MMA to host ‘Demystifying DEI’ webinar on May 6

The MMA will host a webinar, “Demystifying DEI,” on May 6 to provide clarity on the topic of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are interconnected values that show up in our daily lives whether we realize it or not, and these values can be intentionally integrated within municipal work.

While a recent wave of federal executive orders citing DEI have created some uncertainty about its definition and legality, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office has issued guidance affirming that DEI remains legal.

In the webinar, the MMA’s chief equity officer, Jillian Harvey, will moderate a panel of local leaders to discuss DEI concepts and explain why this work is important to towns and cities.

Panelists will be:
• Angela Clark, chief of organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office
• Faustina Cuevas, diversity, equity, and inclusion officer and senior advisor to the mayor in Lynn
• Pamela Young, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Amherst
• Bird Guess, CEO of the Racial Equity Group and founder of the Center for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity

The panelists will clearly define diversity, equity and inclusion; provide guidance on legal and illegal practices; and discuss how municipal leaders can continue to advance DEI work in meaningful and impactful ways.

Online registration is available for the 75-minute webinar, which will begin at noon. Only MMA members may register. MMA members include elected officials and municipal employees from MMA member communities across the state. Media members are not permitted to attend.