2022-11-02 Diversity Commission PacketOV ED V
AGENDA
Edmonds Diversity Commission
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
6:OOPM-8:OOPM
HYBRID MEETING
The Diversity Commission members will be meeting in person and/or remotely for this meeting. The public may
join at the physical location or join through zoom.
PHYSICAL LOCATION:
Brackett Meeting Room, Edmonds City Hall — 3' Floor
121 5' Ave N, Edmonds, WA 98020
REMOTE MEETING/ZOOM INFORMATION:
https:Hedmondswa-gov.zoom.us/i/98071999699?pwd=YS9GTVdWM2VPTUtOROVXVm56NGlaUTO9
Meeting ID: 980 7199 9699
Passcode: 963195
6:00 P.M. — Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement: "We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the
Sdohobsh (Snohomish)people and their successors the Tulalip Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished,
gathered, and taken care of these lands. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their
sacred spiritual connection with the land and water." - City Council Land Acknowledgment
1. Roll Call and Absences
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of October 5, 2022, Summary (5 minutes)
4. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker)
5. Update from the City: Todd, Megan, Molly & Councilmember Chen (5 minutes)
6. Interviews:
a. Jessie Owen
b. Anil DeCosta
7. Committee Reports:
a. Policy — Dean & Dean (10 minutes)
i. Commission name change proposal.
b. Partnerships & Outreach — Alison (5 minutes)
c. Events — (5 minutes)
i. Film series update.
8. Commissioner's Corner (15 minutes)
Adjourn — 8:OOPM
Next meeting: Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 6:OOPM
Guiding Principles
To ensure we meet our responsibilities as a Commission, we agree to:
• start and end our meetings on time
• demonstrate our respect for our fellow Commissioners, the City of Edmonds, and the citizens we represent by: being present, being prepared,
actively listening, participating in meetings, completing our individual assignments, and holding ourselves accountable
• "step up and step back"
• establish goals and action plans that are results oriented
• establish subcommittees as needed
• engage in courageous, honest, and open dialogue when faced with difficult issues or questions
• utilize the "Ouch Rule" (assume positive intent; resist the temptation to be offended)
• embrace the education opportunities presented through the Commission meetings
• strive to make decisions by consensus. In a case where consensus cannot be reached after a reasonable attempt has been made, the Chairperson
may call for a majority vote.
CITY OF EDMONDS
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
October 5, 2022
Meeting conducted via Zoom and in -person at the Waterfront Center Room
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Dean Olson, Chair
Ardeth Weed
Alison Alfonzo Pence
Elaine Helm
Gracelynn Shibayama
Jeanett Quintanilla
Sekou Kone
Will Chen, ex-officio
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Nikki Okimoto-Glaros — excused
Robert White — unexcused
GUESTS PRESENT
Lu Loree, Edmonds United Methodist
J Johnson, Edmonds resident
STAFF PRESENT
Todd Tatum, Director
Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator
Molly Jay, Diversity Commission
Coordinator
6:00 P.M. — Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement: "We acknowledge the original inhabitants
of this place, the Sdohobsh (Snohomish) people and their successors the Tulalip Tribes, who since
time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken care of these lands. We respect their
sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred spiritual connection with
the land and water." - City Council Land Acknowledgment
1. Roll Call and Absences
Nikki has an excused absence. Robert's absence is unexcused.
2. Approval of Agenda
Alison moved; Ardeth seconded. Approved by consensus.
3. Approval of September 7, 2022, Summary (5 minutes)
Ardeth moved; Alison seconded. Approved by consensus.
4. Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker)
No public comments.
5. Update from the City: Todd, Megan, Molly & Councilmember Chen (5 minutes)
Will Chen gave updates on the city budget including the Highway 99 project. Council is in
the process of interviewing to fill the vacant council position.
Todd gave updates on Indigenous Peoples Day. He visited Edmonds College today and met
with the President and members of Edmonds College Foundation about administering job
DRAFT Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
October 5, 2022
Page 1
retraining grants. Todd gave updates on the mayor's budget for 2023 which includes a
storefront officer at the Hwy 99 Neighborhood City Office.
6. Old Business:
a. Review of Equitable Engagement Presentation (10 minutes)
Todd reported a total 8,500 responses on the survey. He's curious what the Diversity
Commission's role could be in fostering more conversations. Dean responded that he met
with one city official because the questions and survey didn't really seem to address
accessibility. Participating could be a factor if it's too hard to get to these events in a
wheelchair.
Alison met with Susan Mclaughlin prior to last month's meeting, and sent an email
explaining that she's the Executive Director of the MS Helping Hand donor closet. "I work
with people with disabilities on a daily basis, and she's never reached back out to me to find
out more information about people with disabilities, so I take it to believe that that's not
really on her radar." Todd said he would reach out to Susan regarding perceived gaps in
outreach.
Status of the Asian hate crime proclamation was brought up and Todd agreed to check into
better processes and responsibilities for getting our statements in front of the mayor and
public. Will Chen asked that Todd check in on status of the open REDI hire.
7. New Business:
a. Commissioner Engagement (30 minutes)
Megan reported that there's been some feedback from commissioners expressing the desire
to learn more about their fellow commissioners plus how we can better work together to
organize new events and revive pre -pandemic, popular events.
i. Icebreaker
Commissioners shared where their birth name came from.
ii. Commissioner Connection Opportunities
Dean explained that we used to host the World Cafe and Youth Cafe that met in
person. Ardeth mentioned the idea of having a short in -person retreat or shared
meals. Gracelynn said that she would like to have more connection to each other
and understand the "how and why" we're all on the Commission, and what we're
each interested in and what we bring to the table. Todd said it's possible to have a
retreat and we can start to plan it. Ardeth inquired about meeting in person for our
monthly meetings. Elaine mentioned a hybrid approach. Dean stated his desire to
have everyone in person but the need for better technology in the meeting rooms.
b. Commissioner Openings: Advertise for applications and interview schedule (30
minutes)
DRAFT Meeting Summary
Diversity Commission
October 5, 2022
Page 2
Sekou, Dean and Nikki will be leaving the Commission in December. Megan said that
applicants should be interviewed in the November meeting and applications are due the last
Wed of October.
Ardeth moved that we post the three openings and applications are due by EOD on
October 26. Alison seconded. Motion passed.
8. Committee Reports:
a. Policy — Dean (10 minutes)
i. Ad hoc ADA Committee Recommendation
Alison read the recommendation aloud. Elaine asked the question "why now?"
Dean explained that Edmonds has issues around people with mobility issues. Alison
expressed that Porta-Potties in parks aren't always accessible.
Ardeth moved to send Recommendation to City Council; Gracelynn seconded.
Motion passed.
b. Partnerships & Outreach — Alison (5 minutes)
Alison gave updates on her Safe Space work with the Edmonds Police and what it involves
and means for citizens.
c. Events — (5 minutes)
i. Film Series
Gracelynn gave an update on film series and interest to start up World Caf6 again,
along with new events. Molly asked for film series "hosts" for next two films; Dean
will host in October and Gracelynn will host in November.
9. Commissioner's Corner (15 minutes)
Gracelynn expressed an interest in getting to know her fellow commissioners better.
Ardeth went to Edmonds Lutheran Church and met a Native American man she'd love to
connect to the Commission.
Elaine attended the Community of Color Coalition, and there were a number of Edmonds
connections.
Jeannett expressed an interest in spreading the word of what we do at Edmonds College.
Dean is headed to an ADA conference that he'll report back on.
Lu Loree, with the Racial Justice team from Edmonds United Methodist Church, thanked
the Commission for bringing the Film series flyers around.
J Johnson: wants to withdraw city ordinance on no camping. He's a disabled vet, Edmonds
resident, who is living in his car with his dog.
Adjourn — 7:53PM
Next meeting: Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 6:OOPM
DRAFT Meeting summary
Diversity Commission
October 5, 2022
Page 3
Edmonds
Citizen Board and Commission Application
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE) NOTE: This form is a public record and maybe subject to disclosure upon request
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
(Board or Commission)
Name:
JESSIE OWEN
Address:
EDMONDS, WA 98020
Date-
9-1-22
Day Phone:
Evening Phone:
Cell:
E-mail:
Occupational status and background: Educator and accessible travel author. Active in the
disabled community. Advocate for ADA equity and diversity inclusion within the community.
Organizational affiliations: NSEA, NORTHWEST REGIONAL SPINAL CORD INJURY ASSOCIATION,
NORTHSHORE SCHOOL DISTRICT, UW CENTER FOR NEUROTECHNOLOGY
Why are you seeking this appointment? I'm interested in continuing to diversify Edmonds and having a
platform to help make positive changes. Edmonds is clearly dedicated to continued growth in diversity
and inclusion but there is still work to be done to make our city welcoming, accessible, and a place
where all citizens feel seen and valued.
What skills and knowledge do you have to meet the selection criteria? Harvard public leadership Credential
15 years in education and educational leadership, advocate in spinal cord injury community,
experience with interracial adoption
Please list any other Board, Commission, Committee, or official positions you currently hold with the City of Edmonds:.
N/A
Additional comments: Happy to have contributed to this community as a citizen and looking forward
to continued development in Edmonds.
Please return this completed form to:
Edmonds City Hall
121 5th Avenue North
Edmonds, WA 98020
ca ro Ivn. iafave (a)edmondswa.eov
Signature
Phone:425.771.0247 1 Fax:425.771.0252 Revised4130114
City of Edmonds
Citizen Board and Commission Application
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE) NOTE: This form is a public record and maybe subject to disclosure upon request
Diversity Commission
(Board or Commission)
Name:Anil DeCosta Date:8/22/2022
Address: Day Phone:
Edmonds Evening Phone:
WA 98020 Cell:
E-mail:
Occupational status and background: Manage end user services for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Born and raised in India, came to the US for a graduate degree and have lived in NY, TX, OK before
moving to Seattle.
Organizational affiliations: South Snohomish Cold Weather Shelter (provides lodging/meals during the winter in the county)
Northwest Neighbors Network (providing local seniors with social visits, errands, transportations needs, chores).
GSA-ILR (President of the International Students at ILR at Cornell). Developed the International festival to drive better understanding of cultures and better integrating US and International students.
Why are you seeking this appointment? I have used a separate sheet to answer this question given the
limited space in this form.
What skills and knowledge do you have to meet the selection criteria?
Please list any other Board, Commission, Committee, or official positions you currently hold with the City of Edmonds:
None at this time.
Additional comments:
Please return this completed form to:
Edmonds City Hall
121 5th Avenue North
Edmonds, WA 98020
carolvn.lafave(@edmondswa.eov
Anil DeCosta
Signature
Phone:425.771.0247 1 Fax:425.771.0252 Revised4/30/14
Why am I seeking an appointment to the Diversity Commission?
Diversity and inclusion was not something that came naturally to me. Even though I grew up in a country
with people from different economic, social and religious backgrounds, we were all tied into a larger
culture of the country. We celebrated differences but never took that step of using those differences to
become a better society — in hindsight we always stopped at the celebration but not the integration.
My life as an international graduate student first and later, my experiences living and working in
different parts of the US have significantly shaped my views on this topic.
Starting off as President of the International Students association at Cornell, I saw the power of being
able to harness the collective experiences of international students by giving them the skills and training
to better communicate and engage their domestic counterparts. Similarly, it gave the domestic US
students, the opportunity to understand different communication styles and how they could also better
engage with these students and develop better relationships. We developed forums and events that
were informal, fun and were always geared towards building those bridges and leveraging our
differences as a source of strength.
Fast forward to the working as a manager at Dell with domestic and international teams spread across
the globe, I learned the hard way of the consequences of making unilateral decisions without
considering factors that would be important segments of my team. These experiences taught me the
skills of actively engaging, listening and most importantly either updating, changing work processes,
policies or outcomes in ways that helped my overall team. With time, I have also seen the impact of
those decisions, the investments in our programs (hiring more women) and positive impact to our
teams.
Its these lessons that I would like to bring to this role. Edmonds as a community is also changing rapidly.
I have seen this in just over 3 years, and I feel like this is the right time to focus on integrate all these
new residents that continue to choose Edmonds as a place to live and make them feel welcome and
valued. I want to learn from what other cities have done before us and learn from their mistakes as well.
I might not be the ideal candidate with my core background. But I know the importance of diversity, I
have seen it work and I want to be able to give back to this lovely city that I know call home! I am happy
to even volunteer as a stand in until the committee might want to choose a better candidate. For me,
it's the ability to help out and do something that will impact this city.
Thank You for considering my application.
Anil DeCosta