PHOTO RELEASE: MDARD Hosts First DEI Equity Summit; Focused on ‘Empowering Women at MDARD’

Lansing, Mich. - Today, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) held its first annual Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Summit called 'Empowering Women at MDARD.' This equity summit focuses on empowering, supporting, and fostering women's growth within MDARD.

"The State of Michigan has become a model of equity for women, under Governor Whitmer's bold leadership," said Director Boring. Breaking down barriers for the women of MDARD to lead the food and agriculture state government work in Michigan is critical to greater empowerment across agriculture. These ongoing conversations surrounding gender biases, equal opportunities, and mentorship are investment in our people and our industry."

Sessions held during the summit included a 'Women Supporting Women' panel on how to handle safety issues, proper documentation and how to best follow up on issues, using allyship to advance equity, learning, and using key verbal phrases to counter aggression, resiliency awareness, and defensive tactics.

The 'Empowering Women at MDARD' Summit is part of the numerous DEI efforts at MDARD; additional activities are held regularly to address various topics impacting MDARD's workforce.

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