The Diversity & Inclusion Council of the Southeastern Chamber of Commerce was founded June 16, 2015 with its first kickoff event being held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in the heart of historic Charleston, SC. The group launched one night before the Charleston 9 Massacre at Emanuel AME Church, where nine innocent African-Americans were murdered during a bible study service at their church by a Cauc
asian male. During the unveiling of the Chamber's Diversity & Inclusion Council, the group had no idea that tragic history would take place neighboring the hotel in less than 24 hours. Months before the unveiling, the CEO of the Chamber started forming the group and appointing leaders after the ongoing concerns of minority members of the Chamber and Charleston business leaders related to the lack of diversity, especially in the executive workforce. Southeastern Chamber CEO Henry Ravenel traveled to different markets throughout the Southeast gathering statistical data about programs and initiatives in place to foster diversity and embrace inclusion. Months later, the Diversity & Inclusion Council of the Southeastern Chamber was developed and qualified leaders were appointed to facilitate the council's strategic plan. Today, the group continues to function progressively and consists of professionals from many different ethnicity's and cultural perspectives. The vision of the council is to encourage, build and cultivate relationships in the business community for diversity and economic inclusion.
