An Executive Order (JMR 2009-1) issued in 2007 by Mayor Jacques M. Roy put into motion the Diversity in Action Initiative (DIA). We are committed to this Initiative, which is designed to increase the number and improve the quality of small and emerging businesses in our community. The Initiative has great potential for positive impact by ultimately bringing about a stronger, safer, more productive community with many more amenities for the residents of Alexandria and central Louisiana.

The Initiative includes the following components:
Alexandria Fairness, Equality, Accessibility, and Teamwork (A.F.E.A.T.)Program which encourages good faith efforts to increase opportunities for more minority-owned businesses (with the aspirational goal being 15%) and women-owned businesses (aspirational goal being 7%).

Alexandria Bonding Assistance (A.B.A.) Program and the Alexandria Financial Intermediary Initiative (A.F.I.I.) Program, both of which can assist any small and emerging business that is deemed as socially and economically disadvantaged. Close the Gap Mentoring Programs, which provide education and training, workforce initiatives, and “career choice” style programs. All of these programs will call for intervention during and following high school years in order to provide some direction and options.

Our activities include coordinating business start-up, coaching, and entrepreneurial assistance (building capacity, providing access to capital, etc.). In general, we are committed to doing whatever it takes to “close the gap” and remove obstacles to the business success for anyone who is willing to work hard and diligently and become a business stakeholder in our community.

As the City’s Chief Diversity Officer, I believe this Initiative is aptly-named because honoring diversity means that we understand that each individual is unique, and we can respect our differences while at the same time recognizing our commonalities. We can be a more successful and vibrant community if we make the effort to understand each other and move beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity.

Thank You
Joseph P. Page, Chief Diversity Officer