Rhonda Howard

Rhonda Howard’s efforts at bolstering DEI within The Resource Center were recognized recently when she received a regional award.

Howard, The Resource Center’s director of human resources, received an IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Awareness) Award from Buffalo Business First during the magazine’s IDEA Awards event. She was one of 20 people from throughout the eight-county Western New York region who were chosen to be honored at Business First’s sixth annual IDEA Awards celebration.

Phillips Lytle officials nominated Howard for the IDEA Award because of her commitment to fostering DEI at The Resource Center.

“On a daily basis, she supports employees of all identities and backgrounds by spearheading positive trainings and initiatives and facilitating conversations at all levels,” said Amanda Lowe, who is a partner at Phillips Lytle. “Rhonda oversees development of comprehensive and inclusive policies, building and expansion of community relationships and partnerships, and supports individuals to identify and attain their valued outcomes. True to The Resource Center’s core tenet, Rhonda is a passionate and dedicated ally and advocate for people of all abilities to have the supports they need to succeed.”

Howard was instrumental in establishing TRC’s DEI committee and implementing the agency’s DEI statement. She also is part of the team that is working to develop our organization’s DEI Strategic Plan.

Lowe said Howard also has participated in DEI discussions at the state level.

“She served on a DEI panel at the Human Resources Professional Conference for the disability provider community,” Lowe said. “This panel provided valuable insights on the importance of DEI in the workplace. She was also selected as a regional representative for the New York State Community of Practice on DEI in Developmental Disabilities. This initiative sought participation from intellectual and developmental disability provider agencies, self-advocates and care coordination organizations who are passionate about or want to contribute to DEI efforts.”

When asked by Business First for advice on how to make workplaces more inclusive, Howard responded, “Listen and take feedback. Have channels to communicate what works and what doesn’t work. Be open to creating safe spaces, engaging in conversations that may not be comfortable and where you may not know what the right thing is to say. If you get it wrong, own it, apologize and learn from it. Invite others who might not be at the table to help your organization or team solve challenges to create more opportunity. When we hear people, when we see people, when we treat people with respect and dignity, always, you create inclusivity.”

Howard becomes the third TRC employee to receive an IDEA Award. In 2021, Beth Jermain, support option administrator, and Jessica Smith, director of corporate compliance and auditing, were honored for supporting people with developmental disabilities to enjoy self-directed lives.

“Rhonda has been purposeful and dedicated in guiding our organization as we have enhanced our commitment to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of DEI,” said Denise Jones, chief executive officer. “It’s wonderful to see Rhonda’s efforts be recognized at the regional level through this award.”