Holland Museum’s Cultural Lens takes an inside look at corporate DEI

Joe Matthews, Gentex Corp.’s inaugural diversity officer, has experienced many firsts in his life, be it in his education, personal life, or corporate career. 

A native of Gary, Indiana, Matthews joined Gentex in 2010 as a purchasing manager and in 2013 was promoted to purchasing director, with additional responsibilities for supply chain management. 

Four years later, he was promoted to vice president of purchasing for the Zeeland manufacturer. In 2018, he was promoted to his current role, where he oversees a team responsible for all direct and indirect material goods and services, logistics spend, customs compliance, and supplier diversity.

He’ll be joining the Holland Museum on Sept. 16 for a conversation about corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at local companies. Gentex, Ottawa County’s largest employer, recently launched a Spanish-speaking manufacturing line. 

“We are honored to host Joe Matthews for this important conversation about DEI at the
corporate level,” says Ricki Levine, the museum’s executive director. “For anyone looking for ideas on how to incorporate this work in their company or team, Joe has the insight and experience we can all learn from.”

A Cultural Lens event

The event is part of the Holland Museum’s Cultural Lens programming. The Cultural Lens series was established to host community dialogue about diversity and inclusion. 

As a cultural institution, Levine says the museum has the unique platform to engage other nonprofits, social service organizations, schools, and universities in partnerships to bring awareness and meaningful conversations to the community. 

Cultural Lens is sponsored by Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital and Warner, Norcross + Judd, with support from the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland Area and Herman Miller Cares.

The free event, An Insider Look at Corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 16, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Holland Museum, 31 E. 10th St. Advance registration is encouraged via Eventbrite. 

While this event is currently being planned as in-person, there is a possibility it will be moved to a virtual platform. Check the museum’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Related:

Love of language translates into action