Southern

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Ron Cioffi

Leveraging diversity and creating an inclusive environment are essential to achieving the USTA Southern mission to promote and develop the growth of tennis. We are committed to ensuring that people of all backgrounds have access to and feel authentically welcome in the game and business of tennis. USTA Southern strives to serve as a model for all tennis organizations that aspire to achieve maximum potential by attracting, engaging, and retaining underrepresented populations among our players, providers, volunteers, employees, volunteers, and vendors, knowing that we are better together.

Strategic Directions

Diversity is one of the strategic priorities of USTA Southern. Appreciating the importance and benefits of diversity, USTA Southern promotes programs that cultivate diversity in both our membership and our leadership in order to share the sport of tennis with people of all backgrounds.

Skip Advertisement

Foster an inclusive culture and accessibility in every aspect of programming, volunteer recruitment and employment.
Develop programs and outreach practices that encourage groups that have not traditionally been involved in tennis to participate with an ultimate goal to achieve a diverse pool of players that reflects the demographics of the Section.
Identify areas, facilities and/or organizations where diversity efforts are most needed and partner with key community partners and organizations to provide targeted support.
Support and encourage the state associations and community tennis associations within the Section to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their organizations.

Definitions

Diversity: The collective mixture of similarities and differences around race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, values, beliefs, experiences, backgrounds, preferences, and behaviors that makes each person unique.

Inclusion: Creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate and contribute to the organization’s success.

Equity: The fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups within the procedures, processes, and systems.

National Strategic Direction: Southern aligns itself with the USTA Diversity & Inclusion Department which is anchored in six (6) focus areas: Human Assets, Section/Community Engagement, Image, Strategic Partnerships, Supplier Diversity and Training & Development.

Advocating for Diversity & Inclusion

US Open "Be Open" Campaign

Click here to view video, photos and other information.

Resources

Multicultural Engagement Guides

Other Resources

USTA Southern Staff

Cee Jai Jones, USTA Southern Director, Diversity, NJTL & Grants, 770-368-8200 x116
Allan Jensen, USTA Southern Manager, Hispanic Outreach & Training
Miyanda Wynn, USTA Southern Coordinator, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion