Taking our commitment beyond the walls of Warner, we actively support the DEI efforts of our clients and community stakeholders. Through intentional collaboration, we share knowledge and resources to strengthen our communities.

Community Support

Our community investments around diversity, equity and inclusion are focused on opportunities that provide community education, build diverse talent pipelines and celebrate and uplift the diversity in our communities.

For example, Warner is proud to be a long-time sponsor of the annual Young Professionals of Color Conference. Designed with a focus on empowering young professionals of color from the West Michigan area, this conference serves as a platform to impart invaluable insights into the dynamics of success in corporate America. With a lineup of speakers featuring leaders from the Grand Rapids community, accomplished entrepreneurs and distinguished nationwide speakers, attendees receive comprehensive exploration of personal growth, professional development and leadership. We are excited to continue supporting initiatives that foster diversity, inclusion and the development of future leaders.

Our individual engagements on boards and committees are numerous and constantly growing. If you are an organization seeking a sponsorship that falls into one of these categories, please complete our Diversity, Equity + Inclusion Contribution Request Form and a member of our DEI Action Committee will be in touch.

For more detailed information regarding additional community initiatives, please email Kat MacDonald at kmacdonald@wnj.com.

Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Legacy Contest

In connection with the celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Warner sponsors an annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Legacy Contest in partnership with Grand Rapids Public Schools. The contest is open to all sixth-grade students within GRPS and intentionally encourages students to reflect on how Dr. King’s legacy of peace and justice applies to the world in which they live.

Students are asked to identify and react to a racial or social justice issue that is meaningful to them and submit their entry in any creative format they wish. 50 Warner employees judge the entries and award first, second and third place winners and 18 honorable mentions. These students receive a gift card to We Are LIT Multicultural Bookshop and all participants receive a certificate of participation.

This year’s winners are:

• Grand Prize: Isaac Rizkalla, Blandford School – first place for “The Torch,” a poem symbolizing his privilege and how it’s not only a gift but a call to action to advocate for justice and equity.
• First Runner Up: Annalynn Pido, Grand Rapids Montessori – second place for her song “For Us to Get Along” dedicated to Dr. King, focusing on the American experience and all the pain and hardships people have endured throughout history. She also included a colorful drawing representing her emotions, goals and interests.
• Second Runner Up: Karis Davis, Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy – third place for “Why Should I?” a video essay reflecting on police brutality against people of color. Her submission included a drawing of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old Black youth who was fatally shot by a white man.