Next Level DEIA Cohort

NAWBO Columbus is proud to be selected to participate in the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Development Board’s Fourth Next Level DEIA Cohort.

We are thrilled to support our Vice-President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Yvonne Cherell participating in the 4th Next Level DEAI Cohort on behalf of NAWBO Columbus. It is an amazing opportunity for our organization, and it takes a strong leader, such as Yvonne, to pursue continuing development for the betterment of our sisterhood. We appreciate our partnership with The Columbus Chamber of Commerce and thoroughly appreciate all your genuine efforts and the impact you have made on behalf of women business owners in Central Ohio.- K. Zulene Adams, President, NAWBO Columbus

In a bold move to champion equity and inclusion in the vibrant and diverse Central Ohio community, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio are thrilled to announce the launch of the fourth Next Level DEIA cohort.

While larger corporations have blazed trails in implementing equity and inclusion strategies, the cost and expertise required often pose challenges for small to mid-sized businesses and non-profit organizations. Addressing this gap head-on, the partnership between the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio has given rise to the Next Level DEIA program.

This groundbreaking accelerator program is tailor-made for small to mid-sized business leaders hungry to design and implement customized Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) strategies. Upon completing the program, participants will gain invaluable insights and earn a certification and digital badge, showcasing their commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces.

Leading the charge in this transformative journey are Sherrice Sledge-Thomas, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and Varsey Laurelle, the visionary owner of Varsey Laurelle, LLC, a Cultural Strategy Firm. Together, they will guide and inspire cohort participants to navigate the challenges and opportunities of DEIA implementation.

“Next Level DEIA is a game changer,” proclaims Sherrice Sledge-Thomas. “Equity and inclusion should be systemic, not performative. A part of the way an organization conducts business. We’re here to help organizations make that happen.”

The Next Level DEIA cohort promises to reshape the landscape of inclusive workplaces in Central Ohio. With its strategic guidance, impactful resources, and prestigious certification, this accelerator program is set to catalyze a new era of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the heart of our thriving community.

The following organizations have been selected to participate in the fourth cohort.

• Colliers
• Diversified Systems
• NAWBO Columbus
• Resident Resources Network, Inc
• The Superior Group
• ECDI
• ACCI Design Build
• Lead the Way Learning Academy
• Columbus Urban League

You can learn more about the program HERE.