PROJECT DIVERSITY provides minority professionals with training to expand their leadership capabilities

This will allow participants to better represent diverse perspectives in policy-making situations.

Through lectures, hands-on workshops, assignments and simulated activities, Project Diversity helps mid-to-senior level minority professionals improve their leadership skills.

Training focuses on governance, management, strategic planning, fiscal management, marketing, fundraising, parliamentary procedures, legal responsibilities and conflict resolution. Nearly 300 people have completed the training since Project Diversity’s inception in 1989.

The Complexion Of Columbus Is Changing

According to recent census data, the Columbus area is becoming increasingly more diverse with a rising number of new Americans, and an increase in Asian American, African American, and Latino/Hispanic populations within the last decade.

At United Way of Central Ohio, we know from experience that the best solutions are crafted by diverse groups with members who possess unique perspectives and approaches. That’s what led us to launch Project Diversity in 1989. Project Diversity, supported by Grange Insurance, is an initiative designed to develop leaders within minority communities for service on nonprofit boards and committees.

Great Leaders Are In The Minority

Great leaders don’t come along every day. And although the notion of “born leaders” is appealing, most people develop their leadership abilities through a combination of experience, vision, empathy and training.

Project Diversity equips people of color with the tools necessary to expand their leadership skills, so they can offer perspectives in policy-making situations that might not otherwise be heard. In effect, it gives a voice to minority community members who care deeply and want to make a difference.


The need in our community

  • In 1990, 15.9 percent of the population in Franklin County was African American.
  • This figure increased to 17.9 percent in 2000 – an increase of 38,000 individuals within 10 years, or a 25 percent increase.
  • From 2000 to 2005, the percentage of the African American, Asian American and Hispanic population increased as Franklin County grew more racially and ethnically diverse.
  • The number of diverse populations served by nonprofit organizations continues to increase.

Making Room At The Board Room Table

Project Diversity provides lectures, hands-on workshops and other activities to help people of color enhance their board leadership skills. Program participants not only gain knowledge and skills, but they also build confidence. With training focused on organizational planning, leading through conflict, fundraising, fiscal management, parliamentary procedures and more, Project Diversity prepares minority professionals to take a seat at board room tables across central Ohio.

For more information, contact Shayne Downton at shayne.downton@uwcentralohio.org.