City of West Sacramento’s Post

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Reconciliation are not just buzzwords—they are the foundation upon which we build thriving communities. As an Indigenous woman with a deep background in community planning and housing, my work is not just a career—it’s a reflection of my lived experiences, my identity, and my commitment to reconciliation and creating spaces where everyone belongs. Throughout my journey, I’ve seen the tangible outcomes that equitable and culturally respectful approaches can make. These practices don’t just improve physical spaces—they strengthen communities, foster understanding, and create lasting, positive change in the way we live and interact with one another. Community planning, housing, and reconciliation are more than just policies and projects; they are about people and relationships. Every decision we make in these fields should be grounded in the diverse voices and experiences of those we serve. This means centering Indigenous perspectives, valuing cultural knowledge, and ensuring that marginalized communities are not just heard but actively involved in shaping their futures. Reconciliation isn’t just a concept—it’s an ongoing, active process of healing and restoring relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. My work is guided by the belief that our identities, experiences, and the process of reconciliation shape how we see the world—and these are key to building inclusive, resilient communities. By embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation, we can create communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and where our shared history and diverse perspectives are respected and valued. #DEI #CommunityPlanning #Housing #IndigenousLeadership

What a great project that will make a lasting impact for so many.

Check out my article. Short and impactful.

"What about men?" "Diversity is when men get excluded." These are actual reactions to the herstoric* swearing-in of the all-women city council in St. Paul, MN. This city council is not just all women, but women representing a spectrum of communities and identities. The above rebuttals are the textbook example of: "When you're accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression." They also do not just appear during landmark events. I have seen this ' feedback' made at all women/queer speaking engagements as well as events. Men have been running the show in all manners of society - at work, in government, in powerful positions with the ability to change lives. Where was the diversity then, and where was the advocacy for people other than men to be in such positions of power? Or because the system is set up to give you the sense of entitlement that once taken away (hello, patriarchy 👋🏼 ), you realize that power AND responsibility is not a right? Shoutout to the elected representatives, and to all of us who want to make more of such representation happen, let's keep challenging the status quo 🔥 And for the last time (lol who am I kidding but one can dream): Inclusion without equity is not inclusion; it's pacification AT THE EXPENSE of those who've historically been excluded. *That's not a spelling error. #XincereYiYours #DiversityEquityInclusion

🌟Profiles in Power 🌟 Meet Joyce Watterman, the council president of Jersey City, New Jersey, and a true advocate for her community. With a Master of Arts degree in organizational leadership from Pillar College, Joyce is the first African-American woman to hold the position of council president in Jersey City. She's also responsible for creating the city’s first women's advisory board. What drives Joyce in public service? It's her passion for being a voice for others, advocating for their needs and rights. She finds profound satisfaction in making a positive impact on individuals and communities, addressing their concerns, and improving lives. Joyce believes in fostering positive change, promoting equality, and justice, all while contributing to building a better Jersey City where everyone can thrive and be heard. Her guiding wisdom? Embracing life's seasons. Joyce understands that circumstances change and evolve, reminding herself to fully engage in each moment, appreciating the journey and the lessons it brings. And here's something you might not know about Joyce: She's a big fan of Minnie Mouse! 🐭✨ In shedding light on local government, Joyce emphasizes the importance of understanding the scope of authority of the city council. While they play a crucial role in local governance, there are limitations to what they can do. It's crucial for the public to recognize these boundaries while engaging with their local representatives. Read more of the exclusive here: https://lnkd.in/gTRf9qnN #PublicService #CommunityAdvocate #JerseyCityLeadership

What We're Celebrating... Women's History Month: How Women Have Been Shaping Cities and Empowering Communities This Women's History Month, &Access pays tribute to the women who have played a pivotal role in urban planning and development. From Jane Jacobs' advocacy for vibrant, community-driven spaces to Tamika L. Butler's commitment to equitable urban mobility, these visionaries have championed inclusivity, sustainability, and social justice. Figures like Dr. June Manning Thomas and Toni Griffin have laid the groundwork for cities like Detroit to embrace renewal with equity at their core. Pioneers such as Dolores Hayden and Lily Yeh have reimagined our living spaces and infused art into community revitalization. Stephanie Meeks and Ananya Roy have, respectively, underscored the importance of historical preservation and critiqued urban inequality, urging a reevaluation of how our cities serve their diverse populations. Their collective contributions continue to inspire a more inclusive approach to urban planning, celebrating the richness of diverse perspectives in crafting spaces that truly reflect and accommodate the needs of all community members. Join us in honoring their legacies and explore more about their creativity, and resilience in this transformative work. #WomensHistoryMonth #UrbanPlanning #CommunityDevelopment #EquityAndAccess #InclusiveCities #LegacyOfInnovation

Understanding how local governments work is hard. Building the confidence and safety to participate in that system is even harder. That’s why we are so excited to announce the launch of 13 civic resources about the City of Vancouver's local government. These resources cover broader topics like what exactly makes up our city budget and more specific topics like the different types of meetings that city council holds. Most of all, they explore opportunities to have your voice heard and provide tips to make it easier along the way. Knowledge-sharing is just one way we can resist against systems that have been so often designed to exclude our communities. Our hope is that you explore these resources, that you find them useful the next time you think about advocating for change at the local level, and that you spread them far and wide to your own communities.  https://lnkd.in/g_2a3-pU

Every day, Niagara Region works toward eliminating racism through its membership in the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities and with its first-ever Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan: https://lnkd.in/g2ybQ3Ez #InternationalDayForTheEliminationOfRacialDiscrimination

Looking for inspiration and insights into community development from diverse voices? Check out the recording of our webinar, "Her Story, Her Power in Community Development." Hear from five dynamic women leaders as they discuss their personal journeys and the challenges and triumphs they've encountered along the way. Watch today: https://lnkd.in/eZ5HHbi7 #HousingAdvocacy #CommunityChange #WomeenLeadership

🌟 Exciting Announcement 🌟 🌉 Introducing the Edmonton Building Bridges Initiative! 🌉 At GROW Women Leaders we’re proud to announce our commitment to the Edmonton Building Bridges initiative. Why? Because we believe in the power of inclusive hiring practices and anti-racism efforts to transform lives. 🔍 Why This Matters: For too long, ethnocultural minorities have faced barriers in the job market, from biased selection processes to social isolation. Racism’s impact on employment opportunities is a pressing issue that demands action. 💡 Our Mission: We’re dedicated to creating a fairer, more inclusive society where everyone has an equal chance to succeed. Through Edmonton Building Bridges, we aim to tackle systemic barriers, promote diversity, and drive sustainable change. 🤝 How We’ll Do It: * Engage local organizations, employers, and community leaders. * Host capacity-building workshops and public events. * Advocate for equitable hiring policies. * Amplify the voices of those affected by racism. * Offer mentorship programs and job seeker support. 📣 Join Us! Together, we can build a more connected, inclusive community. Let’s make Edmonton a place where everyone can thrive. #EdmontonBuildingBridges Stay tuned for updates and ways to get involved! Together, we’re stronger. 💪