2019 Columbia Values Diversity Award winners announced

(COLUMBIA, MO) - The 22nd annual Columbia Values Diversity Awards were presented at the Columbia Values Diversity Celebration on Thursday, Jan. 17. The awards are given to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions promoting appreciation for diversity and cultural understanding in Columbia.

Room at the Inn was awarded the 2019 Diversity Award for groups

Room at the Inn has shown a commitment to promoting diversity and cultural understanding in our community through its annual winter shelter. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for individuals and institutions to take action in the fight for equality. Room at the Inn took notice of the difficulties facing the homeless community and took action. As Dr. King said, "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concern to the broader concern of all humanity." For 10 years, Room at the Inn has cared for those in need in the community, recognizing the dignity of each individual.

The 2019 Diversity Award for an individual was presented to Kari Utterback

Kari Utterback exemplifies the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through her enthusiastic efforts to do for others, professionally and in the daily lives of the citizens of Columbia. Utterback promotes cultural understanding and diversity at the City of Columbia through teaching, advocacy, and a commitment to hearing and amplifying the voices of others. She has enriched the Columbia community as an active member and supporter of groups seeking to foster multicultural understanding, eliminate discrimination and alleviate the effects of inequality.