We are Proud to Announce the 2021 IDEA to Action Award Winners:
Lions + Tigers is a Marketing and Operations Consulting Company that took the time internally to come to a place of honesty within themselves and outline what they thought they needed to change in their organization. They looked for a partner to come alongside their DEI journey and ultimately teamed up with MyKimisms, LLC. who also believes in the IDEA equation: Inclusion = Diversity + Equity + Accessibility to build culture from the inside out. Kim "Kimfer" Flanery-Rye helped Lions + Tigers with recommendations on supporting their internal community, the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community, and on becoming an anti-racist organization.
We have received a detailed description of an impressive IDEA framework that included but was not limited to, audits of the brand’s mission, vision, values. The company proved to have delivered on clear KPIs when the 2021 annual DEI team survey showed an over 20% increase in respondents seeing their direct manager as strongly supporting DEI as a core value.
Evia is a virtual event platform working to enhance events and create online experiences that closely mimic the excitement of physical meetings. Evia’s “IDEA” was to achieve certification for intersectional equity by Gender Equity Now (GEN).
Working with Sara Sanford, Evia was able to perform specific GEN-prescribed action steps based on cutting-edge research and insights into what the diverse employees need in order to experience true equity in their workplace. The GEN Certification defined Evia’s strategy, KPIs, and content of framework, allowing the company to focus on the unique characteristics of the workplace and the office culture.
Evia’s strategy of getting GEN-certified was an exemplary embodiment of “IDEA to Action.”
Both companies have shown an extreme commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity + Access.
Contest Goal:
To highlight companies making a true impact in the IDEA space. Committing to action and taking one step together is how true change takes place.
IDEA Purpose:
At LWHRA the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee provide members with tools, knowledge, and the ability to help their organizations promote the values and practices of a diverse and inclusive workplace. We have come together to introduce the Business Case Contest where businesses must commit to making Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) to Action a part of their strategic plans. IDEA should treat equity as a 'need to have', not a 'nice to have', recognizing the social and economic benefits that flow from workplace parity–something that is a part of every decision a company makes.
Contest Overview:
Submissions
Participants
We are looking for participants from Washington State (may or may not be a SHRM member).
The IDEA Business Case should already be implemented at the workplace.
You can self-nominate an individual or company
For the submission, you will have to choose
IDEA category and the IDEA initiative.Prize: $1,000 to be awarded to each category winner. The reward is to further your IDEA initiatives internally or a donation made on your company's behalf to consultants or businesses who focus in this space. So get creative and tell us your story!
Winners will be showcased in a virtual award celebration and on the LWHRA website.
Interested winners will also have the opportunity to provide mentorship to future companies looking to implement IDEA initiatives.
Present a business case with the following submissions:
Inclusive cultures, drive innovation, share new trends and best practices, partnering with leaders from inside and outside our organization to bring fresh and unique perspectives to the dialogue.
IDEA that has a true impact, is committing to action and taking one step further, together!
A video pitch in three minutes or less giving us a brief summary of the IDEA.
An essay of 3 pages or less–to why your IDEA has the edge and should be chosen.
IDEA to Action Fall 2021 Contest
Companies with implemented IDEA programs can participate.
Submissions Open From: Friday, October 1, 2021
Early Submissions Due: Friday, October 15, 2021
Final Submissions Due: Thursday, November 11, 2021
Judging Period: Monday, November 12, 2021–Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Winners Announced: Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Initiatives
Categories
Recruitment and Retention
Training and Development
Social Change in the Workplace
Action and Accountability
Racial, Gender and Ability Inequities
Affinity Groups
Unconscious Bias
Workplace Bias
Systems Analysis
Performance Management
Career Plans
Evaluation and Promotion
Black, Indigenous and People of Color, IDEA Consultants
Minority and/or Women-Owned Business
Less than 100 employees
101–500 Employees
500+ Employees
Submission Details:
Important points for the video and essay:
ESSAY SUBMISSION:
1. SUMMARY: A summary or overview to understand the overall success story, including how it best embodied an "IDEA to Action".
2. INSPIRATION: What inspired this idea? How did you define the KPIs, the content of your framework, and your strategy?
3. PROGRESS: Your current milestones and further next steps.
4. RESULTS: What are the key accomplishments-short and long term-achieved by the implemented IDEA? Define quantitative and qualitative results.
5. ALIGNMENT: How have you aligned the IDEA to the existing workplace initiatives?
The essay can be a maximum of 3 pages, as a suggestion–limit your answer to 300 words or less per question (highlighting the keywords and/or points in bullets).
Please note the video does not need to be full production quality. A mobile video snippet is perfectly acceptable and encouraged.
DEI Partnership Opportunities:
CHAMPION $3,000
Exclusive Opportunity - Only 1 available
Participation and recognition during Symposium Awards Presentation
3-5 minute commercial at Symposium Awards Presentation
Logo representation at the IDEA to Action Awards Presentation at Symposium
Featured in any IDEA to Action marketing promotional material
Linked logo included in all LWHRA bi-weekly newsletters
Listing on the IDEA's LWHRA webpage
Access to LWHRA Logo for partnership promotion (upon request) as an IDEA sponsor
ADVOCATE $1,500
Recognition from emcee during the awards presentation
Logo representation at the IDEA awards presentation + video reel
Featured in any IDEA marketing promotional material
Linked logo included in all LWHRA weekly newsletters
Listing on the IDEA's LWHRA webpage
Access to LWHRA logo for partnership promotion (upon request) as an IDEA sponsor
SUPPORTER $500
Logo representation at IDEA Awards presentation + video reel
Featured in any IDEA marketing promotional material
Linked logo included in all LWHRA weekly newsletters
Listing on the IDEA LWHRA webpage
Access to LWHRA logo for partnership promotion (upon request) as an IDEA sponsor
Questions: IDEAtoAction@lwhra.org
Quick Links
Upcoming Events
Our Sponsors
