Granite Telecommunications, LLC, a $1.65 billion provider of communications services to multilocation businesses and government agencies, announced that the company’s Director of Marketing, Lauren Grenier, is an honoree on the inaugural Channel Futures DE&I 101 list released today by the leading channel media organization.

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Channel Futures DE&I 101 list recognizes individuals from a wide spectrum of multicultural backgrounds who are driving diversity, equity and inclusion in the technology channel through their words, actions and leadership.

“The publication of this list represents a milestone for the industry and channel in raising the visibility of individuals who are truly at the center of change in the industry,” said Robert DeMarzo, vice president of content, Informa Tech Channels. “These individuals are propelling their organizations forward when it comes to innovation, business growth and customer/supplier connections. The Channel Futures team is proud of its role in bringing this list, spearheaded by Managing Editor Buffy Naylor, to market recognizing such a great group of individuals.”

Grenier, an inaugural member of the DE&I 101, is a rising star at Granite and in the technology channel. She began her channel career in 2012 and rose quickly through the ranks from Channel Sales Coordinator to her current role. In addition, she is a Board Member for the Alliance of Channel Women and serves as Co-chair of the ACW Communications Committee. Grenier received the ACW ACT Award for her volunteer contributions in 2019. She also received the Channel Partners 2020 Circle of Excellence Award in 2020 for her passionate dedication to the channel.

Grenier advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion in her company, community and the channel. She is involved in Granite’s CANDID organization, which promotes racial equality, and Granite RockOUT, which supports the LGBTQ+ community. Both initiatives provide resources to Granite teammates on how to foster tolerance in their communities. As part of ACW, Grenier has led discussions on DEI through initiatives like “Keepin’ it Real with ACW” video series and a recent webinar, “Pride, Role Models, and Allies,” marking Pride Month 2021.

“I am not an expert on diversity, equity and inclusion, but I believe that by participating in the discussions and listening, I will walk away understanding a lot more than before the conversation started,” said Grenier. “By example, I hope to encourage others to do the same; it’s the first step toward ending discrimination in our companies, our communities and the channel.”

“It’s been proven that a diverse workforce can make a company more innovative, productive and profitable,” said Kelly Danziger, general manager, Informa Tech Channels. “Our industry is constantly evolving to keep pace with advances in information and communications technologies and the workplace structure. It’s essential that the industry and the channel also evolve in step with the workplace demographics. Beyond making good business sense, it’s the right thing to do.”

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