HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 26 - Tom Oye Award
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Krystal Caron, Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0347 • kcaron@EdinaMN.gov • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HRRC Recognizes Edina Resident with Tom Oye Award
Edina, Minn., March 26, 2015 – The Human Rights & Relations Commission (HRRC) will award Jessi
Kingston with the Tom Oye Award for her continual efforts in creating opportunities for diversity, equality
and gender-inclusion. In her professional career, Kingston has strived to find opportunities to work with
women-owned or minority-owned suppliers, as well as to provide training and networking opportunities for
women.
“Jessi has been fortunate to meet women of various ethnic backgrounds who are dedicated to the
advancement of women and minorities, and has been able to form connections to help assist others, either
through coaching or networking, in providing opportunities for professional advancement,” explained
nominator John Cashmore.
In addition to her professional efforts, Kingston also served on the HRRC for a number of years, including
two years as the Chair of the Commission. While serving on the HRRC, she was a key part of the
development of the Domestic Partnership Ordinance for the City. She also organized the passage of the Days
of Remembrance Proclamation, presented the resolution supporting the purchase of products containing
conflict-free minerals and participated in the creation of a community-wide anti-bullying event.
“Throughout her career and life, Jessi has worked on developing her skills in order to help create processes
that mirror her passion for diversity, equality and inclusion of all perspectives,” said Cashmore. “She
exemplifies the true meaning and purpose of the Tom Oye Award.”
The award was established in recognition of the late Tom Oye who helped found the HRRC in 1970 and
served on it for more than 30 years. Oye was also a Nisei soldier in World War II, a second-generation
Japanese American who served in the 100th Infantry Battalion of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. In
2003, Oye received the Prize for Humanity by the Immortal Chaplains Foundation.
Kingston will receive the award on April 29 at the Volunteer Recognition Reception held at Braemar Golf
Course. Anyone who lives or works in Edina is eligible for the Tom Oye Human Rights Award. Nominees
were evaluated based on their efforts to foster respect and dignity for others, model courage and/or
compassion in the advancement of human rights, and demonstrate leadership by example for improving
human relations or advancing human rights.
For more information on the award, contact HRRC Staff Liaison MJ Lamon at 952-826-0360 or
MLamon@EdinaMN.gov.
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