Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 101: Where do I start?

More and more, businesses and organizations are recognizing the benefit of addressing equity, diversity and inclusion in their work. What is the difference between these terms? What does being anti-racist mean? What does it mean to bring an EDI lens into your operations? Should we make a statement of solidarity like so many others have?

In this session, you will learn the basics of EDI work and some steps you can take to get you started on this journey, and as a way to support the success of your business. 

BIO:
Tariana Navas-Nieves is the Director of Cultural Affairs for Denver Arts & Venues (A&V) with the City and County of Denver. Tariana is also an independent consultant with 30 years of experience in management, equity, and social justice work. She is skilled in philanthropy, grant making, museum and curatorial practice, translation, interpretation, television, and communications

As Director of Cultural Affairs, Tariana oversees the City departments of Public Art, Cultural Programs & Events, Creative Industries (Create Denver), SCFD Tier III (Tax District) funding, Arts Education, and the agency’s numerous cultural investments.

Navas-Nieves is on the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) of the Mayor’s Office of Social Equity and Innovation. The ELT, comprised of the City’s Equity Officer, the Director of the OSEI, and a representative appointed by the Mayor, is responsible for the oversight and implementation of the City’s equity goals working with all City agencies and ~15K employees. Denver Arts & Venues was the first agency in the City with an Equity Work Plan, which Navas-Nieves was responsible for developing. Navas-Nieves serves on national, regional and local boards and advisory groups including: Grantmakers in the Arts, Philanthropy Colorado, Denver Latino Commission, Community ACTS Fund, Equity League (Co-author of the Re-Tool: Racial Equity in the Panel Process,) and others.
 
With a curatorial expertise in Latin American art, she also served as Curator of Hispanic and Native American Art at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Curatorial Consultant for the Denver Art Museum, Curator of Collections for the Museo de las Americas, and curator for private collections in the US and Puerto Rico. Navas-Nieves’ experience spans into television, having worked for Telemundo as an arts reporter; translation and interpretation with her own business working for the Federal Court of Immigration, Children’s Hospital, and museums and city departments throughout the United States; and providing extensive curatorial services to art collectors and museums. She was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
 
 
 
 
 

Program to be announced.
Diversity & Inclusion Council Mission: to promote diversity and inclusion in the business community through education, outreach, networking, mentoring and recognition programs that engage our entire community and support our business leaders.
 
Diversity & Inclusion Council Vision: to transform our diverse business communities into environments where all businesses are valued for their uniqueness and differences, and are confident that their contributions matter.
 
Diversity & Inclusion Council Purpose: to encourage business to business networking, improving the business climate and making this community prosperous, economically attractive and desirable as a place to work, live and buy local.

The Diversity and Inclusion Council is sponsored by Pinnacol Assurance.