Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Focus Groups

This group was composed of volunteers between the ages of 19 and 35 that serve on CA’s Millennial Advisory Committee. This committee provides an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of Columbia and advise CA on how its programs and activities can meet the needs of millennials.

The Chamber and EDA brought together six different small business owners to participate in the focus group, half of which were business owners of color. The Howard County Chamber is a membership organization dedicated to helping businesses — from sole proprietors to large firms — accelerate business growth through connections, advocacy, and professional development. HCDEA helps businesses of all types and sizes work through their challenges to start and grow in Howard County. The Howard County Arts Council participated on behalf of artists and creatives to express their unique needs.

CAPA was formed to advance, empower and unite the Chinese and other immigrants in Howard County by advocating for the underrepresented, leading in civic activities, promoting greater community engagement, and supporting integration into the larger community. HCCS was established in 1998 to promote Chinese culture and language through high-quality educational and cultural classes. The school also links parents and the Chinese community.

This focus group was composed of current students who attend HCC. HCC accommodates approximately 30,000 students a year with a focus on student success, completion, and lifelong learning. Over 22 percent of graduating seniors from Howard County high schools enrolled at HCC in fall 2019.

A non-profit organization that leads in mobilizing communities to action around watershed priorities. The focus group was composed of current and former members of the Restoring the Environment and Developing Youth (READY) program that provides summer employment to young adults ages 16 to 25. Crews build rain gardens, maintain stormwater management practices, and provide habitat management services to the community while gaining valuable leadership skills in a team environment.

HCASC brings together students across the school system to talk about leadership and government in HCPSS. HCASC strives to empower students with skills and opportunities to engage with and lead their schools and communities. Due to the unique structure of the HCASC, DPZ presented to a group of 32 students between 6-12th grades, including representatives from all 12 high schools and 13 of the 20 middle schools.

Members work to increase public awareness of disability-related issues and serve in an advisory capacity on County Government programs, policies, and budget.

Councils advise the Horizon Foundation about local needs and help in outreach to local communities. Councils have been formed in Ellicott City, Southeast Howard County, Elkridge and Western Howard County, and are made up of service providers, youth, engaged residents and business owners.

A collaborative effort of community stakeholders with a goal to organize and deploy community resources during each phase of a disaster, which makes the community and its members safer and more prepared for threats of all kinds. The COAD is a coordinating organization and members from NAACP, Community Action Council, Howard County Food Bank, Just Living Advocacy, and Indian Cultural Association participated in the focus group.

Included for-profit and non-profit property managers who spoke about the transportation, amenity, and economic needs of their tenants and the current state and future challenges of rental housing in the County.

An active coalition of social, civic, professional, spiritual and cultural groups life for African Americans throughout Howard County. Through civic engagement and community service the AACR raises awareness, empowers residents and works toward reducing inequalities among African Americans.

CAC serves low-income Howard County residents through four core program areas: food assistance, energy and weatherization assistance, housing assistance and early childhood education.

Focuses on economic, social and healthcare issues affecting minority communities with special emphasis on research and policy advancement. The AACHC is considered a leading advocate of affordable housing and also supports the development of African American owned businesses for the region.

Raises awareness of and takes action to eliminate social inequalities in our social, health, justice, and political systems that prevent the equal pursuit of life, liberty, and justice for all. They seek justice and effect positive and sustainable change through community mobilization, leadership training, issues education, public witness, and public policy advocacy. They are involved with People Acting Together in Howard (PATH), an interfaith network of active communities in Howard County.

Works to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. The Howard County chapter is committed to motivating youth and guiding community and leads committees focused on housing, education, environmental and climate justice, labor and industry, among others.