YWCA Greater Pittsburgh 

Office of Racial Diversity and Inclusion

 MISSION

The Office of Racial Diversity and Inclusion (ORDI) empowers individuals, organizations and communities to engage in educational and communication opportunities that address racism, injustice, oppression, diversity, and inclusion.

The Office of Racial Diversity and Inclusion supports nonprofits, community activists, government officials, and students in their efforts to address diversity issues.

OUR INTENT:
 
Prepare employees within the Greater Pittsburgh Region as culturally competent members of an increasingly diverse workforce.

Foster sensitivity towards and appreciation of diversity and inclusion.

Develop behaviors that contribute to a non-discriminatory, respectfully workplace.

Identify ways that promoting diversity can benefit individuals and businesses.

SERVICES:

Consult with organizations on systemic change initiatives.

Facilitate cross-cultural dialogues on race relations.

Provide anti-racism and cultural competency training.

Support advocacy and public policy initiatives.

Collaborate with organizations to sponsor lectures and cultural events.

PROGRAMS:

ORDI programs include, but are not limited to the following areas:

 

Cultural Diversity: Building-Bridges – This introductory workshop is designed to increase cross-cultural communication skills. 

 

Community Dialogues on Racism – This program provides ethnically/racially diverse groups and individuals with a forum to engage in dialogue.

 

White Privilege and Anti-Racism – This program is designed for white participants who want to increase their understanding of racism on a personal and institutional level.

 

Internalized Racism – This particular program is designed for people of color who want to increase their understanding of racism on a personal and institutional level.

 

Diversity for Teens – This training exercises skill building that teens/students can use to interrupt and stop harassment, racism, sexism, and discrimination based upon cultural differences in the community and at school.

 

ORDI STAFF:

 

Debra L. Mason, Director

Debra received a Bachelor of Arts from Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix (Pittsburgh, PA). She is a former business executive, having spent upwards of 20 years at Xerox Corporation.  Positions held during her career at Xerox include: Sales Manager, Staffing and Development Manager (i.e. recruiting, hiring and training), and Manager of Client Operations (managing a $ 30 million dollar budget).  Her extensive business experience lends to colorful illustrations, anecdotes, and thought-provoking insight into the world of diversity and inclusion.

 

Debra started her own consulting and training firm, Victory Management, in 2004, specializing in diversity, sexual harassment, and leadership skills. She has been successful at motivating and leading individuals and businesses in becoming better at what they do.

 

Debra L. Mason
(412) 255-1451Office
(412) 391-5109 Fax
dmason@ywcapgh.org

 

Melanie Steven Cosnek, Facilitator/Trainer

Mell received a Master of Arts in Modern Studies from Loyola College of Maryland (Baltimore, MD) and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Social Studies and a Secondary Education Teaching Certificate from Carlow University (Pittsburgh, PA).  Prior to joining the YWCA, she worked as a high school teacher within the Harford County Public School System in Maryland, where she taught government and African-American History and served on the curriculum-writing team for both U.S. and World History. 

 

In her five years with the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, Mell has designed and implemented innumerable diversity workshops, trainings, and events.  She has completed the “Race and Membership in American History” workshop of Facing History and Ourselves, an international educational and professional development organization.  She also attended the 2007 anti-racism conference at the University of Colorado.  Mell is a member of the North Hills Anti-Racism Coalition and the North Hills Multicultural Consortium.

 

Mell Steven Cosnek
(412) 255-1466 Office
(412) 391-5109 Fax
mstevencosnek@ywcapgh.org

 

Christopher W. Robinson, Facilitator/Trainer

A native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Christopher received a Bachelor of Social Work from Jackson State University (Jackson, MS) and a Master of Social Work in Community Organization and Social Administration, with a graduate certificate in Human Service Management, from the University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA).

 

Christopher has experience in the areas of mental health, case management, youth and family services, working with diverse at-risk populations, advocating social change, and promoting social justice. Prior to relocating to Pittsburgh, he worked as the Assistant Program Coordinator of the New Direction and Youthbuild programs at the West Jackson Community Development Corporation in Jackson, Mississippi. Christopher is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers, NAACP, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., National Association of Black Social Workers, and the Urban League Young Professionals of Pittsburgh.

 

Christopher has received distinguished awards such as the Jacksonian Award of Excellence and the Red Cross Volunteer of the Year award. His areas of interest include strengthening the black family, HIV/AIDS, Historical Black Colleges and Universities, reverse discrimination, and at-risk youth.

 

Christopher W. Robinson
(412) 255-1252 Office
(412) 391-5109 Fax
crobinson@ywcapgh.org

 

 

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