My Experience
Race and Equity Task Force
March 2021 – April 2023
The Race and Equity Task Force was created to conduct a comprehensive review of City policies, services, and ordinances to identify and address discriminatory practices. I was honored to serve as co-chair of the Task Force, which ultimately presented a 50-page report containing 93 recommendations spanning a wide range of topics. You can find the final copy of the report here:
Completed Task Force Recommendations
April 2023 - Present
The City has already acted on several of the Task Force recommendations, including:
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Establishing an ongoing advisory committee—now known as the IDEA Committee—to monitor progress and guide the City's pursuit of equity
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Updating the City Charter to use more inclusive language
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Partnering with West Metro Fire and Arvada Fire to create a program modeled after Denver’s STAR program
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Relocating Special Populations court dates to Jefferson Avenue United Methodist Church to better serve vulnerable residents
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Launching a Housing Fund in partnership with Foothills Regional Housing to expand affordable housing options
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Collaborating with A Little Help to create a volunteer program that clears snow from sidewalks for residents in need
IDEA Committee
September 2024 - Present
The IDEA Committee (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) was appointed due to the recommendations of the Race and Equity Task Force. We serve as an advisory body to City Council, promoting equity across city policies and helping monitor the implementation of the 2023 Race and Equity Task Force Report. I was honored to be elected chair of our committee and am proud of the work that we have accomplished including:
• Reviewing and supporting the 2025 City Plan
• Advising on outreach strategies for the “Keep Anderson Afloat” campaign
• Supporting the City's internal HR Information System upgrade
• Organizing Wheat Ridge’s first-ever Pride festivities
Community Partners Grant Program Committee
May 2023 - Present
The CPGP Committee is a city-sponsored grant program that supports local non-profit agencies and programs that benefit and improve the health and wellness of Wheat Ridge residents. We review all applications to the program and present its award recommendations to the City Council for approval. In 2024, we awarded $200,000 to 43 different community organizations.
Wheat Ridge 101 Graduate
October 2024 - November 2024
Through the Wheat Ridge 101 program, I gained first-hand insight into the inner workings of our city government. From touring departments to hearing in-depth presentations from city staff, I learned about:
• The complexities of the city budgeting process
• The Communication team's strategy for outreach
• Economic development and planning process
• Parks and Recreation improvement projects
• Public Works operations
• The training programs at the Police Department
• A behind-the-scenes look at the court system, including participating in a mock trial
Jefferson County Master Gardener
October 2023 - Present
Over the past four years, gardening has become a true passion of mine. Becoming a Colorado Master Gardener has been a rewarding journey. After completing a 20-week Green School course and 50 hours of volunteer service, including at community gardens, farmer’s markets, and public events, I now get to educate others throughout our community. Through this program, I hope to inspire a deeper love of nature and promote sustainable gardening practices that benefit both people and our environment.