IAA's focus on diversity, inclusion earns spotlight with FAA and State of Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (July 25, 2019) – The Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Civil Rights has recognized the Indianapolis Airport Authority with the 2019 Civil Rights Advocate and Partner Award for its Title VI program at last week’s National Civil Rights Conference for Airports. The Indiana Civil Rights Commission also recently recognized the Indianapolis Airport Authority with the Diversity & Inclusion Award at the Courage and Vision Champions of Civil Rights Awards in June. These awards spotlight the IAA's firm commitment to a comprehensive practice promoting the value and benefit of diversity in operating the Indianapolis International Airport (IND).

The FAA’s Title VI award is given to the airport that has developed and implemented innovative programs to enhance the overall Title VI program with communication strategies to inform employees, tenants, contractors and others to take affirmative action to ensure that there is nondiscrimination in all of their operations.

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission’s Diversity & Inclusion Award is given to a business organization that exemplifies leadership in the development and support of strategies that result in diversity at all levels of the organization.

“The Indianapolis International Airport is our front door to the world, connecting us to travel, business and each other,” Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb said. “I’m thrilled to see it rightfully recognized as a leader in the industry and the state for its efforts in diversity and inclusion to reflect the many Hoosiers they serve.”

The airport's commitment to diversity and inclusion spans its hiring and employee development practices, to working with diverse suppliers, to community involvement and its trademark customer service that makes it the Best Airport in North America. Diversity and inclusion are at the forefront for the IAA enhancing and advancing IAA’s culture, promoting cultural understanding, increase diversity in IAA leadership and increase engagement of diversity and inclusion with the community.

“The Indy airport is more than a central place for travel; it is a gateway for millions of people from a plethora of backgrounds to experience the Indianapolis community,” said Mario Rodriguez, IAA executive director. “It’s our responsibility, as well as the right thing to do, to advance diversity and inclusion and represent the community we serve.”

Not only does the Indy airport serve more than 9 million business and leisure travelers each year, welcoming people from all over the world, they also focus on building top internal talent and establishing diverse business partnerships that seek to reflect the diversity of the community that they serve.

IAA recently announced the expanded role of Director of Supplier Diversity Holli Harrington, becoming IAA’s first diversity officer in addition to her current role. In this new, expanded role, Harrington will partner with leadership to promote equity and equality in IAA operations, processes and systems, working to ensure all passengers, visitors, vendors and employees are met with respect and feel both welcome and included. As a part of her role, Harrington also serves as IAA’s Title VI coordinator.

IAA also strives to create equitable opportunities for diverse business owners to do business with the airport. Through November 2018, the IAA awarded $24.1 million in contractual opportunities to certified diverse businesses, a substantial increase compared to the $16.7 million awarded in the previous year’s same time period. This is a 25% growth in the number of diverse businesses involved, allowing us to have a greater impact in the community and deliver excellent customer service.