Putting together the pieces of the puzzle in diversity in eastern Iowa

We Create Here was an initiative within the Gazette Company to develop evolving narratives and authentic conversations throughout Iowa's Creative Corridor. read more

As I've been out in the community since our launch in October, many of you have asked me about We Create Here and what it is all about.

During our weekly team meeting today, one of our team members introduced an analogy I thought was particularly useful. What we're doing with our stories is putting together pieces of the puzzle when it comes to diversity and innovation in the Corridor.

Each story we tell helps answer larger questions in the specific area we are covering.

For example, I started with the focus area of diversity in the workplace in eastern Iowa.

One of the first stories I wrote in October began by setting the stage. Why does diversity matter in the workplace? Experts answered the question by outlining how welcoming communities are more likely to initially attract and retain diverse employees; the future of the region's population depends on more people migrating to the area and diverse populations represent considerable buying and spending power in the economy.

Those were just a few of the reasons initially outlined for why diversity in the workplace matters.

For my next story, I continued along the same line of thought. We know that diversity in the workplace matters. We also know that the Hispanic population is booming in the region and state. So, how are Iowa businesses preparing for the growing Hispanic and non-white population across the state?

Corridor business leaders told me it is critical to have staff that can speak multiple languages and communicate effectively with global markets. They must also remain committed to serving members of a diversifying community.

Recently, I met with a group of graduate students at the University of Iowa who are working together with the city of Cedar Rapids to get a better understanding of how to retain adults between the ages of 25 and 40 in the city.

One of the responses that emerged through surveys was a desire to see diversity embraced in the city.

My most recent story looked specifically at black entrepreneurs in eastern Iowa and the struggles they face when it comes to starting small businesses. Because they represent a tiny fragment of the larger community of small business owners, they pointed to a lack of a network to help them on their path as a stumbling block.

The fiber that connects all these stories is workplace diversity in eastern Iowa. Whether it's analyzing the impact of changing demographics or the struggles of minority entrepreneurs, each story is aimed at painting a larger picture on the issue.

I'm working to put together the pieces of the puzzle. So I ask you: how do you believe you fit into the picture? Is your business embracing diversity? Are you a proponent of cultural diversity in your community? Let me know. Your answer will provide another piece to the puzzle.