Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee

Speaker Series

The DEI Committee was proud to present

The original five-event lecture series was held from March - July 2023 to shed light on the history and/or the lived experiences of people in historically-marginalized segments of our population. Four of the 2023 events were recorded and can be viewed here. The DEI Committee will continue the popular Speaker Series events in the future.

In 2024, the DEI Committee will offer four new speaker series events! Learn more here.

DEI Committee Roles & Responsibilities

Ver página en español ♦ The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee typically meets on the second Tuesday of each month (calendar/agendas available here) to identify and address systemic barriers to inclusion that exist within the City’s practices, processes, regulations, events and other initiatives. Community members are welcome to provide public input in writing or at a committee meeting. Fill out this speaker card to address the DEI Committee at one of their meeting.

Members

Erika Pham (Chair)
Karla Brashear (Vice Chair)
Aasha Patel
Carolina Wilde
David Siha
Diane Imel
Elisabeth Garcia Davidson
Fay Gyapong-Porter
George Luo
Imran Haider
Jay Edwards
Justin Brown
Tracy Hester

Members List updated March 6, 2024

On December 14, 2021 the DEI Committee established their Mission and Vision. Chair Haider presented the Mission and Vision to the City Council on December 20, 2021. The DEI Committee is currently developing their strategic plan.

Mission

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee serves to connect Wilsonville to the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of its people. We advocate for equitable access and opportunity for every community member. We identify barriers to participation and inclusion, and pursue programs, policies, partnerships and ideas that remove those barriers.

Vision

The Wilsonville Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is a beacon of connectivity, empowered to take thoughtful action to ensure sustained community collaboration to foster a climate of inclusion and belonging for all residents in and visitors to Wilsonville.

Role

The DEI Committee was established at the direction of the Wilsonville City Council in January 2021. On May 3, 2021, the Council passed Resolution 2893, adopting the charter & bylaws. On May 17, 13 community members were appointed.

The Committee is establishing the City’s DEI Strategy, and working to identify and address that which excludes or marginalizes anyone on any basis, including and not limited to their age, gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, religion or abilities. Initially, the Committee’s initial work was guided by de la Cruz, who has worked extensively with several local municipalities to identify structural barriers and yield more inclusive cities.

Committee members serve as a direct liaison between the community and City Hall, amplifying the voices and addressing the needs of people traditionally under-represented or excluded in government.

A DEI Committee was a recommendation made by the community at a listening session with the City Council in December 2020. As the Committee establishes the City’s DEI Strategy, it may seek to address additional recommendations brought forth at the listening session. These include:

Increased Representation, Diversity on City Committees
Consistent City communication to brand Wilsonville as an inclusive community
More Inclusive Cultural Events, Celebrations & Holiday Recognitions
Education to the Broader Community (how to address bias, micro-aggressions, etc.)
Opportunities for DEI Advocates to Network and Work More Efficiently Together

For additional information, contact Zoe Mombert, Assistant to the City Manager at 503-570-1503 or DEI@ci.wilsonville.or.us.