Mark Vanderpool, the City Manager of Sterling Heights, has been recognized for his notable efforts in diversity, bagging a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Award from the Michigan Municipal Executives during their annual conference in Lansing. This prestigious accolade applauds those in municipal management who push the envelope in creating more inclusive communities.
The award comes as a nod to Vanderpool's implementation of a DEI strategic plan aimed at better reflecting the city's varied demographics, enriching workplace experiences, and drawing top-tier talent, according to the city's announcement. The plan's scope is vast, pushing continuous learning and the recruitment of a skilled, diverse workforce fostering a fair and equitable workplace, engaging diverse perspectives, and cultural experiences and being responsive to the social demands Vanderpool and his dedicated DEI Employee Council, consisting of folks from all walks of life, such as Arewa Hussain, a GIS Specialist, and Rick Thomas, an Assistant Building Official among others, have led the charge in this forward-thinking initiative.
Indeed, Sterling Heights stands as a vibrant tapestry of cultures, home to significant Sikh, Buddhist, Islamic, and Iraqi communities. It scored an impressive 99 out of 100 according to the 2023 Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equity Index, proudly reflecting the city's best-in-class LGBTQ+ policies and practices. Mayor Michael Taylor extolled the city's achievements, stating, "Sterling Heights’ prosperity is directly linked to this rich culture attracting residents from around the world," as per their official statement.
In her remarks at the award ceremony, DEI council member Arewa Hussain pointed out the inclusive nature of the city's approach, stating, "People will see they have opportunities here that they wouldn’t have in other cities that are not undertaking these initiatives," as mentioned in the city's own announcement. Vanderpool, sharing a similar sentiment, expressed his gratitude toward the DEI Employee Council for solidifying Sterling Heights as an enriching workplace and for their continuous support – a key ingredient in fostering a culture of diversity and inclusiveness within the community.
