Those in New Jersey have long known that chamber of commerce leaders Carlos Medina and John Harmon have been leaders in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and society.
The two are now getting national recognition for their efforts.
Medina, the CEO of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Harmon, the CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce, were both named as Top 25 Diversity Change Leaders by DiversityPlus Magazine.
They were the only chamber leaders on the list. Both were humbled to receive the honor – while recognizing they are only part of the effort.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Diversity Plus for this honor,” Medina said. “This recognition truly reflects the collective efforts of my Chamber familia, who make this work possible every day.”
Harmon agreed.
“Every recognition that I receive is humbling and attributable to our mission, an excellent staff, and a supportive board of directors,” he said. “We built a statewide organization whose mission is being recognized nationally.”
It’s the 16th consecutive year, DiversityPlus Magazine has honored change leaders in inclusion, supplier and corporate diversity, sourcing and procurement and supply chain management.
Paul Lachhu, founder and editor of DiversityPlus Magazine, said the honorees come from diverse roles and industries but share common goals: They strive to increase the visibility of diverse people and businesses, diversify supply chains and organizational leadership pipelines, connect DEI strategies to ESG, develop diversity champions, and promote the value of diversity to industry peers and policymakers, he said.
Their work, representing a wide range of industry segments, is about initiating sustainable change in organizations and society, he said.
“We are honored to recognize these 25 outstanding individuals who have demonstrated a profound commitment to diversity and inclusion,” Lachhu said. “Their work not only enriches their organizations but also inspires broader societal change. Celebrating their achievements reminds us of the need to push forward on the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive and equitable world.”
The Top 25 Diversity Change Leaders were selected through a rigorous nomination process that began by distributing a survey to thousands of supplier diversity, DEI, HR, and ESG executives and organizational leaders. The nominees were asked to answer questions asking them to describe their keys to developing a successful supplier diversity program, strategies for adapting to rapid tech and social changes in the supplier community, and how top-down or other support for the diversity program has made a difference. After evaluating individuals based on their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, implementing innovative SDEI strategies, and driving measurable change, the Top 25 Diversity Change Leaders were selected.
Harmon said the honor is an affirmation of his group’s efforts.
“I come to work each day looking to help someone realize their dreams while impacting society in a transformational way,” he said. “Being listed as number 8 of the Top 25 Diversity Change Leaders is evident that someone is taking note of our intentionality. In biblical terms the number 8 represents a new beginning. Which signifies to me, there is more to come.”
Medina said he sees the impact DEI can have.
“Coming from the construction industry, I’ve seen firsthand how a diverse array of materials can strengthen a foundation,” he said. “I am proud to be part of a team in New Jersey that ensures diversity is integral to every project. Research has shown that diversity not only enhances team performance but also drives profitability in business.”
