Join us online for a thought-provoking conversation on how to effectively implement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in various organizations. Our panel of experts will share their insights, experiences, and best practices to help you navigate the complexities of DEI implementation. Whether you’re just starting your DEI journey or looking to enhance your existing strategies, this event is perfect for anyone passionate about creating a more inclusive workplace. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow together. Register now to secure your spot!

More About Our Panel Members: 

Karla Bruce-Choice, Chief Equity Officer at Fairfax County Government

Karla Bruce currently serves as the as the Chief Equity Officer for Fairfax County, Virginia, appointed in June 2018 by County Executive Bryan Hill. Her appointment marked the first local government, equity-focused senior leader in the jurisdiction, the first in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the first in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Karla has over 25 years of local government management experience and is known as a driver of innovation in public service delivery, successfully bridging the efforts of local government with the collective action of residents and broad networks of partners including business, nonprofit, philanthropic, faith, civic, and academia to strategically address the issues that contribute to the vulnerabilities and lack of opportunity affecting neighborhoods and populations across the county. Karla successfully championed the adoption of the One Fairfax Racial and Social Equity Resolution and Policy and provides overall management of the One Fairfax strategic framework, advising and supporting the Board of Supervisors, County Executive, county leadership and staff in shaping and directing policy, practice, and strategy to foster equitable opportunity for all Fairfax County residents.

Karla holds a Masters of Public Administration with a Concentration in State and Local Government from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from The Pennsylvania State University. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and also holds certificates in Public Management from George Washington University, Public Participation from the International Association for Public Participation and Process Management from George Mason University.

Karla’s leadership has been recognized by Leadership Fairfax with the 2023 Katherine K. Hanley Public Service Award and by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments with their 2021 Ronald F. Kirby Award for Collaborative Leadership. For her work with Fairfax County’s community, Karla was awarded the 2022 Ebone Image Award for Government/Politics from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Northern Virginia Chapter and the 2022 First Baptist Church of Vienna Martin Luther King, Jr. Spirit of King Award. Karla served as the inaugural chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Chief Equity Officer’s Committee and is a member of the Government Alliance on Race and Equity’s Steering Committee. Karla is also a regular presenter, panelist, and nationally recognized thought leader on topics related to the role of government in advancing equity.

Contact: Karla.Bruce@fairfaxcounty.gov

Scheduling: Christina.Fullmer@fairfaxcounty.gov

Webpage: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/one-fairfax

Diana Noriega, Chief Anti-Racism and Equity Officers

Diana Noriega has over 20 years of nonprofit experience. She currently serves as the founding Chief Anti-Racism and Equity Officer at Good Shepherd Services NYC. In this role she oversees all the agency’s internal anti-racism and equity efforts including creating more equitable hiring and promotion policies and practices as well as overseeing the agency’s equity council. Under her leadership, in partnership with HR and the Executive Director, she helped the executive team transition from 90% white to 63% BIPOC.

In 2021, she founded an Antiracism and Equity (ARE) Institute, a 14-month, 128-hour learning and development program that supported 22 nonprofit leaders from across the New York City child welfare and social services sector. It included leaders from SCO Family, The Jewish Board, University Settlement, Children’s Aid, Catholic Guardian and more. She co-founded and co-leads the New York Equitable Economies Coalition, a group looking to provide resources to nonprofits wanting to increase their BIPOC vendors and procurement practices. She is also currently a leading consultant and professional development provider for the NYC Children’s Cabinet’s new pilot program called the Every Child and Family is Known Initiative.

She served as a member of the New York City School Diversity Advisory Group which made a series of integration recommendations for the New York City public school system. Previously, she served as the Chief Program Officer for the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families (CHCF) where she oversaw all programs and educational equity policy efforts across the early learn and K-12 sector. She has presented public testimony advocating for the rights of students and early childcare providers in New York City. In 2017, she was the lead facilitator for the design of a communities of color values platform created with several NYC nonprofits including youth advocacy groups. Prior to CHCF, she served as the founding Director of the Education Initiative at Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC. She has worked in higher education and directly with youth at various nonprofit organizations including Teachers College, Columbia University, exalt youth, and New Settlement Apartments – Girls Programs.

Diana is a Wheaton College Posse Foundation graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She also has an interdisciplinary master’s degree in Multicultural Education from New York University. She has moderated discussions, and, created and facilitated anti-racism, equity, leadership, and empowerment workshops. She facilitated Posse Plus retreats at different college campuses for 5 years. She consults organizations on the development of their social justice and equity programming and platforms as well as leads related workshops. Diana is passionate about justice and liberation.

She considers herself a lifelong learner and always seeks opportunities to enhance her ability to meaningfully support and partner with individuals and communities. She has been trained in circle practice, restorative justice, mediation, social and racial justice facilitation, trauma-informed practices, life coaching, reiki, La Ho Chi energy, and more. She is currently completing a 12-month trauma-informed program called Compassionate Inquiry.

She believes that the most transformative work happens at the intersections. She looks to bridge and deepen her facilitation and social justice work with healing modalities and practices.

Connect: www.linkedin.com/in/diananoriega/