City Of Eden Prairie: 2021 Human Rights Awards Presented

Eden Prairie MN

18 May, 2022

10:35 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Eden Prairie: May 18, 2022 Members of Eden Prairie's Human Rights and Diversity Commission announced the 2021 Human Rights Award winners at the May 17 City Council meeting. The award recognizes a local individual, youth, nonprofit organization and/or business who have worked to create an inclusive community spirit through actions, activities or programs. The following Human Rights Award winners were recognized for upholding the values of the Eden Prairie Manifesto. Individual Award — Kim Rathjen Kim Rathjen upholds the values of the Eden Prairie Manifesto through her consistent dedication to inclusion, education and active involvement with diverse groups of people. Over the past 6 years, Kim developed a vision and led implementation for addressing homelessness of young adults in Eden Prairie by helping found Onward Eden Prairie, which provides stable housing and supportive services to young people in our community. Beyond her devotion to Onward, Kim also served on the board of PROP from 2015 to 2021, and has served our community through her work at Immanuel Lutheran Church for 20 years. Kim regularly models the importance of caring for others by providing the community with opportunities to support one another. From collecting food, outerwear, holiday gifts and personal care items for local non-profits, to leading programs that provided food and school supplies to students at Prairie View Elementary. She's continued to facilitate efforts to educate community members on issues related to racial justice and provided forums for community members to gather together to learn. Kim's impact on our community is immeasurable and we are honored to recognize her. Youth Award — Niamya Holloway Niamya Holloway upholds the values of the Eden Prairie Manifesto by acting as a leader to drive progress on equity and diversity at Eden Prairie High School. She is the president and co-founder of the EPHS Black Student Union and co-founder of the EPHS Equity Council. She also serves as part of the leadership of the EPHS Dare to Be Real Club, an organization dedicated to talking about current issues surrounding equity. Through her work, she pays attention to individuals and their stories. She encourages others to rise above hate. Her passion for promoting equity is driven by her care for others and our community. Niamya is a shining example of a young person who strives to build a stronger community and we look forward to seeing where her path takes her. Nonprofit Award — Bloomington Eden Prairie Meals on Wheels Bloomington Eden Prairie Meals on Wheels upholds the values of the Eden Prairie Manifesto by providing seniors and individuals with disabilities access to food through the delivery of noontime meals. However, the volunteers who deliver the meals do more than feed people. Their warmth and friendliness during the brief visits help reduce the isolation of vulnerable individuals and show the residents they are cared for by the community. Like many non-profits, Meals on Wheels has faced overwhelming challenges throughout the pandemic. They remained steadfast in their mission by focusing on three key areas: limited disruption to services, honoring their volunteers, and prioritizing the health and safety of clients, volunteers and staff alike. By supporting our seniors and individuals with disabilities, Meals on Wheels ensures our community continues to care for one another through all seasons of life. Business Award — Winnebago Industries Winnebago Industries upholds the values of the Eden Prairie Manifesto through its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Winnebago has developed a DEI strategic framework to guide internal and external goals and actions. This has resulted in hiring the company's first Head of DEI at the senior leader level, diversifying the company board and senior leadership team, and publicizing racial diversity statistics for its board and senior-level leaders. Winnebago is a member of the Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity and also supports the Minnesota Philanthropic Collective to Combat Anti-Blackness and Realize Racial Justice. The company has launched programs such as Women's Inclusion Network, the company's first employee resource group. They serve our local Eden Prairie community with employee-driven volunteer initiatives through the PROP Shop and the City's Park Clean-Up Day, as well as welcoming student interns into its Eden Prairie office through the Christo Rey's Work Study Program. Winnebago also lives its motto "Be Great, Outdoors" by increasing outdoor equity efforts through "Thrive Outside," a program designed to break down barriers and increase outdoor participation for Twin Cities youth, particularly those underrepresented in outdoor activities and jobs. There are many more examples of the efforts that Winnebago is making, internally and within our community. We are honored to recognize the company's dedication. Nominations for the Human Rights Award can be made by persons on behalf of themselves or others. Nomination materials are made available in January each year and award recipients are selected by the Human Rights and Diversity Commission in March. This press release was produced by the City of Eden Prairie. The views expressed here are the author's own.