minutes-dei-march 22
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Call to Order
Chair Allen called the meeting to order at 5:07 pm.
Roll Call
Commissioners in person: Joelle Allen, Ajani Woodson, Ruth Paradise
Commissions virtual: Thomas Huling, Chris Mitchell, Melissa Johnson
Commissioners absent: Teresa Sit, Sheri Hixon
Staff present: Kiarra Zackery, Equity and Inclusion Manager
Maurice Harris, Council member
Guests: Cynthia Rice, AVP for Diversity & Inclusion of Allianz
Approval of February 22, 2022 agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Mitchell for the approval of the agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Johnson.
Motion carried 5-0.
Allianz Discussion – led by Ajani Woodson
Cynthia Rice, AVP for Diversity & Inclusion of Allianz provides an introduction and discusses building a
connection and relationship with DEI and Allianz. Commissioner Woodson presents an idea of hosting
an informative presentation to Allianz about the highlights and current events that is happening in the
community from a DEI perspective. The Commission discusses the formatting, logistics, and
engagement of this presentation.
Vice Chair nomination and vote
Since ex-Vice Chair Jonathan Kim has resigned from DEIC, Chair Allen submits the
consideration of Commissioner Woodson for the Vice Chair seat.
MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to elect Commission Woodson Vice Chair. Seconded by
Mitchell. Motion carried 5-0.
February 22, 2022 – 5:00 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
City of Golden Valley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission Regular Meeting
February 22, 2021 – 5:00 pm
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Feb. BAEGV Update – Budget Consideration
Equity and Inclusion manager, Kiarra Zackery explains the purchases made for the BAEGV
event.
MOTION by Commissioner Paradise to fund the BAEGV event purchases. Seconded by Johnson.
Motion carried 6-0.
Chair Allen encourages the idea for the Commission to create a full budget of the year to approve
instead of approving the budget each time the funds are utilized.
Discussion about how to promote DEI events
The Commission discusses how to improve on pre-promotion and advertising for future
events. The conversation led to networking and engaging with different organizations, pre-
writing and creating content, and improving on overall communication.
Land Acknowledgement Subcommittee Update – led by Ruth Paradise and Sheri Hixon
Commissioner Paradise proposes the land acknowledgement statement that was drafted
with the help of Commissioner Hixon. The statement was also approved by the Native
Governance Center which assisted the Land Acknowledgement subcommittee on ideas and
recommendations. Commissioner Paradise also presents the suggestion of a monument and
activities that will promote the history of indigenous people of Minnesota. Thoughts
included forums, essays, and exhibits focusing on the indigenous culture. The Commission
believes the action steps may need revision but agreed the land acknowledgement
statement should be finalized.
MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to adopt the land acknowledgement statement. Seconded by
Paradise. Motion carried 6-0.
Adjourn
MOTION by Chair Allen to adjourn at 6:09pm. Seconded by Paradise. Motion carried 6-0.
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Date
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Kiarra Zackery, Equity and Inclusion Manager
City of Golden Valley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission Regular Meeting
February 22, 2021 – 5:00 pm
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Date
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Joelle Allen, Chair