Who We Are
Diverse and Inclusive Leadership
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment
We recognize that building a more equitable and inclusive community is an ongoing journey. As a community foundation, we’re working to better understand the barriers and disparities impacting our region and to strengthen the ways we engage with one another and our community.
This work is about how we listen, how we connect, and how we strive to build meaningful, authentic relationships that reflect our shared commitment to an inclusive community.
Our Focus areas
Our journey forward is grounded in four key areas of focus:
We are committed to providing our staff and Board with ongoing opportunities to deepen their understanding of the barriers, disparities, and needs impacting our communities. Through this learning, we aim to build practical skills that allow us to apply equity and inclusion in our day-to-day decisions and actions.
We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace by identifying and removing barriers to inclusion. Our goal is to ensure the Foundation’s environment, practices, and policies are welcoming and supportive for all.
We are committed to building authentic relationships rooted in trust and understanding. We will continue working to ensure our staff, board, and committees reflect the communities we serve.
We are committed to setting clear goals, tracking progress, and sharing what we learn along the way. Transparency in our work helps us stay accountable and ensures our practices reflect the values we believe in.
DEI leadership committee
Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership Committee plays an essential role in supporting this work. Made up of community members who bring a range of lived experiences and perspectives, the committee helps guide and inform our journey. Chaired by a member of our Board of Directors and staffed by the Director of Community Partnerships & Initiatives, the committee ensures that our DEI efforts remain grounded in community voice and connection.
How we define diversity
We define diversity as the presence of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and community connections. This includes, but is not limited to, differences in race, culture, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and geography.