The 2008 NY Urban League Champions of Diversity honorees include Bank of America, Darden Restaurants Inc., FedEx Express and Toyota Motor North America Inc..

On February 11th, 2008, the New York Urban League's Champions of Diversity Awards honored companies that understand the need for diversity in the job market. They embrace diversity to its fullest potential and truly understand to succeed in today’s competitive market; diversity must be reflected in every aspect of the workplace. Corporate leadership, employment policy, supplier relations and corporate giving are held as a fundamental tenet of the organization’s philosophy. We hope by paying tribute to the accomplishments of our annual honorees we can raise the diversity bar not only in the for-profit sector but not-for-profit organizations as well.

The special guest speaker was Congressman Charles B. Rangel - US Ways and Means Chairman.

Also in attendance were Honorary Committee Members:

David N. Dinkins - Former Mayor NYC
Susan L. Taylor - Former Editorial Director, ESSENCE Magazine.
H. Carl McCall - Former NY State Comptroller and other supporters and sponsors.

Darlene Rodriquez, Co-Anchor, "Today in New York " WNBC served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

For additional details regarding the NYUL's Champions of Diversity Awards Breakfast, please contact:

Alyssa Drewes Phn: (646) 245-8517, Fax: (212) 239-9058, Eml: alyssa@ardev.biz

PHOTO #1
2008 NYUL Honorees with Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Darwin M Davis - NYUL President & CEO

NYUL Board Chairman - Noel N. Hankin , and Dwight Johnson - Chair, Champions of Diversity Awards Breakfast

(L - R)
Dwight Johnson - Chair, Champions of Diversity
Clarence Otis - Chairman & CEO Darden Resturants, Inc.
Dian Ogilvie - Senior Vice President & Secretary, Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
Congressman Charles B. Rangel - US Ways and Means Chairman.
Cheryl A. O'Brien - V.P./General Manager AGFS Eastern Region , FedEx Express
Lewis Warren, Jr. - President NE Commercial Banking, Bank of America , N.A.
Darwn M. Davis - President & CEO NYUL
Noel H. Hankin - Board Charman - NYUL

PHOTO CREDIT: GERALD PEART

PHOTO #2
Congressman Charles B. Rangel with 2008 NYUL 5th Annual COD Honoree

(L - R)
Clarence Otis - Chairman & CEO Darden Resturants, Inc.
Dian Ogilvie - Senior Vice President & Secretary, Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
Congressman Charles B. Rangel - US Ways and Means Chairman.
Cheryl A. O'Brien - V.P./General Manager AGFS Eastern Region , FedEx Express
Lewis Warren, Jr. - President NE Commercial Banking, Bank of America , N.A.

PHOTO CREDIT: GERALD PEART