By Dominic Manecke, Building Kentucky
The Kentucky Chamber Foundation recently established the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I Center) to advance the nonprofit organization’s ongoing work to create meaningful change for Kentucky families, businesses, and communities.
In conjunction with the DE&I Center’s official launch, Joe Frazier was named Executive Director and charged with spearheading efforts to educate business leaders on the power of diversity, equity and inclusion and embrace their transformational impact in workplaces across the Commonwealth.
Focused on building a stronger, more economically profitable and socially just state
Under Frazier’s leadership, the DE&I Center will work closely with the Kentucky Chamber Task Force on Racial Inequality to further the Kentucky Chamber’s vision to make the Bluegrass State a better place to live, work and do business for all citizens as outlined in the “Achieving Equity to Build a Stronger Kentucky” report.
“After publishing the Equity Report, we pledged this report would not sit on the shelf and that we would pull forward an agenda for Kentucky to help overcome the racial inequality that has hampered our progress for so many generations. Racial diversity, equity, and inclusion are good for businesses, and we are excited to build upon this work with Kentucky employers. Joe Frazier is the right leader to launch the DE&I Center, and we are excited to work with him and get to work on all that we have ahead.”
— Kentucky Chamber Foundation Senior Vice President Beth Davisson
A champion dedicated to ensuring everyone can build brighter futures
Prior to joining the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, Frazier was Director of the Dr. Patricia Carver Office of Identity and Inclusion at Bellarmine University, overseeing student outreach, faculty engagement and event planning, as well as leading fundraising and developing unique training and retention initiatives for the university.
In addition, Frazier helped build the framework for Bellarmine University’s Strategic Priority on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. His efforts earned him the prestigious Bellie Award for Internationalization and Diversity, Bellarmine’s highest award for a faculty or staff member.
Before Bellarmine, Frazier began his career at his alma mater, Virginia Tech. As Assistant Director of the Cultural and Community Centers, he advised multiple minority student organizations, managed a program to train facilitators, and helped conceptualize institution-wide cultural and diversity-related workshops and initiatives.
Committed to making positive change in the community
Outside of work, Frazier is involved in many community organizations around the Commonwealth, including the Community Foundation, Volunteers of America DE&I Task Force and the Louisville Chief Equity Officer Committee.
This unyielding commitment to community was the driving force behind the recent announcement recognizing Frazier as a Louisville 40 Under 40 and honorary Kentucky Colonel.
