Visit Baltimore Annual Report FY 2021-2022 2021 | Page 36

THE VISIT BALTIMORE BRIDGE AWARD

This new award recognizes the contributions of those who help advance the understanding and practice of diversity, equity and inclusion specifically within the hospitality and tourism industry in Baltimore. We are pleased to present the award to two well-deserving recipients. We thank them for their tireless work in their field, and for helping Visit Baltimore and our partners continue to learn and incorporate inclusiveness and belonging into our organizations and our daily interactions.
JANESE MURRAY
Janese is the founder and president of Inclusion Impact Consulting, LLC, a diversity, equity and inclusion consulting firm, and boasts more than 20 years of experience in her field. The firm focuses on partnering with organizations to develop and implement strategies designed to improve workforce diversity, create an inclusive and equitable culture, assess intercultural competence and facilitate authentic and courageous dialogue. Following the murder of George Floyd, she worked with Visit Baltimore to customize and facilitate multi-session DEI training for Visit Baltimore staff and hospitality industry leaders throughout the city encouraging authentic dialogue, courageous conversations and a commitment to continual learning.
KARSONYA“ KAYE” WISE WHITEHEAD, PH. D.
Dr. Kaye is an author, educator, Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker and the founding director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice on the campus of Loyola University Maryland. She also hosts a daily radio program called,“ Today with Dr. Kaye” on WEAA 88.9 FM. In January 2021, at the invitation of Visit Baltimore President & CEO Al Hutchinson, Dr. Kaye presented“ Race, Equity and Actionable Steps to Increase Access and Opportunities for All” at PCMA’ s Convening Leaders Conference. And at the end of FY21, she shared her expertise with Visit Baltimore, helping to develop the inaugural DEI training materials in support of the new Warm Welcome Program launching in FY22 ensuring we are always seeking opportunities to become better.
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