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PITTSBURGH BUSINESS TIMES
September 24-30 2004, Page 13
Reporter: Lynne Glover
Marimba Milliones is the President of Onyx Alliance and Principal of
Milestone New Media Group Inc., an advertising and interactive development
firm. Ms. Milliones believes a successful future for Pittsburgh relies on
its ability to produce diversity within its social, political and economic
structures. Ms. Milliones is Chair of the Hill Community Development
Corporation and sits on the boards of African American Chamber of Commerce
of Western PA, Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board, and Family Support
Policy Board of Allegheny County.
What is the Onyx Alliance and what does it hope to achieve?
Onyx Alliance is a membership and service organization committed to helping
our region achieve greater diversity by addressing professional and social
issues preventing Pittsburgh from successfully attracting and retaining a
racially and age diverse workforce.
What initiative(s) is the organization currently working on?
Onyx Alliance is establishing relationships with corporations and employers
who find it difficult attracting and retaining African American talent. We
are striving to connect with individuals who are unaware and in need of
resources such as Onyx Alliance.
What do you
think Pittsburgh organizations can/should do towards producing
more diversity among its economic institutions?
Pittsburgh as a whole, not just the "organizations," needs to buy into the
notion that diversity is not a favor to minority populations. Employing
diversity as a guiding principle in business and government will help to
reawakened Pittsburgh as a center for commerce. This must be an intentional
effort, particularly in Pittsburgh, where we've not successfully achieved
racial integration in business, education or social circles. Pittsburgers
have such a strong tradition of being hard workers, but we need to refocus
some of our energies. Corporate and civic leaders must ensure the adoption
and implementation of diversity through tangible measures. Equally
important, employers should recognize that employees are whole people. In
order to retain and attract the type of talent that will enrich our city and
our economy, we must create an expandable professional and social
infrastructure for young folks and people of color. Dynamic people desire
dynamic environments.
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