Johnson County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coalition
Johnson County is a diverse community with a variety of cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. To better understand and address the needs of the county’s diverse population, the Board of County Commissioners established the Johnson County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coalition.
The Coalition was established to promote fair treatment and full participation of all people. This includes those who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination because of their background, identity or disability. The Coalition fosters an inclusive community where all people are connected, safe, and have a sense of belonging. It also cultivates a welcoming, diverse community where all people are valued.
The Coalition provides insights and recommendations on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Members work together to identify issues and challenges facing our diverse county and to develop strategies to address them.
Goals and Responsibilities of the Coalition
Goals of the Johnson County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition include:
- Develop recommendations for training, policies, and practices that foster a more diverse, equitable and inclusive culture for the public, and the local governments we serve.
- Review programs, activities, functions, and ordinances, and make recommendations to the Board for new, amended, or enhanced programs, functions, activities or ordinances that support inclusiveness and civility among county residents and enhance communication and understanding among residents of the county.
- Provide feedback and recommendations to the county on policies and practices that impact underrepresented groups in the community.
- Conduct community outreach and engagement to encourage participation and feedback from community members.
- Assess current diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives with community partners.
- Participate in the development of a communications plan in conjunction with community partners to raise awareness and further community objectives.
- Serve as a resource to the county’s VIBE Advisory Team and other County DEI initiatives on strategies and activities within county operations.
- Assist the governing body to identify and pursue potential funding sources.
- Recommend and implement programs, activities, and initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Foster partnerships with local organizations and businesses to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the County.
- Develop bylaws for the governing/operations of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coalition to be submitted and approved by the Board.
Meeting Schedule
|
Date |
Time |
Location |
|
April 3, 2024 |
4:30 p.m. |
County Administration Building, Lower Level Room 201 |
|
March 6, 2024 |
4:30 p.m. |
Central Resource Library, Central Carmack Community Room |
|
Feb. 7, 2024 |
4:30 p.m. |
County Administration Building, Lower Level Room 201 |
Members of the Coalition
Members of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coalition
The Johnson County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coalition consist of up to 15 members, all of whom reside in the greater Kansas City region.
Coalition members consist of Johnson County community members, local leaders, and representatives from various organizations, including municipalities, advocacy groups, faith based groups, non-profit organizations, law enforcement/justice systems, and educational institutions that represent various cultural, racial, gender, ethnic, sexual orientation, and religious groups.
Coalition members are appointed by the Chair of the Board, with the approval of a majority of the Board. View a list of current Coalition members below. To apply for a vacancy on the Coalition or another board or commission, visit boards.jocogov.org.
|
Member Name |
Term Date |
Term Length |
|
Jae Moyer |
Oct. 31, 2023-Oct. 31, 2024 |
1 Year |
|
Jim Terrones |
Oct. 31, 2023-Oct. 31, 2024 |
1 Year |
|
Sandy Geduldig |
Oct. 31, 2023-Oct. 31, 2024 |
1 Year |
|
Dr. Victoria Haynes |
Oct. 31, 2023-Oct. 31, 2024 |
1 Year |
|
Charles McAllister Jr. |
Oct. 31, 2023-Oct. 31, 2024 |
1 Year |
|
Samantha von Ende |
Oct. 31, 2023-Oct. 31, 2025 |
2 Years |
|
Kathleen Smith |
Oct. 31, 2023-Oct. 31, 2025 |
2 Years |
|
Jeffrey Mendoza |
Oct. 31, 2023-Oct. 31, 2025 |
2 Years |
|
Saaliha Khan |
Oct. 31, 2023-Oct. 31, 2025 |
2 Years |
|
Haile Sims |
March 7, 2024-Oct. 31, 2025 |
2 Years |
|
Thamara Subramanian |
Oct. 31, 2023-Oct. 31, 2026 |
3 Years |
|
Graciela Couchonnal |
Oct. 31, 2023-Oct. 31, 2026 |
3 Years |
|
Michael Poppa |
Oct. 31, 2023-Oct. 31, 2026 |
3 Years |
|
Paulina Tabares |
Oct. 31, 2023-Oct. 31, 2026 |
3 Years |
Meeting Agendas and Minutes
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coalition will publish all meeting information and agendas below to comply with the Kansas Open Meetings Act. After each meeting, we will post corresponding minutes.
Contact the Coalition
For more information about the Johnson County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coalition, please contact Kendra Neal Wright at kendra.neal@jocogov.org.