Press Release

The Coordinating Center appoints Dianne Edwards-Barnes as first Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Coordinator

Written by

August 1, 2022 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Renee Dain, SVP, Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs, 410-987-1048, ext. 2350

Millersville, Maryland—The Coordinating Center, Maryland’s statewide, premier nonprofit care coordination organization for children and adults with disabilities and complex needs, is excited to announce that effective August 1, 2022, Dianne Edwards-Barnes will serve as The Coordinating Center’s first, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) Coordinator. Dianne, who has served as co-chair of The Coordinating Center’s coworker led DEI&B Committee since 2000, recently obtained her Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University in 2021, where she studied strategies to improve engagement, counteract unconscious bias, and create a more supportive and engaging place to work.

As DEI&B Coordinator, Dianne will work with coworkers across all levels of the organization to foster a culture of community and inclusion, identify opportunities for advancement and support coworkers by serving as a central point of reference for all things DEI&B related.

“We are excited to appoint Dianne into this new leadership position. Under her leadership The Coordinating Center recently released its public DEI&B statement and efforts to date, including the integration of gender neutral and anti-ableist language across all policies and practice at The Coordinating Center,” said Teresa Titus-Howard, PhD, MHA, MSW, President and CEO, The Coordinating Center.

“It is my hope that The Coordinating Center will become a leader in DEI&B initiatives, recognizing that it is not one person’s responsibility, but all of ours to ensure that we are making a difference and creating a safe and welcoming environment where everyone belongs,” said Dianne Edwards-Barnes.

Dianne has more than 15 years of experience in social and human services and 10 years in training and professional development. Since 2014, Dianne has served as Supports Planner at The Coordinating Center, coordinating home and community-based services for older adults and individuals with disabilities to maximize their independence in the community. Dianne has held numerous volunteer positions, with Arthritis Research Foundation, March of Dimes, United Way, American Cancer Society, and the AIDS foundation. Dianne was also a former Crisis-Care Foster Parent along with her wife for over 75 at risk children.