texas when it comes to diversity communications and contributing to improvements in Texans' lives because many Texans continue to be underrepresented in the workplace, marketplace and important public and private institutions.

Welcome from the Executive Director

Welcome to our first edition of the Texas Diversity Council's quarterly newsletter. It is an effort to provide valuable information about our activities and diversity items of interest. I hope you will find them informative and rewarding. There is a section called "Talk Back", where your feedback is requested. In order to continue to make this publication a valuable resource, your feedback is very important. We will respond appropriately.

AT&T: A 2007 DiversityInc Top 50 Company for Diversity Shares Its Best Practices

AT&T is well-known within the state of Texas and across the country as a leading communications and entertainment company, but an important aspect of the company that should not be overlooked is its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion.

AT&T is working harder than ever to be a good neighbor to Texans and in every community the company serves. AT&T's focus on diversity extends throughout its recruiting, procurement, philanthropy and marketing initiatives.

The ABC's of Diversity – Making Difference Matter

Modern Science tells us that the DNA of any two humans is 99.97 percent identical and that there is no gene for race. A powerful, yet subtle diversity tool. This fact alone should encourage us to move beyond our appearance and contemplate a deeper human connection. We all are one race...the human race. With that said...

Stars Appeared During the Day

On May 15 & 16, the Dallas Convention Center was illuminated during the day by stars that appeared in the persons of Anna Escobedo Cabral, U. S. Treasurer, Carly Fiorina, former Chair & CEO of Hewlett Packard, and Retired General Colin Powell. They were the keynote speakers for the Third Annual Texas Diversity and Leadership Conference & Exposition.

Texas Diversity Council Creates A&M Project To Help Texas A&M Boost Its Enrollment of High-Performing Students of Color

The Texas Diversity Council and Texas A&M University have launched a scholarship initiative called the A&M Project to recruit and create a pipeline of high-performing students of color beginning in their first year of high school.

"We want to encourage academic excellence early," said Dennis Kennedy, CEO of the Texas Diversity Council.

NAACP Releases Annual Economic Reciprocity Report to Guide African Americans' $700 Billion Spending Power

After 11 years of tracking the diversity efforts of some of the nation’s largest companies in five key industries, the NAACP reports that positive change is occurring but at a measured pace, with most companies performing average at best in their efforts. The 2007 edition of the NAACP Consumer Choice Guide, part of the Association’s Economic Reciprocity Initiative (ERI), is now available. The latest guide, which includes a report and a new Best Practices Diversity Guide, provides Black consumers with empowerment tools that enable them to make informed choices when purchasing products and services from the surveyed companies.

Notes from the Board Room

The Texas Diversity Council’s Board of Directors is a 23-member team of executives that represent a number of industries: banking, energy, education, finance, grocery, law, healthcare, insurance, technology, and transportation.

Introducing the Texas Diversity Healthcare Council

Texas has recently joined Hawaii, New Mexico, and California as a majority-minority state, along with the District of Columbia. This makes the case for diversity in healthcare more compelling than ever before.

Calendar of Events

Greater San Antonio

• Women in Leadership Symposium - 1/2008
• Diversity Luncheon - 10/18/2007

Central Texas

• Women in Leadership Symposium - 2/2008
• Diversity Luncheon - 09/20/2007

North Texas

• Women in Leadership Symposium - 11/2008
• Diversity Luncheon - 10/31/2007

Gulf Coast

• Women in Leadership Symposium - 1/2008
• Diversity Luncheon - 10/30/2007

Annual Conference - 5/2008

Our Vision

We are committed to diversity and the transformation of our workplace and community into environments where people are valued for their uniqueness and are secure in the knowledge that their efforts make a difference.

Our Mission

Enhance appreciation for and understanding of the value of Diversity and Inclusion... Read More

Our Strategy

Promote Diversity in the workplace and community... Read More

Our Values

Leadership that values diversity and inclusion and stimulates the potential of each individual to contribute and achieve his/her goals... Read More

Contact US

Dennis Kennedy

Founder and CEO
dennis.kennedy@texasdiversitycouncil.org
210.279.3277

Margaret A. Crawley

Executive Director
margaret.crawley@texasdiversitycouncil.org
214.202.0034

Jason Degroot

Director
Jason.Degroot@texasdiversitycouncil.org
281.984.7043

Talk Back

Your feedback is important to us — we want to hear from you. Please send your questions or comments about the newsletter to Margaret Crawley at
margaret.crawley@texasdiversitycouncil.org
or call 214.202.0034.