Meet the finalists: 2022 ELEVATE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advocate of the Year Award

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advocate of the Year Award winner is a young professional or small group – either through an employer or as a volunteer – who is committed to raising awareness and advocating for a more diverse, equitable and inclusive Central Indiana community.

All three of this year’s nominees bring something special to Indy, and we’re excited for you to meet them at ELEVATE later this month.

Want to shower them in love and beads before the big event? Cast your vote for People’s Choice by going here. 

Tiffany Hanson, manager of strategic engagement at Luna Language Services

Hanson’s journey as a diversity, equity and inclusion advocate started while working at a local law firm, educating the community on workplace discrimination and identifying when something is wrong. 

“Through that work I was able to understand how discrimination manifests in the lives of a lot of people from many different cultural communities,” said Hanson. Seeing that “got me really fired up.”

Hanson believes language access is a basic right, and through her role at Luna Language Services, she ensures resources and information are available to all people, regardless of their language background. 

As an independent contractor, Hanson has provided expertise to many different organizations, most notably serving as the director of communications and marketing for Indy Pride.

“Central Indiana really does have such a robust culture,” Hanson said. “My vision for Central Indiana is to create a community for people to come together and learn about each other as well as celebrate and embrace the culture of all our Hoosier neighbors.”

What does being a diversity, equity and inclusion advocate ambassador mean to Hanson?

“Leading by example – walking the walk and talking the talk – leading with kindness and empathy,” she said.

Want to learn more about Hanson? Connect with her on LinkedIn. 

Vote Tiffany Hanson for People’s Choice. 

Dr. Tiffany Kyser, associate director of engagement and partnerships at the Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center

Kyser didn’t choose to work in the diversity, equity and inclusion space. The work chose her.

“I was always interested in why certain people benefit from public causes and why other people don’t,” Kyser said.

In her day job, Kyser manages a national center that provides guidance to educators on policies and practices to ensure they’re not violating students’ civil rights.

Kyser is proud of a recent partnership with the Department of Health to work with legislators to redress policies that may be oppressive to students based on race, gender identity and sexual orientation and create a more equitable educational opportunity. 

“I’m passionate about what I do because I’ve experienced a lot of intersecting oppressions and I want to try to contribute to a community where they’re dismantled,” Kyser said. “I hope Central Indiana becomes a space where different folks from different walks of life and ideologies can come together and do what’s best for those in our community experiencing the most hardship.”

What does being a diversity, equity and inclusion ambassador mean to Kyser?

“Reflecting deeply on yourself and possible ways that you’ve contributed to the things you’re trying to undo,” she said.

Want to learn more about Kyser? Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Vote Tiffany Kyser for People’s Choice.

Alex Simonton, director of strategy at IU Health Foundation

Simonton realized early in her healthcare career that access to resources is often a major determinant of health. Ensuring underserved communities have equal access to opportunities is important to her. 

She focuses every day on living a vibrant, full life in Indianapolis, experiencing different cultures and learning new things – an opportunity she realizes not everyone is able to take. 

“As a Black woman, that intersection of race and gender has been disadvantageous at times, but I wanted to do what I can do to make a difference,” Simonton said.

Through her work at IU Health and the many boards she serves on, Simonton is embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into every space, because to her, it’s about identity. 

Diversity, equity and inclusion “has implications across so many areas and can make a difference in how we address some of the most pressing societal issues,” she said. 

It’s important to Simonton that individuals who don’t always feel represented in the decision-making process have a seat at the table and a voice in the decisions.

What does being a diversity, equity and inclusion ambassador mean to Simonton?

“Supporting underrepresented groups and making sure they feel that they belong,” she said.

Want to learn more about Simonton? Connect on LinkedIn. 

Vote Alex Simonton for People’s Choice.