Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission

7887 E. 60th Ave. Commerce City Commerce City, CO 80022 c3gov.com Meeting Minutes - Final Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission Wednesday, February 26, 2025 6:00 PM Commerce City Civic Center, Room 3109 - 7887 E 60th Ave, Commerce City 80022 1. Call To Order/Roll Call Meeting was called to order at 5:34pm. Attendees: Iona Longsoldier, Bianca Gonzalez-De La Rosa, Deana Hall, Joanne Stranahan, America Carbajal Visitors: Scott Vanhuesen Translators: Karla and Nohra Absent: Marco Vega, Dee Dee Gilliam, Councilmembers Craig Kim and Renee Chacon. 2. Land acknowledgement Iona presented 3. Q&A with Jim Tolbert, Assistant City Manager Jim spoke of the commitment to DEI from the city. 4. Public Comment Scott provided a good review of the recent Black History Month movie night. Suggested expanded learning opportunities for attendees. 5. Ice Breaker Group shared their favorite black media. 6. Approval of Minutes Min 25-053 January Meeting Minutes Deana moved to approve the January meeting minutes. Joanne seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Commerce City Page 1 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Meeting Minutes - Final February 26, 2025 Commission 7. Subcommittee Reports Group discussed Secretary Ana La Scoezec's resignation. No one present wanted to volunteer as Secretary, and they discussed removing that position from their bylaws to hand over responsibility to the Staff Liaison. It was decided to reach out to members not present to see if they are interested, and then decide in March if they will vote in a Secretary or remove the position from bylaws. a. Legislation & Education (Bianca & Joanne) Organization, Colorado Center on Law and Policy (CCLP), was shared with the group to look up legislative initiatives and resources. i. Council Report Upcoming work schedule was shared with the group, and no DEI initiatives were identified. ii. Upcoming Proclamations March 17th: Child Abuse - Dee Dee Autism Awareness - Deana Sexual Assault - Joanne April 21st: Mental & Maternal Mental Health - Bianca & America Asian Pacific Islander - Iona will reach out to a contact Small Business Week - Joanne (unless already claimed) Public Service - Scott (unless already claimed) iii. June Annual City Council Update Date selected for 6/16 (same date as flag raising) b. Signature Events (Iona, Deana, Dee Dee) i. Black History Month movie night debrief Deana walked through planning and debrief document. ii. Women's History Month movie event update Scott offered an idea to encourage folks to come dressed in baseball tees, hats, etc. Group wanted to look into hanging flyers with famous women in history at the event. Commerce City Page 2 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Meeting Minutes - Final February 26, 2025 Commission iii. Juneteenth update Planning calendar shared. Will discuss in subcommittee. c. Recruitment, Engagement & Partnerships (Marco) Group decided to table at Memorial Day, Adams County PRIDE, Hispanic Heritage, and Fall Fest in 2025. Group asked staff to get information on volunteer opportunities for other city events, so the group can volunteer for programs focused on DEI efforts. One new member is set to be appointed by City Council on Monday, so they will be joining us starting in March. d. Resource Compiling & Spanish Translations (Ana & America) no update 8. Review of Bylaws moved to March meeting 9. New Business Staff has dot business cards to distribute at next events. Iona moved to reimburse board members attending the Denver March PowWow up to $14 for their tickets. Deana seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. 10. DEIB Team Report Staff shared what the internal DEIB Team is doing for Women's History Month and Ramadan. The group showed interest in potential flyers being created with famous women in history. 11. March Agenda Setting Review of bylaws, Secretary nominations, March movie debrief. 12. Adjourn Meeting was adjourned at 7:33pm. **Subcommittee Meetings to take place immediately following this meeting.** There was no time remaining for subcommittee meetings. Commerce City Page 3