Conversations in the Community
The Equity Insights Fireside Chat series leverages informal conversations between unique individuals and industry leaders, allowing participants to gain a broader understanding through shared perspectives and experiences.
Past conversations have featured Marc Morial, Dr. Robert Garcia, and Phillip Washington.
Watch the recorded Equity Insights Fireside Chat series.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mission Statement
The Indianapolis Airport Authority is committed to creating public value that enhances our community as we deliver world class service and experiences. Customer Service, Economic Development, Workforce Development, Stability & Sustainability, and Community Engagement are IAA’s five strategic pillars. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral threads that are essential to successfully implement the strategic plan.
- Equity provides consideration and access to all opportunities
- Diversity recognizes and acknowledges differences
- Inclusion intentionally engages individuality
Our mission and vision is to:
- Cultivate a self-sustaining culture that fosters equitable inclusion and diversity in all aspects of our business and optimizes organizational performance and engagement
- Provide an environment where all passengers, visitors, vendors and employees are respected and valued, and feel welcomed and included
Arts & Culture
The airport collaborates with local artists and community organizations to highlight diverse legacies in Indiana. We seek external opportunities and often open our public spaces and terminal to showcase culturally significant work.
Learn more about the airport's Arts & Culture program.
Equitable and Inclusive Workforce
The IAA recruits and cultivates a diverse talent pipeline, and partners with community organizations to expand our reach. In 2021, 45% of new hires represent diverse groups. Learn more about what it means to join this "One of a KIND" team!
Work With UsSmall and Diverse Business Participation
The IAA continually seeks out small and diverse businesses to enhance airport services. In 2021, IAA had a 31% overall participation with disadvantaged, minority, women, and veteran-owned business enterprises, representing $23.9 million with 154 businesses.
Supplier DiversityRepresenting the Community We Serve
We're dedicated to enhancing the community through thoughtful airport programming, supporting local events representing the diverse community we serve, and encouraging students to explore STEM and aviation-related careers. This is the community's airport!
Local Community
Community Partnerships
The community is full of organizations building a better future for Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. We are honored to partner with these and many others committed to increasing awareness and understanding of cultural diversity issues.
Asian American Alliance, Inc.
The Asian American Alliance (AAAI) mission is to inspire Central Indiana Asian Americans to serve and lead. AAAI serves as critical nexus between corporate, civic, and governmental entities and the Asian American community in Central Indiana.
Bosma Enterprises
Bosma is one of the Midwest's largest nonprofit organizations providing employment and training for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Business Equity for Indy
Business Equity for Indy (BEI) is a collection of stakeholders on a mission to drive change and advance racial equity by growing a more inclusive business climate and building greater equity and economic opportunity for the Indy Region’s Black residents and people of color.
Diversity Roundtable of Central Indiana
The Diversity Roundtable of Central Indiana (DRTCI) provides a forum for leaders, advocates, and supporters of organizational diversity efforts to network, enhance diversity competencies, and advocate for diversity-sensitive policies and practices.
Indiana Black Expo, Inc.
The Indiana Black Expo (IBE) celebrates cultural diversity and inclusiveness across all races, ethnicities, nationalities, generations, socioeconomic levels, and religious affiliations.
Indiana Civil Rights Commission
The Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) oversees five cultural commissions to provide education, resources, and initiatives for Indiana's minority, underrepresented, and ethnically diverse communities.
Indiana Latino Expo
The Indiana Latino Expo (ILE) is a nonprofit statewide organization that represents a platform of opportunities for the Latino community.
Indiana Latino Institute
The Indiana Latino Institute (ILI) works to improve health and advance education for the Indiana Latino community through statewide advocacy, research, and culturally responsive programs.
Indianapolis Government Alliance on Race and Equity
The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) is a national network of government working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all.
Indianapolis Urban League
The Indianapolis Urban League’s (IUL) mission is to empower African-Americans and disadvantaged individuals to achieve social and economic equality and improved quality of living.
Japan-America Society of Indiana
The Japan-America Society of Indiana (JASI) is a not-for-profit cultural and educational organization whose mission is to serve as a bridge of friendship between the people of Indiana and Japan.
Martin University National Center for Race and Equity
Martin University's National Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion (NCREI) assists leaders, communities, and organizations in their efforts to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion.
MLK Center Indy
The MLK Center serves the mid-north neighborhoods of Indianapolis. At the MLK Center, everyone has the opportunity to learn, play, grow and find peace.
Peace Learning Center
Peace Learning Center (PLC) facilitates community learning that acts as a catalyst for peace, equity, and justice. PLC aims to reduce violence and increase kindness.
Pass the Torch for Women
The Pass The Torch for Women Foundation has created a nationwide community whose sole purpose is to support women on their professional journey.
Workforce Development
Our workforce is an essential piece of our mission. We understand the importance of building a diverse workforce that represents and serves the local community as well as airport travelers from across the globe. Our focus on inclusion begins with recruitment and continues throughout the organization. We cultivate our diverse, equitable workforce by providing educational and growth opportunities for individuals. We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining talent.
ACE/NAYR Foundation
The NAYR Foundation is a nonprofit organization geared towards exposing youth of ALL cultural backgrounds to the careers in STEAM with a focus on aviation. Through annual summer camps like ACE Academy, they strive to help youth reach their potential by breaking down barriers.
Educational Assistance Partnerships
The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) understands the skills and knowledge of its employees are critical to the success of the organization and, in turn, the community. Investing in equitable opportunities for development and higher education and partnering with educational institutions in Indiana, such as Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana Wesleyan University, Marian University, and Ball State University, help to foster our high-performing culture and add public value to our community. The IAA will provide educational assistance up to a maximum of $5,250 per calendar year to all eligible employees.
ASCEND Modern Apprenticeship (MAP)
Modern Apprenticeship (MAP) is a two- to three-year program designed to prepare Central Indiana high school students for the workforce with paid, hands-on experience that complements their traditional coursework. Apprentices start in their junior year and pursue jobs in growing fields such as business, advanced manufacturing, aviation, and information technology (IT). Afterward, they can continue on to a college degree or jump right into the workforce.
Providence Cristo Rey Corporate Work Experience Program
Providence Cristo Rey is a career-focused, Catholic high school on the west side of Indianapolis. All students work one day a week for one of 80+ corporate work study partners and one-third of a student's tuition cost is earned through this program. Students work in a variety of professional settings including law offices, technology firms, accounting firms, insurance agencies, hospitals, nonprofits, universities, and more. Every student receives a Career Mentor for all four years of high school and all students receive continuous training in professional and soft skills. After four years, a Providence Cristo Rey graduate will have earned at least 1,000 hours of professional work experience.
Summer College Internships
The Indianapolis Airport Authority hosts an award-winning summer internship program to introduce students to the aviation industry and connect them to airport leaders while completing real-world projects.
Employee Resource Groups
The Indianapolis Airport Authority's (IAA) internal Diversity & Inclusion Council and Employee Action Committee provides opportunities for employees to help shape company culture, build relationships, and strengthen cultural competency. These teams promote and support the IAA's initiatives and events internally and within the community to stimulate engagement throughout the organization.