Diversity and Inclusion Commission

About

Diversity and Inclusion CommissionCity Council and administration believe the infusion of diverse cultures, faiths, and customs enriches social and civic life and is a positive development for the community. As a municipal government, there is a tremendous benefit in nurturing and promoting this diversity in the community, and it warrants a higher priority on the City agenda.

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee was created in January 2018 and was approved to be a formal City commission on December 1, 2021.

Commission Members

  • Chip Harrod - Chair
  • Umama Alam - Vice Chair
  • Priya Viswalingham - Secretary
  • Rabbi Samantha Schapera
  • Mike Hawkins
  • Benny Miles
  • Juan Molina
  • Sasha Naiman, City Council Liaison

Our View of Diversity

Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, encompassing the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another.  While diversity is often used in reference to race, ethnicity, and gender, we embrace a broader definition that also includes age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance.  Our definition also includes diversity of thought: ideas, perspectives and values. We also recognize that individuals affiliate with multiple identities.

Commission News

President Joe Biden signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17th, 2021. Photo Credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

The First Juneteenth

Posted on June 19, 2024

President Joe Biden signs the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17th, 2021. Photo Credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom...
Lydell 'Dell' Carter

Meet Dell Carter, a Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member

Posted on February 24, 2021

The City of Montgomery, like most American communities, is growing and diversifying.  Presently, Sycamore Community Schools has a student population representing 41 nationalities and spoken languages, making it one of the most culturally diverse systems in the state.  Approximately 10 percent of Montgomery residents are cultural minorities. City council and administration believe the infusion of...

Diversity and Inclusion Committee honored for innovation

Posted on August 19, 2020

The City of Montgomery Diversity and Inclusion Committee was recently honored on July 29 with the Local Government Innovation Award during the 2020 Alliance for Innovation Transforming Local Government Conference. The committee was recognized for its efforts to bring awareness of diversity and inclusion to the Montgomery community. City Manager Brian Riblet, Matthew Vanderhorst, community...

Will you join us?

Posted on June 24, 2020

Last month, we saw the pain of a community reeling from the death of a civilian by law enforcement.  We sat at home, watching the news on our televisions or smartphones.  We saw the pain on our neighbors’ faces once again, disbelieving that this is happening in America.  We asked ourselves, what can we do? ...
Chris Dobrozsi

Message Regarding George Floyd and Unrest

Posted on June 3, 2020

Council Message by Mayor Chris Dobrozsi In light of the recent tragic events in Minneapolis, it is important to remind our residents, business owners and visitors that the City of Montgomery condemns racism and acts of violence, and that ALL City staff are firmly committed to treating everyone with respect and dignity. Montgomery City Council...

Thank Montgomery’s health care professionals and front-line workers!

Posted on April 19, 2020

#TurnMontgomeryBlue April 20 – May 9 is designated as a time of caring in the City of Montgomery. Say, thank you to all of Montgomery’s healthcare professionals and front-line workers for turning Montgomery blue! Healthcare workers, restaurants, and grocery stores have remained open to ensure our health and safety during this pandemic. We are urging all...

Meet Chip Harrod, A Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member

Posted on January 6, 2020

The City of Montgomery, like most American communities, is growing and diversifying.  Presently, Sycamore Community Schools has a student population representing 54 nationalities and 41 spoken languages, making it one of the most culturally diverse systems in the state.  Approximately 10 percent of Montgomery residents are cultural minorities.  City council and administration believe the infusion...

Meet Jackie Congedo, a Diversity and Inclusion Committee member

Posted on November 6, 2019

The City of Montgomery, like most American communities, is growing and diversifying.  Presently, Sycamore Community Schools has a student population representing 54 nationalities and 41 spoken languages, making it one of the most culturally diverse systems in the state.  Approximately 10 percent of Montgomery residents are cultural minorities.  City council and administration believe the infusion...

Meet Benny Miles, a Diversity and Inclusion Committee member

Posted on August 28, 2019

The City of Montgomery, like most American communities, is growing and diversifying. Presently, Sycamore Community Schools has a student population representing 54 nationalities and 41 spoken languages, making it one of the most culturally diverse systems in the State. Approximately 10 percent of Montgomery residents are cultural minorities. City Council and administration believe the infusion...

Meet Alexandra (Sasha) Naiman, a Diversity and Inclusion Committee member

Posted on July 29, 2019

The City of Montgomery, like most American communities, is growing and diversifying. Presently, Sycamore Community Schools has a student population representing 54 nationalities and 41 spoken languages, making it one of the most culturally diverse systems in the State. Approximately 10 percent of Montgomery residents are cultural minorities. City Council and administration believe the infusion...
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