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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/28/2022 - Agenda BillAB - 3074 City Council Regular Meeting - 28 Feb 2022 SUBJECT/TITLE: Appointments to Equity Commission RECOMMENDED ACTION: Refer to Community Services Committee DEPARTMENT: Mayor Pavone STAFF CONTACT: April Alexander, Executive Assistant EXT.: x6520 FISCAL IMPACT SUMMARY: None SUMMARY OF ACTION: Mayor Pavone appoints the following to the Equity Commission: Cassandra Baddeley, for a term expiring 12/31/22 Ashok Padhi, for a term expiring 12/31/22 Aleja Rubalcaba, for a term expiring 12/31/22 Lisa Davis, for a term expiring 12/31/23 Celina Kershner, for a term expiring 12/31/23 Rueben Turk, for a term expiring 12/31/23 Nicole Hill, for a term expiring 12/31/24 Manami Imaoka, for a term expiring 12/31/24 Morgan Kroeger, for a term expiring 12/31/24 EXHIBITS: A. Recommendation Memo B. Interview Questionnaire C. Candidate List D. Applications STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Confirm the nine appointments made by Mayor Pavone to the Equity Commission. Equity, Housing & Human Services Department Memorandum DATE: January 26, 2022 TO: Armondo Pavone, Mayor CC: Ed VanValey, Chief Administrative Officer FROM: Preeti Shridhar, Equity, Housing, & Human Services Administrator SUBJECT: Equity, Housing, and Human Services Department’s Recommendations for Appointments to the Renton Equity Commission The Renton Equity Commission was approved by Council November 1, 2021. On November 10 the city issued a press release and posted an advertisement requesting applications for the newly formed Commission on several communication platforms. Applications were accepted through November 30. An unprecedented 32 applications were received for nine Commission positions. Of these 32 applicants, 27 were interviewed, three withdrew prior to their scheduled interview, and two applicants did not show for the interviews, nor did they reach out to attempt to reschedule. The interview panelists confirmed the pool of applicants represented the city’s diverse populations extremely well and were impressed with the work many of them have done or currently do on equity and inclusion related initiatives, along with volunteering for a wide variety of organizations. To complete the 27 interviews within a reasonable timeframe, three panels were created. Each panel consisted of two community volunteers and one city staff member who was abl e to manage the virtual meeting appointments and answer specific city and/or Equity Commission related questions. Panelists were selected based on their leadership in their respective communities, reflection of the larger community, and their involvement in equity and inclusion in Renton. Of the 10 community members who volunteered, six were available on the scheduled interview dates. The community panel members consisted of Violet Aesquivel, Julio Amador, Ashley Dobson, Kirby Nguyen, Rev. Dr. Linda Smith, and Franchesca Vargas. City staff members participating in the interview process were Benita Horn, Linda Moschetti-Newing, and Brian Sandler. Each panel interviewed eight applicants. Prior to the interviews, each panelist received a copy of Ordinance 6033, which established the Equity Commission (copy attached). An orientation session was also included and offered opening remarks from Chief Administrative Officer Ed VanValey, a review of the interview questionnaire and ratings process, and an overview from Senior Human Resources Analyst Brian Sandler providing guidance on avoiding bias in interviewing and the importance of behavioral interviewing. DocuSign Envelope ID: 5AC2FD8A-E54A-4912-8C97-C4EAF7FFCFB4 Armondo Pavone, Mayor Page 2 of 5 January 26, 2022 Interviews were conducted between December 14, 2021 and January 18, 2022. As a result of having three interview panels the Equity, Housing, and Human Services Department was able to offer a wide array of interview time options. Interviews were scheduled in blocks of 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-5 p.m., and 4-8 p.m. Each applicant received an email requesting a response with three options for an interview timeslot. Twenty of the 27 interviewed received their first option of time for the interview, seven received their second option, and one the third option. Each applicant was emailed a copy of the Equity Commission Ordinance 6033 and encouraged to review the document prior to their interview. The interview questionnaire (copy attached) consisted of eight questions that focused on involvement in equity initiatives, teamwork, and communication. An opportunity to provide additional information about themselves and an opportunity to ask the panelists questions were also included. All questions were reviewed with Human Resources Risk Management in advance of the interviews. Each interview was scheduled for 30 minutes. Following completion of the interviews, the nine panelists met January 19 and January 25 for discussion about the applicants. That discussion resulted in the Equity, Housing, and Human Services Department submitting the following 11 recommendations for your consideration for appointment to the inaugural Renton Equity Commission. A complete list of the top 15 applicants including their ratings is also attached for your reference. Those highlighted in green are the recommendations and those not highlighted were other top applicants the panelists considered. I believe the panelists did an excellent job vetting the extensive applicant pool and these 11 recommendations reflect the diversity of the community in a manner that will provide a variety of perspectives and experience as the Commission moves forward with its work. Following ratification of your appointments by the City Council, the first Equity Commission meeting will be scheduled. Cassandra Baddeley: Ms. Baddeley represents the African American community and is a former educator. She is a 10-year resident of Renton and a member of the Strong Mothers community where the families are very diverse representing African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian ethnicities. She believes in creating a safe community for children where activities and resources are equitable. Ms. Baddeley is interested in serving a 2-year term. Lisa Davis: Ms. Davis has participated in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at her place of employment (a large manufacturing company) and believes in equity for women. Her work has given her the opportunity to visit and live in various societies, including those abroad. She is a member of Renton’s LGBTQ community and her faith-based community. She also brings a perspective from her work with people who have mental illness. Ms. Davis is interested in serving a 2-year term. DocuSign Envelope ID: 5AC2FD8A-E54A-4912-8C97-C4EAF7FFCFB4 Armondo Pavone, Mayor Page 3 of 5 January 26, 2022 Nicole Hill: Ms. Hill is a woman of color whose profession focuses on equity. She is the Deputy Director of Equity and Social Responsibility the Office of Civil Rights, Equity and Inclusion for Sound Transit. Her professional work provides consultation to various teams and departments across the agency to embed equity in current processes, management of the Title VI program, and development and implementation of Sound Transit’s anti-racism strategy, among other programs. She previously worked as an executive director at various YMCA locations. During her 10 years of involvement in non-profit organizations she was heavily involved in all the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, development and implementation of trainings, and employee resource groups. She has managed operations of youth education programs in Title I elementary schools in the Seattle, Highline, and Tukwila districts. Ms. Hill did not have a preference on the length of her term. Manami Imaoka: Ms. Imaoka has been a Renton resident for 7 years. She is originally from Japan. Upon moving to Renton from Oregon she joined the CERT Program to focus on community emergency response. She has a desire to be involved in and be part of the solution. She prides herself on the different perspectives she can offer being a woman of color, culture, and bilingual. During her interview she displayed she is mindful of inequities in the community. She is an active member of Sustainable Renton organizing weekly drive through food distribution events and participates in other opportunities that focus on food insecurities. She was part of the Renton Sister City Nishiwaki Program 50-year Anniversary and welcomed delegates from Nishiwaki. She has served as an interpreter for 20 years and works with the Renton Chamber of Commerce and business community. Ms. Imaoka is interested in serving a 1-year or 2-year term. Rev. Dr. Anna Jones: Rev. Dr. Jones represents the African American community. She has a military background and is an ordained Itinerant Elder in African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Senior Pastor of Walker Chapel AME Church in Renton. Ms. Jones has volunteered as a mentor for the Girl Scouts of America, YWCA, National Association for the Advancement of Color People (NAACP), Black Alliance, and Renton African American Pastoral Group (RAAP). She applied to serve on the Commission to help ensure all citizens in the community achieve equitable outcomes regardless of racial, economic, and social barriers in the city’s employment, programs, services, and policies. Ms. Jones did not have a preference on the length of her term. DocuSign Envelope ID: 5AC2FD8A-E54A-4912-8C97-C4EAF7FFCFB4 Armondo Pavone, Mayor Page 4 of 5 January 26, 2022 Celina Kershner: Ms. Kershner is a business owner providing in -home senior care. Through her business she has seen a wide variety of inequities. She is comfortable working with vulnerable populations. Ms. Kershner is of mixed race and her son is African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic. She interacts with many ethnic groups and is involved with the LGBTQ community. Through her business she is currently working on matching LGBTQ caregivers with her clients who are members of the LGBTQ population. She advocates for resources to help those in need and has successfully advocated for diversity training at her son’s school. Ms. Kershner is interested in serving a 1-year term. Morgan Kroeger: Ms. Kroeger works in the fish and wildlife environment and brings perspective of the importance of environmental preservation. She is a member of the LGBTQ community and interacts with those struggling with mental health issues and works toward recognizing and getting help that is easily accessible to them. Ms. Kroeger brings the perspective of formerly being a member of the homeless population. She believes in the importance of providing helpful resources equitably and feels such resources need to be a visible part of the community at large. She has worked with immigrant children assisting them with homework and obtaining support for them to help with language barriers. Ms. Kroeger is interested in serving a 2-year term. Ashok Padhi: Mr. Padhi is a new member to the city having moved to Renton in November 2021. He is an Asian Indian immigrant and a senior citizen who likes Renton and wants to be involved. Mr. Padhi works in information technology and teaches at the college level. In his spare time, he volunteers with local and foreign organizations, including a farm in his neighborhood. He works to bring awareness of the need for equity. Mr. Padhi believes services such as transit access, internet, and information need to be equitably available to all populations. Mr. Padhi did not have a preference on the length of his term. Aleja Rubalcaba: Ms. Rubalcaba is being recommended for the Commission’s youth representative. She is the only applicant falling within the age limitations of this position. She is a graduate of Seattle University with a degree in criminal justice. Ms. Rubalcaba has been involved in the Renton community since she was young and has a strong relationship with the Renton School District and the Latino community. She also participated in the Black Lives Matter mural project, Protest for Change, Renton King County Alliance 4 Justice, homeless initiatives, and the Downtown Partnership. Her research in the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program and how it impacts marginalized youth populations sparked her interest in the Equity C ommission. She was encouraged to apply by one of her professors. During her interview Ms. Rubalcaba expressed her passion for helping others and continuing her involvement in the community. DocuSign Envelope ID: 5AC2FD8A-E54A-4912-8C97-C4EAF7FFCFB4 Armondo Pavone, Mayor Page 5 of 5 January 26, 2022 Ms. Rubalcaba did not have a preference on the length of her term. Rueben Turk: Mr. Turk is a member of the African American community and owns a hair salon in downtown Renton. He has facilitated workshops on diversity and equity for Amazon and Microsoft, working with Microsoft to help diversify its contracting procedures. He is a member of the Black Market Place, has participated in the Black Lives Matter mural project, and has a desire to be part of other major changes in equity and diversity in Renton. He has been involved in delicate matters such as counseling those going through gender transitioning. His business is 80% women and minority women. He promotes women and minorities in the workplace. Mr. Turk expressed a strong desire to add value to the community’s focus on equity and inclusion. Mr. Turk did not have a preference on the length of his term. Margarita Villarreal: Ms. Villarreal is a member of the Latino community and has been involved with various social groups focusing on activism, including the Black Lives Matter mural project, Protest for Change, Renton King County Alliance 4 Justice, homelessness initiatives, and the Downtown Partnership. She is a business owner who is interested in bringing Latino businesses to downtown Renton. Ms. Villarreal works toward making sure all voices are being heard and information is shared equitably. She is passionate about the work she has done and believes positive change can be accomplished in the community. Ms. Villarreal is interested in serving a 3-year term. cc: Benita Horn, Equity and Inclusion Consultant April Alexander, Executive Assistant Linda Moschetti-Newing, Administrative Assistant DocuSign Envelope ID: 5AC2FD8A-E54A-4912-8C97-C4EAF7FFCFB4 City of Renton Equity Commission Interview Form Applicant Name: Panel Member Name: Eligibility requirements for Renton Equity Commission members per Ordinance No.6033: • 9 members, one a youth member, at least one “youth member between the ages of 18 and 25 • Reflect the diversity of the city including but not limited to ethnicity, race, age, gender, faith, gender identity and expression, and profession. • Resident of or business owner in City of Renton • Demonstrated commitment to equity • Current Council members, city employees, and consultants/contractors with the city are ineligible for appointment Instructions for completing the Interview Form: Evaluate each applicant based on their response to each question. This form summarizes your independent evaluation of each applicant and serves as a guide to initiate discussion amongst the panel. Please use the following ratings; Strong, Average or Weak for responses to each question. Strong (S) = The applicant’s response to the question was exceptional. Average (A) = The applicant’s response to the question was satisfactory. Weak (W) = The applicant’s response to the question was not acceptable or did not fully respond to the question. Question and Panel Member Notes: Rating of Response 1. What strengths do you feel you bring to the work of the Equity Commission? 2. A requirement for the Commission is that members reflect the diversity of the City, to which communities in Renton do you belong and/or have strong relationships? 3. What equity, inclusion, and diversity issues are important to the communities to which you belong or have relationships? 4. Provide an example of how you have demonstrated your commitment to equity and inclusion, and explain the outcome. 5. In what ways do you think the Commission can both truly engage members of the community and keep them informed? 6. The Renton Equity Commission is a new Commission currently being formed, what challenges do you anticipate the Equity Commission may need to address? What do you think is the best way to address them? 7. Since this Commission is just starting, member appointments will be 1, 2 or 3 years, do you have a preference? No rating needed for this question. 8. One of the challenges a multi member Commission faces is reaching a consensus on a given subject or project. How receptive are you to new ideas or procedures and how would you work towards consensus in a large group? 9. Is there anything else you would like us to know? No rating needed for this question. 10. Are there any questions you have about the Equity Commission? No rating needed for this question. RENTON EQUITY COMMISSION PANELIST SUMMARY To determine an average rating: Strong = 3 points; Average = 2 points; Weak = 1 point Maximum rating = 21 points LAST NAME FIRST NAME AVERAGE RATING 1. Baddeley Cassandra 19.5** African American, educator 2. Davis Lisa 20.0** LGBT, religion/faith community 3. Hill Holly 16.0** Social justice advocate, disability 4. Hill Nicole 18.5** Dep Dir Equity/Social Responsibility at Sound Transit, woman of color 5. Imaoka Manami 20.3* Asian, speaks Japanese, food insecurity, educator, perm resident, supports veterans 6. Ines Jasmine 18.3 Tri-lingual, PTA, housing, ASL 7. Jones Anna 19.0** African American, military, faith community 8. Kershner Celina 19.0** Mixed race, business owner 9. Kroeger Morgan 18.0** LGBT, mental health, formerly homeless, worked with immigrants, environment 10. Li Brandi 17.5* Chinese, NW Justice Project in IT, former ELL teacher 11. Orchilla Villy 17.3* Male, school staff, Filipino community, senior 12. Padhi Ashok 19.0* Asian Indian Immigrant, senior 13. Rubalcaba Aleja 17.0*** Youth 14. Turk Rueben 18.0*** Equity workshops, business owner, Black marketplace, BLM mural, gender transition counseling 15. Villarreal Margarita 20.3* Latina, BLM mural, business owner, homelessness *Each asterisk represents a panel member advocating for this applicant. • 13 applicants had average ratings of 17 or above (average ratings in bold font), Clarification from City Attorney’s office on “Renton resident” from city attorney – must reside within the city limits.