What is the difference between diversity strategies that engage the workforce and those that don't? Businesses that truly support diversity link it to the company's vision and mission. They incorporate diversity into their recruitment, promotion, reinforce the value of diversity in hiring, and they are committed to diversity education. Successful [strategies] will enable participants to leave with an understanding about the relationship of Diversity Management to their organization's mission, vision, strategy, and culture. [1]

For these diversity strategies to be effective, the leaders must incorporate diversity as a meaningful tool that impacts each part of your leadership and employee population. The responsibility to demonstrate a respectful and positive approach toward diversity falls on the leadership team. Therefore, diversity efforts must originate at the top. A study of management teams identified diversity as the single most important attribute for achieving organizational growth.[2] One of the best ways for an organization to affirm that it has sufficient diversity is to ensure that the leadership team is comprised of individuals with varied sets of skills. __________________________________________

[1] Thomas, R. Roosevelt. (1996). Redefining Diversity. New York, NY: AMACOM Books. p. 73.

[2]Weinzimmer, Laurence G. (1997). Top Management Team Determinants of Organizational Growth in a Small Business Context: A Comparative Study. Journal of Small Business Management 35, no. 3. 110.

Kenneth Rice

Originally from Laurens, South Carolina Lieutenant Rice enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve as an Ammunition Technician in 1989 where he completed a tour in South West Asia during the Persian Gulf War. He enrolled at the University of South Carolina in 1992 and graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He joined the Navy in 1996 and obtained his commission through Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Florida in February 1997.

Following initial Division Officer Training at Surface Warfare Officer?s School, Newport, Rhode Island, Lieutenant Rice reported for duty as the Electrical Officer in USS ESTOCIN (FFG 15), Norfolk, Virginia in October 1997. During this tour he also served as the Main Propulsion Assistant and completed a Counter Drug Operations deployment. In December 1999 he reported for Department Head Training in Newport, Rhode Island.

In June 2000, Lieutenant Rice reported as the Chief Engineer in USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58) in Norfolk, Virginia and completed a MED/MEF deployment and a homeport shift from Norfolk, VA to Mayport, FL. From SAMUEL B. ROBERTS, he reported to the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron Twenty Two in February 2002 as the Staff Material & Logistics Officer. During this tour he completed a Mediterranean/Arabian Gulf deployment embarked in USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In August 2003, Lieutenant Rice reported to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia where he received a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership and an Education and Training Management Subspecialty in December 2005. He is currently enrolled in the Naval War College Correspondence Program completing the Joint Professional Military Education Phase I and at Regent University working towards a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership.

Lieutenant Rice?s personal awards include the Navy Commendation (2 Awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal (2 Awards), in addition to several service awards.

Lieutenant Rice is married to the former Marianne McGhee of Beaufort, South Carolina. They reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia with their two children, James (8) and Anir? (4).