The Ohio Department of Transportation’s Division of Opportunity, Diversity, and Inclusion is proud to present the 4th Annual Ohio Civil Rights Transportation Symposium to be held April 7-9, 2021 on a virtual platform.
The theme of this year’s symposium is ‘Inclusion through Innovation.’ ODOT is proud to follow Governor Mike DeWine’s lead and broaden its approach by including other demographic groups that face obstacles with job attainment, business formation, and mobility services – including those with disabilities, seniors, those aging out of foster care, and the chronically unemployed or under-employed.
This year’s Symposium will again feature great workshops and presenters supporting Ohio’s transportation industry. In addition, the keynote speaker will be Joe DeLoss, the owner of Hot Chicken Takeover. His restaurants, initially established in Columbus, provide supportive jobs to men and women who need a fair chance at work. No matter the circumstances — homelessness, previous incarceration, or other barrier to employment — Hot Chicken Takeover is focused on the future and is dedicated to offering team members meaningful benefits, such as financial stability, personal growth, and professional development.
Attendees will also hear from Governor DeWine, ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks, Major General John Harris from the Ohio National Guard, and more! Musical performances by the Sammy DeLeon Band and World House Choir will entertain participants during transitions between workshops. Presentation of 2020 scholarship and Ohio Transportation Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion award winners.
ODOT has also put together a video featuring the Urban League of Greater Cleveland’s Work Now Program, Somali Community Association of Ohio (Columbus), Journey Steel’s SOAR Program, and HHW Ohio and the resources they can provide to help with workforce development.
“It is ODOT’s hope that these organizations may be considered as a resource to fulfill workforce requirements on ODOT projects and to help facilitate a connection with diverse businesses,” said Lynnette Woods-Stevens, Outreach Manager.
The final day of the symposium will feature a robust conversation with speakers from around the country discussing capacity building best practices.
If you are interested in learning more about the 2021 Ohio Civil Rights Transportation symposium or registering to attend, please visit www.transportation.ohio.gov/ohiocivilrights. If you have questions, please contact Lorraine Stevens at Lorraine.Stevens@dot.ohio.gov or 614-466-3437.
