APRIL 2023
Greetings!

Dr. Janice Bell Underwood is the United States of America's Chief Diversity Officer - literally. She serves the Biden-Harris Administration as Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility at the Office of Personnel Management. Prior to this position, Dr. Underwood served as the first Cabinet-level Chief Diversity Officer in the nation in the administration of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam.
 
The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities has been honored to collaborate with Dr. Underwood for many years, starting when she was an educator at Hampton High School, then during her time as an administrator at Old Dominion University, and more recently during her service in the Northam administration. On March 30, VCIC presented Dr. Underwood with the Distinguished Virginian Award for her significant impact across Virginia and the nation. In reflecting on the recognition, Dr. Underwood shared:
 
"Thank you to Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities... for such an incredible and prestigious award! I appreciate all the work the state board, the regional boards, VCIC staff, and volunteers do everyday in service to inclusive excellence and making DEIA tangible and operational across the state of Virginia and the nation! I am BEYOND grateful for the recognition and hope that it contributes to a more honest national dialogue about equity and justice!"
 
She went on to add, "We need more organizations like VCIC!" We are honored to have VCIC's work known and appreciated across Virginia and beyond. 

As always, please let us know how VCIC can support your community. You can see day-to-day updates about our work by following VCIC on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  We look forward to working with you!
VCIC Updates & Announcements
RVA Ramadan Iftar Potluck
VCIC is pleased to partner with the Islamic Center of Virginia for an RVA Ramadan Iftar Potluck! Join us on April 19 at 7:00pm at Bon Air United Methodist Church. The program will include reflections from interfaith, government, and community leaders before breaking the fast around 7:50pm. Click here to learn more and register to attend!
Leading Conversations
VCIC and Leadership Metro Richmond are once again partnering on a training to teach best practices in facilitation. This series is intended to strengthen the region by equipping community leaders with the tools they need to lead conversations in a manner that is inclusive, informative, and effective. Sessions take place the first three Thursdays in May. Click here to learn more and register!
Featured Articles and Curriculum
Upcoming Contests, Funding, and Programs
CONTESTS
(Contests linked to diversity, inclusion, and leadership)

FUNDING
(Grant opportunities to recognize leadership or support projects and clubs)

PROGRAMS
(Initiatives and observances to advance character education and inclusion)

VCIC State Office
5511 Staples Mill Road
Suite 202
Richmond, VA 23228
Phone: (804) 515-7950  
VCIC Hampton Roads Office
at Virginia Wesleyan University
Allen Village, Graybeal 5
5817 Wesleyan Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Phone: (757) 390-0720